Last night’s contest between the visiting Los Angeles Sparks and the Minnesota Lynx was not the prettiest game that I’ve seen. In fact, sometimes it was downright ugly. While the Sparks came out on fire, the Lynx struggled to get their offense and defense going. After the first quarter, the good folks of Section 111 uttered a collective “hunh,” not as a question, but as a statement.
Of course, right before the game, we were treated to an appearance by the great Sylvia Fowles, who happened to sit in the row in front of me. Ever the kind and gracious person, she greeted all with warmth and that signature smile. When I noticed her missing after the first quarter, I thought, and incorrectly that she might have left. No, she just moved. Phew.
Midway through the second quarter, the Lynx began to get it together, and the Sparks began to be a little erratic. Shots were falling for Minnesota, but the faces of the Sparks were starting to look strained. Even so, Lexie Brown was looking good, and Dearica Hamby, Aari McDonald, and Rickea Jackson provided the juice to keep the Sparks in the game. Bridget Carleton, who continues to grow into a bona fide starter, opened the second quarter with a trey, much to the crowd’s delight.
Collier Shined for the Minnesota Lynx
Napheesa Collier, who had a game-high 30 points and a record-setting 8 steals, led the Minnesota charge. Along with Carleton, Alanna Smith, and Courtney Williams were the only Lynx players in double digits. When Olivia Époupa entered the game, the crowd got a boost of energy. Époupa has quickly become a fan favorite, a well-deserved accolade.
PHEE’S FLOWERS 💐 pic.twitter.com/jMOdBWBWVt
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) June 15, 2024
Neither team was what I would call consistent. Although the Lynx took control in the second half, it was not without a struggle. There were moments of some really sloppy basketball, with turnovers, bad passes, missed shots, and just an overall lack of cohesion. But the Minnesota Lynx managed to prevail and grab the win.
Kayla McBride, who has been on fire lately, obviously didn’t get the memo that it wasn’t OK to take the night off. However, there was no cause for alarm. It happens, and fortunately, the chemistry and camaraderie on this team got them through a tough night. Given the sometimes frenetic air of the game, we didn’t get to see Alissa Pili or Sika Koné.
State of the Los Angeles Sparks
The Sparks, who have been without Azurá Stevens this season, continue to sit, and Zia Cooke didn’t make it onto the floor either. Both coaches at times were visibly frustrated, and with good reason, at least for this game. Both teams have taken down the Las Vegas Aces, and while the record for the Sparks isn’t truly indicative of what they are capable of accomplishing, it is puzzling why they can’t close out games. Their four wins have all been close, as have a number of their losses.
From where I sit, I don’t see the same unity on the Sparks that I do with the Lynx who, even in such a slap-together win, never seemed to lose sight of what they needed to do.
As far as I’m concerned, Dearica Hamby is well-deserving of her new contract extension. Even on a night that might be considered a little off for her, Hamby continues to play at a strong clip and provides the juice that the Sparks need. Collier continues to show why she should be in the MVP conversation. Even with A’ja Wilson as the consensus front-runner, the case for Phee is a strong one.
I don’t know how great a game this was, but it certainly was a cliffhanger. But the Target Center faithful were there all the way, and even though things were tense up until the very end, they never lagged. The Lynx move to 10-3 while the Sparks struggle at 4-9. The road has not been kind to Los Angeles, and the Minnesota Lynx have now taken the first two meetings between these teams.
What’s Next?
Up next for the Sparks is a game with Atlanta on Sunday. Atlanta is dealing with their own woes, and both will be looking to get back in the win column. The Lynx stay at home for the next three games, with Dallas coming to town on Monday. Dallas has dropped six in a row, and even with the firepower of Arike Ogunbowale and the emergence of Maddy Siegrist as a legit starter, they just can’t seem to find much consistency.
Of course, things should change when Satou Sabally and Natasha Howard return, and Coach Trammell will have some thinking to do. Hardship contract signee Monique Billings has proved to be invaluable, and the Wings will likely want her to stay. They too will be looking for an elusive win, and the Lynx will tighten up their defense and offense and give us a good game.
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