Sat Jul 12 17:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text:
**Lynx Overpower Sparks Behind Hiedeman’s Spark Off the Bench**
**LOS ANGELES –** The Minnesota Lynx defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 91-82 on Thursday, fueled by a strong performance from Natisha Hiedeman, who came off the bench to score 18 points. Napheesa Collier contributed a well-rounded 17 points, eight rebounds, and five assists to the winning effort.
The Lynx bench proved to be a major factor, particularly in the first half where they amassed 30 points, with Hiedeman leading the charge with 16 points on efficient shooting. A step-back jumper by Collier just before halftime extended Minnesota’s lead to 50-40.
Minnesota dominated the third quarter, shooting 56.5% from the field and outscoring Los Angeles 30-19. Collier’s basket late in the third gave the Lynx their largest lead of the game at 80-53.
Despite a late surge from the Sparks, who narrowed the gap with a 17-0 run spanning the end of the third and start of the fourth quarter, the Lynx maintained control. Baskets from Alanna Smith and Courtney Williams helped to stem the tide, and Smith’s three-pointer with just under four minutes remaining secured the victory.
Williams finished with 16 points and seven assists, while Smith added 15 points for the Lynx (18-3), who rebounded from a loss to Phoenix to maintain their strong record.
Kelsey Plum led the Sparks (6-14) with 17 points and a season-high 12 assists. Julie Vanloo added 15 points on five 3-pointers, while Rickea Jackson chipped in 14 and Dearica Hamby scored 12. The Sparks struggled with turnovers, committing 22 which led to 23 points for Minnesota.
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