Lynx 111, Aces 58: Why They Call Her McBuckets

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Game Story

Eight days ago, the Minnesota Lynx steamrolled the struggling Las Vegas Aces by 31 points at Target Center. Minnesota’s league-best defense strangled Las Vegas to just 38% from the field, while their league-best offense dumped in a season-high 109 points on 54% shooting.

Surely, the Aces were going to respond at home, right?

Right?

The Lynx opened the game up with back-to-back triples by Kayla McBride and Alanna Smith. If that isn’t foreshadowing, then I don’t know what to tell you. Minnesota swarmed

A’ja Wilson, who is the only reason the Aces aren’t at the bottom of the standings, forcing her into tough situations all game. She was held scoreless in the first quarter, and sat at just 6 points on 2 of 9 shooting at the half. She finished with just 10 in total.

As Vegas’ superstar struggled, so did the rest of their team. Minnesota ran in transition early and often, totaling 21 of their 29 fastbreak points in the first half. The visiting Lynx didn’t even need to rely on the league-favorite MVP, Napheesa Collier, tonight (More on Collier later). Jessica Shepard went a perfect 6 of 6 in the first half.

However, the real story of the game was Kayla McBride.

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

The former Ace uncorked a WNBA record-tying performance in the first half. McBuckets, as the world has come to know her, went 8 for 8 from perimeter. Each attempt looked like they were coming from further and further away, yet her accuracy seemed to improve with each shot. They all appeared to hit the geometric center of the rim.

If you’re a fan of jump shooting, you will not want to miss the highlights.

With 5:22 left in the third quarter and down 33, Aces Head Coach Becky Hammon pulled the plug. Las Vegas was on the front end of a home-home back-to-back and it was clear this game was going nowhere. She subbed out every starter who were never to be seen again.

At the beginning of this recap, I mentioned how the Lynx set a season-high in points with 109. Well, they topped that total by notching a total of 111 in front of a shell-shocked Aces home crowd. They set a new WNBA record for largest road victory (53), while setting a franchise record of 17 made three pointers.

Aside from a very scary moment at the end of the third quarter (More on that below), it was a feel good victory where the end of the rotation got plenty of run. It was a highlight fest as the Lynx showcased their ceiling of how good they can be when they fire on all cylinders.

Quick Hits

• Near the end of the third quarter, Napheesa Collier turned her right ankle on Alanna Smith’s foot during a fastbreak sequence. It looked like a pretty solid roll and she hit the floor in pain. The initial reaction was very scary, as she was in tears with the entire Aces team putting towels up around her. After a timeout, athletic trainer Chuck Barta was able to assist Collier back into the locker room as she sported a minor limp. Hopefully disaster was avoided, though there may be some space for discourse on why Collier was still in the game. They were up 43 at the end of the third with the Aces already waving the white flag.
• Kayla McBride went scoreless in the second half, going 0 for 3 in five minutes. You could say that was disappointing, considering how she set us up in the first half. She was just one triple away from tying a WNBA record for most made threes in a game. McBride finished with a mediocre 24 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals on 8 of 10 shooting from deep. McBride also became the only player in WNBA history to score 8 triples on 100% shooting in any half.

109.1% true shooting lol

— Jonah Maves (@hunchojman.bsky.social) 2025-08-02T20:53:55.617Z

• Despite that historic performance by McBride, Jessica Shepard was equally impressive today. She was amazing, flexing her skills on both ends of the court. Shepard posted an uber productive 18 point, 14 rebound double-double. She was a team-best +46 which might be a record.
• Seven-day contract signee, Yvonne Anderson, made her debut with the Lynx today. Meanwhile, Diamond Miller was curiously the only DNP-Coach’s Decision. She’s been rather productive ever since Karlee Samuelson suffered her season-ending injury.
• A’ja Wilson scored 10 points tonight, which would’ve been a season-low had it not been for the game she suffered an injury against the Liberty, limiting her to just 14 minutes. Minnesota forced her into just 4 of 11 shooting from the field. She was one of only two players (Jewell Loyd) who scored in double figures for the Aces.

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Highlights

Coming soon, but just watch that McBride highlight reel over and over for now.

Box Score

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Up Next

Minnesota has two days off as they wrap up their quick West Coast road trip, flying up for a late tip against the Seattle Storm (16-12) on Tuesday, August 5th at 9:00 PM CT. The Lynx will look to avenge their first loss of the season which also took plate at Climate Pledge Arena in June, though they may be without the services of Napheesa Collier.