​UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — Kayla McBride poured in 23 points to help the Minnesota Lynx defeat the Connecticut Sun 86-80 on Wednesday night, marking a milestone for Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve as she set the WNBA’s all-time record for regular-season wins. Reeve now sits at 380 regular-season victories, one more than former coach Mike Thibault, whose son Eric Thibault serves as Minnesota’s associate head coach.
“I’m so glad this is over,” Reeve said after the milestone was reached. A four-time WNBA Coach of the Year, Reeve has been at the helm of the Lynx since 2010, guiding the franchise to all four of its championships. That achievement ties the Lynx with the Houston Comets and Seattle Storm for the most titles in league history.
“I learned a lot from Mike over the years,” Reeve added. “I know he’s happy for me. And somebody’s going to pass me, and I’ll be happy for them, too.”
Reeve tied Thibault at 85-77 with a win in Dallas on June 28, but the Lynx hit a rough patch, dropping back-to-back games for the first time this season. Minnesota, which moved a half-game ahead of Las Vegas—the defending champions—atop the standings, then lost Friday at New York in Reeve’s first opportunity to set the record, followed by a 90-89 home defeat to Connecticut on Monday.
In Wednesday’s win, Natasha Howard contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds for Minnesota. Leila Lacan scored 15 points, handed out six assists, and grabbed six boards for the Sun, who also got 14 points from Olivia Nelson-Ododa. Connecticut’s Saniya Rivers was carried off the court in a wheelchair and did not return due to a left ankle sprain. Minnesota rookie Olivia Miles, the No. 2 overall pick who earned All-Star honors last week, missed her second straight game with a calf strain. Connecticut was without Brittney Griner (left quad strain) and Aneesah Morrow (personal reasons).
Looking ahead, Minnesota will begin a four-game homestand on Saturday when it hosts New York. Connecticut will welcome Golden State to town on Friday.
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