MINNEAPOLIS – Rookie Alissa Pili steps onto the Target Center court, her eyes fixed on the hoop, as she and the Minnesota Lynx dominate in the paint, from the 3-point line and on defense, securing a 95-71 victory over the Phoenix Mercury. This marks a breakout performance for the University of Utah alumni, selected with the eighth overall pick in the draft. The game holds added significance for Pili, who is of Samoan and Native Alaskan heritage, as it aligns with Native American Heritage Night, a moment she is grateful to share with fans.

“As I’ve ended my college career and come to the W, my support system has been huge, and a big part of that is the indigenous community. Representation has been a huge thing for me as my platform has grown. I’m trying to do my best at being a role model for others and continuing to impact people,” Pili says.

Dorka Juhász, in her second season with the Lynx, returns to the team a week ago following overseas playing commitments. She praises Pili, stating,”She’s working hard, and we are super happy that she had this game, especially on this night; it is very special.”

What was the key to Pili’s breakout game tonight? Juhász answers best, saying, “One thing that I’ve learned is that you gotta stay ready. She is ready whenever her name is called,” adding, “The swag that she has, maybe a little nervousness, but you can’t see it; you’re just knocking down shots.” She talks about how it is early on in the season and Pili having this breakout game is a great sign.

The game starts out evenly matched with Mercury’s talented players Kahleah Copper, Diana Taurasi, and Natasha Cloud matching the energy of the Lynx stars Napheesa Collier and Alanna Smith. However, the Lynx soon take control, finding their rhythm on both offense and defense as Smith is 3-3 to start. Phee grabs rebounds, showing her exceptional defense. With Diamond Miller out after undergoing successful right knee surgery on May 29 and having a 20-point lead on Mercury for a majority of the match, this gives room for bench players to get more minutes, and they truly step up to the challenge. When Head Coach Cheryl Reeve calls Pili to sub in, she recognizes it as her moment to prove herself, rising to the occasion with confidence.

Juhász expresses how this one is personal when talking to the in-arena host about the win post-game. “We want to come out different than how we played against the Aces. We don’t really show our best offensive profile in that game,” she says, adding, “We know that we could do better. It’s always the goal after a loss to come back, especially on home court. We want to protect our home court. I think that’s the motivation that gets us into that energy.”

Pili reflects on how she stays ready, stating,“The game is mostly mental. We huddle up before every game, and all of us kind of have that mindset of always stay ready when your name is called,” adding, “It’s such a great team as a collective. Our starters are great, and then our bench just brings this different type of energy,” adding, “It is good to gain that in-game experience and work towards getting my confidence up and getting more comfortable.”

Towards the end of the game, Pili becomes unstoppable from beyond the arc. The bench contributes significantly with 50 points, marking the third-highest bench points in Lynx history. Juhász earns 13 points, Cecilia Zandalasini 12, Natisha Hiedeman 5, and Pili, as mentioned earlier, scores 20 points. “As a team, we’re just having fun, and I think that’s the most important thing,” said Juhász.

The Lynx hope to maintain this momentum Sunday at 6 p.m. as they face off against the Dallas Wings at the Target Center.

Photo by David Sherman / National Basketball Association / Getty