The Minnesota Lynx has a problem. As Cheryl Reeve said, “I told [the players] the last two games, it’s not that we’re playing bad, just not well enough to win the game.” While I agree with that assessment, I would also add that in the past few games, they have been stymied by the fourth quarter. This game, though, it was the third quarter. In Thursday’s matchup with the Connecticut Sun, the Lynx found ways not only to catch up but to take the lead several times.
Connecticut is a very difficult team to defend, but for a large portion of the game, Minnesota managed to not let the game get away from them, and with every Sun surge, they bounced back. Leading at the half by four, Connecticut began a slow takeover and outscored Minnesota 28-18. Even though Minnesota outscored the Sun in the fourth quarter, it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit, and the Sun took the game 78-73.
The Lynx and its Defense Versus the Sun
Looking at the stats, once again Minnesota gave up too many points in the paint. DiJonai Carrington found her way inside too many times, as did Veronica Burton and Alyssa Thomas, who ended with yet another triple-double. But DeWanna Bonner did the major portion of the damage for Connecticut, using a wicked mid-range shot for the bulk of her scoring.
The Connecticut starters played the bulk of the game, as did the Lynx starters, with only Cecilia Zandalasini and Dorka Juhász getting double-digit minutes. Napheesa Collier was held to nine points in 25 minutes and left the game in the third quarter with a foot injury.
BEHIND THE ARC. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/ODDSJfNnmz
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) July 5, 2024
What has worked so well for Minnesota, namely their defense, has faltered some in recent games. In order to continue as a viable contender, the Lynx need to get back to a stifling defense. We’ve seen glimmers of it recently, but not enough to put away games when necessary. The offense too needs to get back to its earlier form. They simply are not putting up enough points to win. But as much as Connecticut stumbled after an excellent start and then returned to winning form, so can the Lynx.
There is no mystery here, none. With Las Vegas surging and Seattle now only a half-game behind Minnesota, the Lynx will need to go into the Olympic break with a winning streak if they want to maintain their position in the standings. The tools are there; just take them out of the box more often. In this game, the Sun won the day. The Lynx will not face them again until September 9, the second to last game of the season. It will be in Connecticut. Plenty of time to get back to form and figure out how to beat them.
What is Next for the Lynx and Sun?
Up next for Connecticut is a home game, welcoming in the Atlanta Dream. The Lynx will meet the Washington Mystics on Saturday at Target Center. At this writing, the extent of Collier’s injury is not known, as well as the status of reserve guard Olivia Époupa, who suffered a thigh injury. Regardless, the Lynx will need to marshal the troops and use their chemistry and commitment to each other to get back on track.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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