The Minnesota Lynx snapped the Washington’s winning streak, defeating the Mystics 88-83 on Lindsay Whalen Day at a crowded Target Center in Minneapolis.

It was a close game all the way through the first half with Minnesota taking a 44-43 at halftime. There were 11 ties and 12 lead changes in the first half and neither team led by more than five points during the first 20 minutes.

Maya Moore and Sylvia Fowles led the Lynx early, along with Italy-native Cecilia Zandalasini who got going early. Washington kept pace with strong halves from Natasha Cloud and Kristi Toliver.

Washington took a 61-54 lead in the third quarter, but that was as far as they were able to push the lead. The Lynx reduced the deficit to 67-65 by the end of the quarter. Coach Mike Thibault rested his starters at the beginning of the quarter, and the Lynx pounced on the opportunity to open up a lead they wouldn’t relinquish the rest of the way.

Elena Delle Donne finished with 11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Kristi Toliver added 17 points of her own along with 2 rebounds and 4 assists.

Minnesota’s record setter, Sylvia Fowles recorded a double-double with 26 points and 14 rebounds. Maya Moore added 16 points of her own.

Lindsay Whalen, who had a retirement ceremony following the game, was all over the stat sheet with 10 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. It was a great way to close out her final regular season WNBA game.

Playoff Notes

Since the Atlanta Dream defeated the Las Vegas Aces, Washington was unable to hold on to the second seed and earn a double-bye in the playoffs. Instead, they will start the playoffs as the third seed. On Thursday, they will host the lowest seed that advances out of the first round of the playoff matchups. The higher seed will face the Connecticut Sun.

Due to renovation at Capital One Arena, all of the Mystics’ home playoff games will be played in the Smith Center at George Washington University.