The two-time Player of the Month, Napheesa Collier, leads Minnesota to a revenge win against Washington. Her 28 points helped them recover from down 10 points to leading by as much as 18.
Game Story
The Minnesota Lynx probably couldn’t get back on the hardwood any sooner. After a night to forget on Tuesday in the Commissioner’s Cup final, the Lynx could still taste the bitter taste of defeat in their mouths. Lucky for them, it took less than 48 hours for them to try and avenge a prior disappointing loss against the Washington Mystics.
Just over a week ago, Minnesota suffered their second loss of the season against Washington, though both teams were missing their best players.
This time, Napheesa Collier and Brittney Sykes were suited up.
Right out of the gates, both teams had some jitters in the rematch. They exchanged dueling turnovers, but it was the home team Lynx that struggled to put the ball in the hoop. The Mystics took the opportunity to attack the paint early and often for an early lead. A trio of Minnesota triples helped them battle back, but they still stared at a 10-point deficit just before the end of the first quarter.
The game continue to proceed at a choppy pace. The Lynx point of attack defense and rotations were not adequate. The Mystics bench got loose for 18 first half points compared to just 4 for Minnesota. Washington’s fringe rotation rookie, Lucy Olsen, notched a career-high 19 points, torturing her defenders with timely scores.
Thankfully, the Lynx have league-leading MVP candidate, Napheesa Collier.
After a rough previous outing against Indiana and a donut in the first quarter, she poured in 10 points in the second quarter on a flurry of makes. Alanna Smith, who struggled converting on a handful of wide open layups and triples earlier, finally canned a buzzer-beating trey to end the half.
It capped off a 17-5 Minnesota run, vaulting them ahead by a score of 43-38 heading into the tunnels.
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Alanna Smith beats the buzzer to cap a 17-5 run that gives the Lynx a 5 point lead at the half
Minnesota started the second half the exact same way as they ended the first. Smith swished another corner three-ball off beautiful hammer action. This sent another jolt of energy into the packed Target Center crowd which the Lynx used as momentum to carry them into a 14-6 run.
The third quarter was mostly a highlight festival. Kayla McBride jumping out of bounds to save a ball leading to a Collier three pointer. A disgusting Collier rejection on Aaliyah Edwards leading to a Diamond Miller triple. Classic Courtney Williams mid-range showcase. Jessica Shepard bullying defenders in the paint. The lead swelled up to as much as 18 late in the third.
Here’s the sequence I was talking about. Just a fundamental EXPERT
The lead never got less than 13 from there.
The starters got a few extra minutes of run midway through the final quarter which allowed Collier to easily bump her scoring total up to 28 points. The Minnesota bench emptied with three minutes left in the game.
Collier said before the game, “This is a reset for us… A get-back game to be the team we say we are.”
Phee: “This was a bit of a redemption game for us so I’m glad we came out swinging.”
28 PTS
5 REB
4 AST
1 STL
2 BLK
11/21 FG
+20 +/-Yeah… that’ll do it.
The reigning Player of the Month definitely “got back” tonight. The Lynx improved to 15-2 which is 2.5 games ahead of the New York Liberty in second.
Quick Hits
- How impressive is it that Napheesa Collier score 28 points in three quarters? Just elite, elite stuff after struggling in her previous game.
- Courtney Williams deserves some flowers for her 10 point, 6 rebound, 8 assist, and 5 steal (!) game. A much needed bounce back for her as well.
- Jessica Shepard and Natisha Hiedeman are becoming quite the tandem off the bench. Their energy and motor they play with seem to always energize the team when needed.
- Four Lynx starters scored in double-digits, minus Bridget Carleton who finished with 8 points. Great team basketball from both the starters and the bench.
- Karlie Samuelson remained out for the Lynx, who was spotted pregame on crutches. She’s only been listed with a “foot injury,” but it looks like it could be something more serious.
Highlights
Box Score
Up Next
Minnesota continues through their marathon of six games in 10 nights. For the very first time, they will host the San Francisco Valkyries (9-7) on Saturday, July 5th at 7:00 PM CT.
The Lynx were able to handle the surprisingly competitive Valkyries in their initial meeting a month ago. They used a big 24-5 run in the second half to cruise to a 86-75 win.