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Ala-NNAH! Smith has four blocks in win against NY
Australian Alanna Smith #8 of the Minnesota Lynx looks to pass the ball during the game against the New York Liberty on August 17, 2025 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Highlights
Alanna Smith bolsters claim as one of the WNBA best defenders with four blocks against New York
- 'Who would have thought': Sandy Brondello goes from Mackay to WNBA record-breaker
- Lynx coach pushes Alanna Smith's claims for the Defensive Player of the Year award
- Quick Guide: List of Aussies in the WNBA in 2025
Australian Alanna Smith further staked her claim as one of the best rim protectors in the WNBA, blocking four shots as the Minnesota Lynx beat arch-rival New York Liberty 86-80 on Sunday, August 17, 2025 (AEST).
Courtney Williams' 26 points led the way as the Lynx maintained their dominance at home and are 2-0 against Sandy Brondello's defending WNBA champions in 2025.
Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve said last week: "Every time we start a game plan, we talk about what (Alanna's) influence is going to be.
"This one was an important one, against a player like Emma (Meesseman), who can chew you up and spit you out with her activity and passing the basketball and making everybody else better by getting easy baskets. We had to work really hard not to let that happen.
"(Alanna's) just really smart, really really smart, and would absolutely be my choice for Defensive Player of the Year."
Smith provided exceptional rim protection with four blocks to go along with her 14 points and seven rebounds.
Key Details
- Result: Minnesota Lynx 86 def. New York Liberty 80
- When: August 17, 2025 (AEST)
- Where: Target Center, Minnesota
- Standings: Minnesota Lynx (#1) | New York Liberty (#3) (Standings)
By the Numbers
- Courtney Williams (Minnesota Lynx) starred with 26 points, five rebounds, and five assists in 35 minutes.
- Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty) scored 13 points, and had 10 rebounds, and two assists in 33 minutes.
What Happened
The Minnesota Lynx established early control, outscoring the Liberty 21-12 in the opening quarter. New York responded in the second period, edging Minnesota 21-17, but still trailed 38-33 at halftime.
The third quarter saw both teams finding offensive rhythm with New York putting up 28 points to Minnesota's 22, narrowing the gap to just one point at 60-59 heading into the final frame. However, the Lynx found another gear in the fourth, outscoring the Liberty 26-19 to secure the six-point victory.
Jessica Shepard made her presence felt for Minnesota with a stellar 17-point, 10-rebound double-double. Her efficiency from the field was outstanding, converting five of her seven attempts while making key plays throughout the contest.
For New York, Jonquel Jones led the way with 17 points on efficient 7-from-11 shooting, including 2-from-4 from beyond the arc. The Liberty received solid contributions from Marine Johannes off the bench, who added 12 points including two three-pointers, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Lynx.
The game featured contrasting offensive approaches, with Minnesota generating 33 free throw attempts compared to just eight for New York. The Lynx capitalised by making 23 of those attempts, creating a significant 18-point advantage from the charity stripe. While New York shot better from three-point range (37.9% to Minnesota's 31.8%), the free throw disparity proved decisive.
The win strengthened Minnesota's impressive home record to 17-1, maintaining their position atop the WNBA standings at 28-5. New York dropped to 21-13 overall and 8-9 on the road, solidifying their place as the third seed heading toward the playoffs.
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