Lynx struggle as Fever secure key win in playoff push
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 23, 2026, 5:25 AM
Last updated Sep 23, 2026
The Indiana Fever defeated the Minnesota Lynx 96-77 on September 22, 2026, enhancing their position in the WNBA playoffs. Analyst Monica McNutt stirred controversy by attributing the Lynx's poor performance to a lack of effort rather than crediting the Fever's execution, despite their strong start. Caitlin Clark led the Fever with 27 points, alongside Kelsey Mitchell's 20. The Fever's victory is crucial as they aim to avoid the bottom half of the playoffs bracket. The two teams will meet again on September 25, 2026, in their final regular-season matchup.
- •Fever beat the Lynx 96-77 on September 22, 2026.
- •Caitlin Clark scored 27 points for the Fever.
- •McNutt credited Lynx's poor play over Fever's performance.
- •Next game is September 25, 2026, between the Fever and Lynx.
- •The Fever improves their playoff standings with this victory.
- 5:25 AMYahoo Sports — ‘(Caitlin) Clark’s Biggest Hater,’ ‘Needs To Be Fired’ — Backlash Mounts As ESPN’s Monica McNutt Suggests Lynx ‘Punted’ Fever Matchup
- 4:44 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Maybe punting on this one…’ – ESPN’s Monica McNutt refuses to give Fever credit for win over Lynx
"When the Indiana Fever beat the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx 96-77 on their home turf, much of the postgame reaction was expected to center on a momentum-fueling result for Stephanie White’s team. However, ESPN’s Monica McNutt sparked debate by criticizing the Lynx during the broadcast while undermining Indiana’s effort that put Minnesota in a tough spot in the first place.
"ESPN’s Monica McNutt has created a stir among fans by blaming the Minnesota Lynx for an uncharacteristically bad performance instead of giving the Indiana Fever the credit. The Fever picked up a much-needed 96-77 win over the league-leading Lynx to ensure they stay away from the bottom half of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs bracket.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 23, 2026, 5:25 AM‘(Caitlin) Clark’s Biggest Hater,’ ‘Needs To Be Fired’ — Backlash Mounts As ESPN’s Monica McNutt Suggests Lynx ‘Punted’ Fever Matchup
When the Indiana Fever beat the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx 96-77 on their home turf, much of the postgame reaction was expected to center on a momentum-fueling result for Stephanie White’s team. However, ESPN’s Monica McNutt sparked debate by criticizing the Lynx during the broadcast while undermining Indiana’s effort that put Minnesota in a tough spot in the first place.
- Yahoo SportsSep 23, 2026, 4:44 AM‘Maybe punting on this one…’ – ESPN’s Monica McNutt refuses to give Fever credit for win over Lynx
ESPN’s Monica McNutt has created a stir among fans by blaming the Minnesota Lynx for an uncharacteristically bad performance instead of giving the Indiana Fever the credit. The Fever picked up a much-needed 96-77 win over the league-leading Lynx to ensure they stay away from the bottom half of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs bracket.
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