Courtney Williams Powers Lynx Past Dream in 96-81 Statement Win

The Minnesota Lynx controlled the action from start to finish in a 96-81 victory over the Atlanta Dream. Courtney Williams led all scorers with 25 points and dished out seven assists, while Natasha Howard added a near double-double in the comfortable home win.

The decisive moment

Minnesota set the tone early and never relinquished control, building a lead that swelled to as many as 15 points. Courtney Williams orchestrated the offense from the perimeter, and the Lynx defense clamped down to turn a competitive matchup into a comfortable 96-81 result.

By the numbers

Courtney Williams (MIN): 25 PTS, 3 REB, 7 AST
Natasha Howard (MIN): 22 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST
Olivia Miles (MIN): 16 PTS, 5 REB, 8 AST
Allisha Gray (ATL): 21 PTS, 3 AST
Final margin: 15 points (96-81)

Williams and Howard combined for 47 points, giving Minnesota a reliable scoring duo that Atlanta could not match. Miles chipped in eight assists to round out a balanced offensive effort.

What it means

The Lynx earned this win while still without Napheesa Collier, who continues to recover from March ankle surgery and is expected back on the court in early June. Minnesota also played shorthanded with Dorka Juhasz and Emma Cechova sidelined, making the team's depth and composure all the more encouraging. For Atlanta, missing Brionna Jones, the loss exposed the challenge of keeping pace on the road against a disciplined defensive team.

What to watch next

Allisha Gray's 21-point night shows Atlanta still has a scoring punch to build around as the 2026 WNBA Regular Season progresses. The looming return of Collier could soon raise Minnesota's ceiling even higher.