The Minnesota Lynx strengthened their grip on the WNBA’s top spot by defeating the New York Liberty on the road Sunday, pushing their league-best record to 27-5 and extending their winning streak to five games. Playing without All-Star forward Napheesa Collier, sidelined by an ankle injury, Minnesota relied on balanced scoring. Kayla McBride led with 18 points, while DiJonai Carrington contributed 15 points, six rebounds and three assists. Point guard Courtney Williams added 14 points, five rebounds and seven assists as the Lynx used a decisive 14-0 second-half run to pull away. The setback dents the Liberty’s bid to close the gap in the standings, while the Lynx continue to build momentum heading into the season’s final stretch despite Collier’s uncertain return timetable.