In what was essentially a meaningless game for either team, the Los Angeles Sparks beat the Minnesota Lynx 68-51. Neither Napheesa Collier nor Kayla McBride suited up, and Dorka Juhász remained sidelined with a foot injury.
Not that the Lynx tanked the game, but it was obvious that no one wanted to get hurt before the playoffs, so things were not particularly sharp. The Sparks, even with 10 made 3s, 30 paint points, and 36 rebounds still turned the ball over 20 times. The Lynx got through the game unscathed, and it is certainly no indication of what they should be able to accomplish in the playoffs.
Minnesota will meet Phoenix in the first round and should be able to take the series. Whether or not these will be Diana Taurasi‘s last games at Target Center we won’t know until after the playoffs, or whenever Taurasi feels like making a statement. My guess is yes, that she will hang it up. Taurasi certainly has nothing left to prove, and perhaps she’s ready.
it’s playoff time, Lynx fam. 😤
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) September 20, 2024
we’ll see ya at @TargetCenterMN.
🎟️ » https://t.co/rvnh9bEyQV pic.twitter.com/cZjUxs5wOh
I’m also going to speculate that Brittney Griner might very well retire. I don’t think anyone knows to what extent her imprisonment caused her harm and what lingering effects there could be. I don’t think Griner has looked the same on the court this season, and that may be why. Again, just speculation, with no opinion either way.
Minnesota and Their Championship Pursuit
The Lynx are going to need their absolute best basketball for the playoffs. What they have achieved this season is nothing short of mind-blowing. They are legitimate contenders in a field of very competitive and passionate teams. There is zero room for error. Expectations will be high, from themselves and other teams.
The Sparks now have the draft lottery to look forward to, as well as the return of Cameron Brink. It is way too soon to have any idea of what the team will look like next season, or how much they will explore free agency. With a talented draft class, there will be difficult choices for Curt Miller and his staff to make. We’ll just have to wait.
So now we get a couple of days of anticipation, and then it all starts over again on Sunday. Are you ready? I certainly am.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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