The Minnesota Lynx came into this game against the ATL after their loss on Tuesday in Washington DC looking for a win. Coming back home to a loud Target Center that was ready to cheer them on as they’re only 2 games away from the playoffs.
This game between the Lynx and Atlanta Dream was a defensive slugfest. Both teams didn’t want to give up anything to the opposing team and the stars showed up tonight. The Lynx were able to set the tone early in this game as Kayla McBride and Napheesa Collier came out tonight on a mission. This Lynx team moves to the beat of their veterans drums and tonight it was on full display. Napheesa Collier finished the game with 27 points, 17 rebounds and 3 assists. It was a playoff like atmosphere and the All Star put on a show.
Collier was battling in the paint all night just getting to the boards being aggressive. The help side defense tonight was amazing and that showed with Collier’s 4 blocked shots. When this team locks in and defends they’re tough to beat as you can see tonight. Atlanta was trying to be physical but the Lynx had other plans. Kayla McBride helped out as well adding 20 points on the night including the huge layup to send the game to overtime. When Phee and KMac have it going this Lynx team is going to be tough to beat. Dorka Juhász had a huge night as she finished with 12 points and 16 rebounds. She’s been making history all season long as a rookie and Dorka has shown up when her number has been called for this Lynx team.
Dorka has stepped her game up and she can put the ball on the floor while still being able to defend at a high level. The Lynx were challenged tonight in the paint and were able to answer by out rebounding the Dream. This was a collective effort as the Lynx locked in defensively late in this game making it tough for Atlanta to even score late in the game and overtime. It was an overall effort as Tiffany Mitchell made some huge plays for them and even Bridget Carleton. This team is clicking on all cylinders at the right time and will need this same energy against the Mercury.
The Atlanta Dream were physical with the Lynx all night long. It started with Allisha Gray as she was able to disrupt the Lynx with her hustle/defense. Cheyenne Parker was a force inside tonight finished with 20 points but the Lynx overall interior defense held up when it mattered the most.
The Lynx will be playing against the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday with 1 win holding them back from the WNBA playoffs.
Photo Credit: (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
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