The Minnesota Lynx will face off against the New York Liberty in the Commissioner’s Cup Championship on June 25 at UBS Arena, Elmont, New York. By now, we’ve all seen enough information as to why there instead of Barclays Center, the home of the Liberty, so enough said about that.
Both teams have, to date, been very successful, with the Liberty currently sitting atop the league and the Lynx solidly in third place. One game and the Connecticut Sun separate them. Given the Sun’s two-game losing streak, that separation may not be quite as strong as a week or so ago. The Lynx are tied with the Sun in wins and losses, but their loss to the Sun has them in third.
Perhaps the greatest difference at this point between the Liberty and the Lynx is what is expected by the pundits, writers, and anyone who wants to throw in their two cents worth. The Liberty enters the season with high expectations. It is assumed that they will pick up where they left off.
The Lynx, on the other hand, who managed to sneak into the playoffs last year, were not really expected to make more than perhaps some adjustments and some improvement. To this point, the Liberty have delivered, and the Lynx have opened quite a few eyes. I don’t think anyone thought that they would be having this kind of season, let alone be in the Commissioner’s Cup final. But surprise, surprise, here they are.
The Lynx and Liberty and Their Paths to the Championship Game
Each team has three losses. Perhaps the most significant one is the loss the Liberty suffered at the hands of the Lynx. In fact, it has been the only double-digit loss for the Liberty. Statistically, these teams have several similarities. In points per game and opponent’s points, the Lynx stand at +10.7 and the Liberty at +9.7. The Liberty have a slight edge in PPG, but the Lynx give up fewer points. In fact, in the top five teams, the only ones to have winning records, the Lynx lead in +/-.
another home W. 😤
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) June 23, 2024
Phee – 23 PTS / 14 REB / 2 AST
'Lan – 14 PTS / 5 AST / 2 BLK
Court – 12 PTS / 9 REB / 4 AST
⭐️VOTE » https://t.co/F8iYINFtcf pic.twitter.com/41K8kLtYJ2
The Liberty had their recent string of eight wins broken with a loss to the Mercury. However, they have won 11 games of their last 12. The Lynx is currently on a six-game streak. They have won 10 of their last 12, losing to Las Vegas and Phoenix, against whom they just won. The point differential in those streaks is very similar, with each team having some close games and some not-so-close games. Each team has had moments of struggle within their games but has found a way to get the wins.
In looking at many box scores, there is a pattern where each roster member has stepped up when another is having a rough game. Their benches contribute, and their starters are adept at sharing the ball and hence the scoring. Someone usually stands out in a game, but for those games where the teams spread out the scoring, I think you get a better picture of who these squads are. Both coaches bring a wealth of experience and knowledge and have played against each other for many years.
Closing Thoughts
They also bring a lot in international Olympic and World Cup games under their respective belts. In short, both Sandy Brondello and Cheryl Reeve know precisely how to handle this game, and neither will be affected by the external noise surrounding it. The mission is quite clear.
Each team brings experience and youth, contributing to the excitement they generate among their fans and around the league. I don’t think that the Liberty will enter this game remembering their loss to Minnesota at Target Canter. That’s old news, or at least it should be. By the same token, the Lynx will not be trying to recreate the past success but rather will look forward to, hopefully, another one. It’s a game, an important game for a variety of reasons, but just a game nonetheless.
I hope the short notice change of venue does not discourage people from attending. These are two highly skilled and competitive organizations. Fortunately, neither is surrounded by drama, which only serves as a distraction. Both the Liberty and the Lynx are simply solid basketball teams. They who know what they need to do, and will just go about the business of doing it.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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