Connecticut Sun Steal Game 1 From Minnesota In A Defensive Battle (73-70)

Connecticut Sun Steal Game 1 From Minnesota In A Defensive Battle (73-70)

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by | Sep 29, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, WNBA

Both the Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx came into this series with sweeps in their rare viewmirror. The Sun won the regular season series with the Minnesota Lynx but this was a brand new Lynx team with new additions along the way as well. One thing that didn’t change is that both teams are at the top of the WNBA when it comes to defense. Before Game 1 the fans in Minnesota were able to congratulate their (Coach of the Year, Cheryl Reeve, and Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier).

 

The start of this game was physical as you can tell the Sun game plan was to make sure that Napheesa Collier didn’t go off like she did in the Phoenix series. Every time Napheesa got the ball tonight there were multiple defenders in her face and switches at all times. With that being said Napheesa is one of the smartest players in the WNBA and was able to find the open teammate with ease. Tonight that teammate that got it going for Phee and the Lynx was Bridget Carleton as she was able to get her shot to go down early. When Carleton has her shot going it’s tough to beat the Lynx and she was able to exploit the Sun double-teamming Collier. Bridge has improved her play throughout the year and it was on full display as the Sun got caught with having Burton/Carrington on her at the wrong moments. Bridget was locked in tonight and was there to help until Napheesa got some open looks that finally fell in for her. Napheesa Collier is a tough guard as she’s always moving around and knows how to get to her spots on the floor to get in a great position to score. The Sun were playing some great defense but on the offensive end Marina Mabrey came to ball out and she was able to hit some tough shots.

 

The one thing that hurt the Lynx tonight was the fact that Alyssa Thomas was able to get to a lot of those loose balls but about two of them opened things up for Marina Mabrey on a couple of her 6 (3-pointers) that she was able to knock down tonight. When Mabrey is shooting lights out from the 3-point line like that the Sun are tough to beat and she knew it was her night when the clock was running down for her 30-footer. The Sun had the momentum at times but the Lynx were able to continue to go back and forth with them. One encouraging thing for the Lynx was that Kayla McBride was able to get her shot going coming out the 2nd half and that type of shooting can lead to a huge display in Game 2.

 

The Lynx cooled down from the previous series but sometimes teams need to be brought back down to get back up. The Sun came into Minnesota and executed down the stretch as Thomas was able to hit 2 big shots that were able to be the deciding factor with time running out under the minute in the 4th. The Lynx were able to get 48 combined points from Napheesa, Bridget, and Kayla but they will need Courtney Williams to come up big time moving forward if they want to win this series. The Sun almost got a triple-double from Alyssa Thomas as she finished with 17 points, 9 assists, and 10 rebounds on the night. Marina Mabrey finished with 20 points in the win and those 6 (3-pointers) that she made were a huge reason for the victory.

 

 

Game 1 was a defensive battle and it’s to be expected in this whole series that it will be close every night. Game 2 will be on Tuesday at 8:30 pm at Target Center as the Lynx will look to bounce back after this loss. One thing about the Lynx this season is that they have matured throughout the year and they have Napheesa Collier who will be looking to showcase her play on both ends at an elite level.

Sep 29, 2024 No Comments
The Minnesota Lynx Take The Series Lead Against Phoenix (102-95)

The Minnesota Lynx Take The Series Lead Against Phoenix (102-95)

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by | Sep 22, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, WNBA

The Minnesota Lynx started this game against the Phoenix Mercury on fire as they got the ball to their All-WNBA Player Naphessa Collier. It looked like Collier couldn’t be stopped in that 1st half as she was getting buckets inside and outside. One of the best attributes of Napheesa’s game is that she is so unselfish and she’s one of the best teammates. When she had it going she was able to instill some confidence in her teammates when they were scoring and going off her play. Napheesa was making it tough for anyone that the Phoenix Mercury put on her and it didn’t matter if it was Cunningham/Copper she was a walking bucket. When Napheesa has her offense going like this it’s tough to beat the Minnesota Lynx because she’s just as impressive on the defensive end. The Lynx were clicking on all cylinders early as they were able to get the lead up to 23 points. Sometimes teams get that big of a lead and take the foot off the gas a little bit and that’s exactly what happened in this one with the Lynx. The Phoenix Mercury who have been playing inspired basketball not knowing if this will be Diana Taurisi’s last dance of her own came out motivated in that 2nd half. Diana and Natasha both came out with some fire and were hitting some shots that they didn’t make in the 1st half. Natasha Cloud was playing at a high level as she was able to get to the rim with ease blowing by some Lynx players in the paint. Natasha Cloud finished with 33 points and 10 assists tonight in a stellar Game 1 for the Mercury. The momentum was starting to shift in this game as the Mercury were trying to take the crowd out of this game with the run they were on. It seemed like every time you looked up the Mercury hit a big 3-point shot to inch them closer.

 

The COTY Coach Reeve was able to make those adjustments as she was able to have multiple defenders running to the shooters but they also made it tough on Brittney Griner in this one as well. The Lynx were able to play through Napheesa Collier in this one as she finished with 38 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists on the night. Collier showcased exactly why she was in the running for the MVP as she was able to put the team on her back on both ends. The Lynx made some key plays down the stretch of Game 1 and it was special to see the play of Courtney Williams as her confidence and swagger were all over this game. Williams was able to set up her team with the playmaking and she was able to find her shot whenever needed for Minnesota. Another player that had playoff experience that gave her all was Kayla McBride as she was able to defend Diana and made some key shots down the stretch to get the Lynx the win. Bridget Carleton hit the shot of the night when the Lynx needed it and she has been special all season long in those moments once inserted into the starting lineup. The Lynx were the aggressive team in Game 1 with a huge edge in free throws but both teams came out with a sense of urgency as we will be in store for a big Game 2 on Wednesday night.

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: AP/Matt Krohn

Sep 22, 2024 No Comments
The Minnesota Lynx Suffer Tough Loss To Connecticut Sun (78-73)

The Minnesota Lynx Suffer Tough Loss To Connecticut Sun (78-73)

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by | Jul 4, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, WNBA

The Minnesota Lynx were coming into this game after a loss to the New York Liberty. They looked to bounce back but they had a tough challenge ahead of them with the Connecticut Sun. Every time the Sun plays the Lynx it’s always one of those back-and-forth games but you know it’s going to be competitive. This game was just that as both teams came out playing tough. The starters for the Lynx didn’t have it going on the offensive end early but that second unit came in and gave them a spark. Dorka came in and had a quick run with some great cutting to the basket that got them going. This Lynx team showed tonight that they have a lot of depth and when the starters came back in they got the offense going. Alanna Smith has fit right into this rotation like she’s been playing on Minnesota for years. The chemistry that she has with Phee and McBride has been special. Also, Alanna has been able to score against some big teams and bang with them down low. One part of her game that has been showing out is her 3-point ability because when she gets the opposing team bigs outside she makes them pay. She made some big shots tonight against the Sun but you can tell that her confidence is at an all-time high from the perimeter. Smith finished with a team-high 14 points with 4 rebounds and 2 assists against Connecticut.

 

Kayla McBride fresh off her All-Star news came into this one locked in as well hitting some big shots against the Sun. In the 3rd quarter, Napheesa Collier went down with a foot injury and didn’t return but the next man up will be KMac. This team has a true veteran leader in Kayla McBride and when Phee was ruled out she put that team responsibility on her back. Kayla was everywhere against the Sun as they couldn’t contain her. McBride was crashing boards, in the passing lanes, and was able to create space for her jumper against Connecticut. She didn’t have the outing she probably wanted but her play was infectious tonight in a huge way that will lead to success down the road for this team. Diamond is getting back in the swing of things as she made an impact in limited minutes as well. This team is loaded and special and if Napheesa misses time they will need to continue to play that winning basketball that has them as one of the best in the league.

 

Tonight the Lynx were in a battle that they didn’t win but like Kayla McBride said “We will see them again” and if they do Minnesota has to contain Alyssa Thomas. Tonight she was able to notch another triple-double finishing with 13 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds. The Sun move the way Thomas moves and they were able to play an amazing game tonight. DiJona Carrington played lights out tonight finishing with 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist but it was the championship hustle/defensive plays that stood out from her tonight. The way they played and we can’t forget Bonner’s 24-point performance was special and when the Sun play like they did tonight they will be tough to beat on any night.

 

The Minnesota Lynx will be hosting the Washington Mystics on Saturday night as they look to get back in the win column. Keep it locked with SneakerReporter.com as we will keep you posted on the news of Naphessa Collier after her early exit tonight.

 

 

Jul 4, 2024 No Comments
Minnesota Lynx Defeated The Phoneix Mecury (73-60) For Their 6th Win In A Row

Minnesota Lynx Defeated The Phoneix Mecury (73-60) For Their 6th Win In A Row

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by | Jun 23, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Timberwolves, WNBA

The Minnesota Lynx came into this game on a five-game winning streak. Tonight they had a tall task up against them with Brittney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury. The Minnesota Lynx had to figure out how to slow Griner down as she’s been on a dominant run as of late. It was Alanna Smith whose number got called to defend Brittney Griner and she did an amazing job. The Lynx were able to slow down Griner as she shot 4/14 from the field and finished with 7 rebounds. It was a complete effort from the Lynx as they were able to observe the punches that Phoenix threw at them. Tonight was the night that all the Minnesota Lynx fans have been waiting for as Napheesa Collier got back into her shooting groove.

 

The MVP or like Minnesota says “MVPhee” Napheesa Collier was able to get to her spots and she was able to hit some 3-pointers too. This was a huge bounce-back game for Napheesa Collier as she was able to put the Lynx on her back with a huge performance of 23 points and 14 rebounds tonight. Napheesa told the media postgame that the Lynx were working on rebounding drills at practice and it worked. Napheesa was able to have her imprint on the game from the jump and it was special to see. When Napheesa’s playing like this the Minnesota Lynx are unstoppable and it has been a sight to see. The Lynx have the depth this season and on the defensive end, they proved that Phoenix didn’t have what it takes to beat them. The Phoenix Mercury only shot 31% from the field overall and the Lynx have been able to swarm on defense making it tough on people. You have to credit Napheesa Collier for setting the tone and then the team is following as well.

 

When the Phoenix Mercury made their run it was powered by Natasha Cloud who finished with 14 points and 5 assists tonight. Natasha was able to get to the paint and create for her teammates with ease. The Lynx were able to counter the attack led by Natasha with some timely jumpers from Courtney Williams. Tonight Courtney was able to get her shot going with that mid-range and she was able to facilitate with her 4 assists. This Lynx team is loaded and it has been impressive having Courtney getting the ball to her teammates in transition/diving to the paint. One thing that I loved to see from the Lynx tonight against Phoenix was the number of entry passes and post-ups in the paint. The Lynx made a true effort to get the ball to the bigs and made the best of every chance in the paint. Napheesa, Dorka, and Alanna were busy all night inside and out. With this type of play the Minnesota Lynx can adapt to the inside games with teams that go big and the teams that go for the 3-point shots.

Speaking of 3-point shots the New York Liberty loves to shoot 3-pointers and the Lynx can defend the 3-point shot. The Lynx will have their hands full against Breanna Stewart and the rest of the Liberty. One thing I do know is that the Minnesota Lynx will be ready and that they will never back down. Every challenge that has come their way this season they have prevailed. Napheesa Collier is the engine that helps this team run and the way that she has been playing this season it will be a very special Commisioners Cup on Tuesday. This 6th win in a row was perfect momentum for the Lynx to head to NYC for that in-season championship and they want to bring it back to Minnesota.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

 

Jun 23, 2024 No Comments
Minnesota Lynx Grind Out Their 5th Win In A Row Tonight Against The Atlanta Dream (68-55)

Minnesota Lynx Grind Out Their 5th Win In A Row Tonight Against The Atlanta Dream (68-55)

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by | Jun 19, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, MLB, WNBA

The Minnesota Lynx came into this game with 4 wins in a row and have been playing some lights-out basketball. Tonight they would be facing an Atlanta Dream team that has been a little rocky all season long so far. Both teams need the win and the Lynx want to stack up some wins leading into their big Commissioners Cup Final against the New York Liberty.

This was one of those games that truly grind it out as both teams struggled to make shots in the game. Napheesa Colier has been struggling from the field with her offense but she put on a show defensively tonight against Tina Charles letting it be known that she can dominate on both sides of the floor without an issue. Napheesa finished with a game-high 16 points with 4 assists, and 8 rebounds.

This Lynx team has shown a lot of change and it’s been very good because last season this team was depending on Collier but with the depth this season it helps her out big time. When we talk about that depth Bridget Carleton had 14 points and was able to get in the paint and help with 8 rebounds as well. This Lynx team was doing a number on the Atlanta Dream tonight as they held them to only 28% from the field shooting.

That’s the type of defense and next-man-up mentality it will take for this Lynx team to take the next step. The tale of the story in this one was the bench play from the Minnesota Lynx as Dorka Juhasz was able to get a double-double off the bench with 10 points and 11 rebounds tonight. Dorka has been the ultimate pro all season long coming off the bench knowing that last year she was able to get extended minutes.

The Lynx outscored the Dream in bench points (19-6) and if they can continue to get that production they will be a tough out. The Atlanta Dream didn’t have much to be happy about with their missed shots but Tina Charles came to play as she was able to get a double-double as well with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Naphessa Collier took the challenge of guarding Charles and didn’t disappoint at all. Both battled all night in the paint but it was the Lynx that were able to get the last word on this one as they played amazing down the stretch.

The Atlanta Dream lost Rhyne Howard to an injury hopefully it’s nothing too serious to have her sidelined.

 

 

 

The Minnesota Lynx will be playing the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday for Pride Day as they look to slow down Brittney Griner and the rest of the amazing team.

Jun 19, 2024 No Comments