For years, nine had been the number everyone chasing the WNBA’s single-game 3-point record had to settle for. Kelsey Mitchell, Jewell Loyd, Arike Ogunbowale, Rhyne Howard, Chelsea Gray and Marina Mabrey had all found their way to nine, but none could push the number any higher. Nine had become the ceiling before Kayla McBride stepped onto the Target Center floor tonight.

Wearing the “Coconut Milk” Caitlin Clark x Nike Kobe 5 Protro PE, McBride exploded for a career-high 43 points, knocking down a record 10 3-pointers as the Lynx became the first team this season to clinch a playoff spot with a 103-90 win over the Dallas Wings.

Kayla McBride, being her usual humble self after the game, was grateful for the fans and the love she got from the city in her 13th season in the WNBA, after signing back with the Lynx as a free agent this past summer.

“It’s definitely something I’ll reflect on, and just try to be present in it…I’m just very grateful. I’m 34 years old, it’s my 13th year in the league, I’m exactly where I want to be,” McBride said in the post-game press conference.

“Coming back here in the offseason was the best decision I’ve ever made. So grateful to the city of Minneapolis for loving me the way they do…. They’re the first ones chanting my name, even if it is my government (name). And I’m just really where my feet are. That’s the best thing I can give you.”

For those unaware, this wasn’t an easy offseason for McBride by any means. Before training camp could even begin, the Lynx guard suffered a partially ruptured eardrum while flying back to the U.S. from Turkey, where she was playing for Fenerbahce.

The injury forced McBride to cut her season in Turkey short and also saw her miss the first two games of the Lynx’s preseason. But the injury wasn’t the only uncertainty hanging over her. There were also questions about what the future held for McBride in Minnesota.

This offseason saw Cheryl Reeve’s side lose the likes of Alanna Smith, Bridget Carleton, Natisha Hiedeman, Jessica Shepard and DiJonai Carrington. McBride herself could have been another departure if the Lynx had decided to go in a different direction.

But in the end, Kayla signed a two-year contract on a lower max to stay in Minnesota, a decision that turned out to be the right one.

McBride is having the best season of her career, taking and making more 3-pointers than ever before while averaging a career-high 18.4 points per game. She’s also shooting 42.4% from deep, which is the second-best mark of her career.

Against the Wings, McBride was on a tear from the opening tip, knocking down her first four field-goal attempts and 12 of her first 13. Even Paige Bueckers found herself unable to slow McBride down.

Granted, Paige isn’t known as one of the league’s best defenders, but one surprising stat from ESPN Insights showed just how much trouble she had containing McBride. According to the data, McBride shot a perfect 5-for-5 for 14 points with Bueckers as her primary defender. That made Bueckers an easy target for fans, who quickly piled on after the Wings star struggled to slow down the veteran guard.

“Kayla McBride put 43 on the wonderful defense of Paige Bueckers today… that’s y’all MVP?? She was BBQ chicken today from a role player,” one fan wrote.

Another fan joined in, saying, “But CC gets slandered because ‘she doesn’t play defense’ lmaooo Paige an average defender y’all hype her like she’s Rhyne Howard on defense.”

To make things worse for Paige, Cheryl Reeve felt McBride’s performance against Bueckers was further proof that she deserved a spot in the All Star Game.

“First of all, she’s an all-WNBA player, it’s disgraceful she was not an All-Star,” Reeve said via KARE’s Will Hall. “All-WNBA player who chased Paige around while dropping 43.”

McBride received a standing ovation from the Target Center crowd after knocking down the record-breaking three with around 2:23 left in the fourth quarter, capping off an impressive team performance that ensured Paige’s 23 points and eight assists counted for little in the end.

After winning 10 straight games, Minnesota suffered a surprise loss to the Sparks, briefly putting a dent in what had been a dominant stretch. That loss already feels like little more than a blip, though, with the Lynx responding by beating two of the league’s top teams in the Aces and Wings. They also set a franchise record with 18 made 3-pointers against Dallas, while adding 26 points off turnovers and 34 points in the paint.

Another thing that has stood out in recent games has been the growing chemistry between McBride and Olivia Miles. And during the postgame press conference, the veteran guard had plenty of praise for the rookie.

Kayla McBride Gives Olivia Miles Her Flowers

Kayla McBride has found a strong connection with rookie Olivia Miles. The duo combined for 63 points against the Wings, and it’s becoming clear that Miles’ presence at point guard has added a new dimension to McBride’s game. During the postgame press conference, Kayla had nothing but praise for the rookie.

“The last time I played with a true point guard it was Courtney Vandersloot, and it was some of the best, most fun basketball I played. It’s not that I haven’t had amazing moments with Court, but it’s just something about playing with a true PG that’s just, you know, you get that ball with the laces and that velocity, it’s just like, oh, kid in a candy store truly. So I’m very grateful for that,” McBride said, per reporter Andrew Dukowitz.

Coach Cheryl Reeve will certainly hope to keep this chemistry going as the Lynx are increasingly looking like the team to beat this season.

At 27-7, Minnesota has a strong case for being the most complete team in the league. McBride gives them an elite threat from beyond the arc while also making an impact defensively, and rookie Olivia Miles has quickly established herself as a dangerous scorer and gifted facilitator.

Napheesa Collier’s return gives the Lynx another reliable scoring option and a strong presence in the paint. Natasha Howard and Courtney Williams add even more versatility, giving Minnesota a roster that can hurt teams in just about every way.

The Lynx now turn their attention to the Portland Fire, kicking off a four-game road trip that will also see them face the Aces, Valkyries and Mystics. Given the form they are in right now, it is hard not to consider Minnesota the favorites in each of those matchups. This does look like the beginning of another dynasty in Minnesota.