The Minnesota Lynx has shown first-rate defense and comparable offense through five games. Even in the overtime loss to Connecticut, there was good offense. However, on Wednesday night, the offense never fully got going, and the defense lagged just enough for the Las Vegas Aces to take the win in what could have been a genuine upset.
The Las Vegas Aces Played as a Unit
Watching the Aces, you see a team in which the players know each other so well, and could probably play with their eyes closed. The very few times that the Lynx were able to contain A’ja Wilson showed a very brief glimpse of vulnerability, but those moments were very few and far between. The absence of Chelsea Gray is more than evident; she really is the glue that holds the team together.
It took Kelsey Plum a while, quite a while to contribute, but when she did they were meaningful shots that added to the fourth-quarter surge by the Aces. Rookie Kate Martin, a player I’ve always appreciated, proved to be the kind of rookie that could easily develop into a starter. With one, maybe two rookie mistakes, Martin showed great court sense and basketball IQ. I agree with those who have said that Martin was the steal of the draft.
Other than Megan Gustafson, the Las Vegas bench is thin. That may be their only weakness, that they must rely on their starters for big minutes. This early in the season, it may not be terribly noticeable. Further along, we shall see.
Minnesota Lynx and its Offensive Struggles
As for Minnesota, the offense lagged from the opening tip. The energy and focus we had seen in the first five games were not there. Paint protection, taking care of the ball, and turnovers added to the Lynx loss, proving costly down the stretch. Neither McBride, Smith, nor Carleton shot well. Courtney Williams struggled with turnovers. While Napheesa Collier scored 18 points, it took a while to get there. Off the bench, Natisha Hiedeman, who only played eight minutes, was ineffective.
The bright spot for the Lynx was Cecilia Zandalasini, who was 4-6 from three, a welcome effort I am sure for Coach Cheryl Reeve. Each time she scored, the crowd responded with excitement. There just wasn’t enough from the whole team to sustain the excitement.
Even though the Lynx came close several times, which caused visible consternation on the face of Aces Coach Becky Hammon, they just couldn’t get over the hump.
As Coach Reeve said after the Connecticut game:
“We did enough to win. We just didn’t…” In this game, they didn’t do enough to win, and they didn’t.”
Minnesota Lynx HC Cheryl Reeve
One could speculate why. It doesn’t matter. The film will reveal what they didn’t do, or what they did poorly. Knowing why the shooting went cold, particularly in the fourth quarter, is unimportant. One could speculate from now until whenever about why, but it just doesn’t matter. The onus is on every team member to figure out how not to make those mistakes, and then come back to do what they need to do to win. There is no mystery, and given the previous five games, they can.
back to it on Friday. pic.twitter.com/D57Vdj2rkm
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) May 30, 2024
As for Las Vegas, do they seem somewhat vulnerable at times? Yes. When the Lynx managed to get close, the frustration was apparent on their faces. They expect to win. They have proven that they can win consistently, and when that is even remotely challenged, it becomes noticeably evident. Looking at the scoring in this game, without A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young, they don’t win.
Certainly not having Chelsea Gray out there is a factor, but that is the name of the game – the next player up. For the Lynx, when they present a balanced, focused attack, they win. When they have a game like this one, well, I can’t say they won’t, but it will be a struggle.
What’s Next For The Las Vegas Aces and Minnesota Lynx?
Up next for Las Vegas is a trip to Atlanta on Friday to face the Dream, who will be coming off of a hard-fought win over the Mystics. The Lynx stay home to face the mercurial Phoenix Mercury, also on Friday. Is that sufficient time to regroup? Of course, it is. Lynx-Mercury games are always entertaining. I am eager to see who entertains the most.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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