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)
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