Kayla McBride set a WNBA record with 10 three-pointers and a career-high 43 points. The Minnesota Lynx beat the Dallas Wings 103-90 on Sunday to clinch the first playoff spot of the season.
Ten triples, one untouchable night
McBride made 10 of 14 shots from deep. She is the first player in league history to reach double-digit threes. The old mark of nine was shared by six players.
A home crowd wills history into being
She hit her first four shots and made 12 of her first 13 tries, with six threes. McBride went a perfect 7-of-7 on contested shots for 18 points. A crowd of 14,421 chanted her name as the final seconds ticked away.
The record-breaking shot came from the corner with 2:23 left to play. It stretched the lead to 98-83. She left the court to a roaring ovation a minute later.
The 13-year veteran's 43 points also set a Lynx record for a regulation game. Minnesota hit a club-record 18 threes and won for the 12th time in 13 games.
"Minneapolis has become home for me and I want to give my best," McBride told reporters. "Whether the ball goes in or doesn't, I just feel so much love."
Her record was already safe. So was her team's spot in the post-season.