The ball movement has been great. The Lynx have had 27 assists in each of their first three games, on 97 makes.

“She’s locked in on a mission this year,” Williams said of Collier. “She knows it’s her year to go get that MVP. We need her to do this every night. I mean, we’re successful when she comes and plays like the MVP of this league.”

The Wings got within three twice midway through the fourth. The first time, Williams scored four straight points out of a timeout. The second time, Collier hit two free throws. But the Lynx turned the ball over a final time with 45 seconds left. Moments later, Bueckers fed Ogunbowale for a three. At the other end, Williams missed a floater but got her own rebound and got the ball to Collier, who was fouled.

Her free throws were the game’s final points as Minnesota (3-0) won its second game vs. Dallas (0-3). But the pressure Dallas was able to put on Williams is something she can expect to see moving forward.

“They upped the ante on me,” she said. “I have to be ready to deal with that from every team.”