There’s something about the phrase “blew a lead” that slaps the team who made significant advances square in the face. On Sunday afternoon, the Phoenix Mercury and the Minnesota Lynx played a game of two halves: the first belonging to Minnesota, and the second seeing the kind of team rookie coach Nate Tibbetts has likely wanted to see all season from the Phoenix Mercury.
The first half of the game gave us a dominant performance by the Lynx and a Mercury team that looked like they would be left in the dust. In the second half, Natasha Cloud and Diana Taurasi brought the Mercury back, mostly by themselves, to a one-point lead after a layup by Cloud. But a layup by Myisha Hines-Allen and yet another game-saving three by Bridget Carleton started a 9-0 run which gave the Lynx the victory.
Collier and Cloud Leading The Way In This Game
Yes, the Lynx had something of a rough patch in scoring, and yes, the Mercury took advantage of that. But Minnesota just does not quit. They remain focused on the task at hand and summon the team’s strength to corral itself and take the win.
Napheesa Collier played an almost flawless game. Ending with a career-high 38 points, she has proven herself once again to be one of the elite players in the WNBA. It is not only her prowess on the court; her steady demeanor and commitment to the Lynx never wavers. Being flashy is not a requirement for greatness. Collier certainly has the skills, talent, and character to achieve that.
THAT’S ONE. ☝️ pic.twitter.com/RL3WnIcNqe
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) September 22, 2024
Watching Natasha Cloud, regardless of which team you’re cheering on, is watching years of experience on display. The focus and discipline with which Cloud plays is a clinic in determination, unique skills, and court leadership. Cloud’s passion for what she does comes right to the edge. In this game, it never went beyond or unraveled.
The same could be said for Diana Taurasi. She is a player for whom I have had enormous respect ever since the first game I ever saw her play. That game happened to be a Lynx/Mercury game. In what might very well be Taurasi’s penultimate game, she showed why she deserves the title of GOAT. Even if her step has slowed a bit, her spirit has not.
Neither team’s bench played many minutes, and only Minnesota’s Hines-Allen made a significant contribution from the bench. The Mercury bench is depleted, and they only had 9 available players total.
The Lynx Could Sweep This Series Versus Phoenix
With the potential of a fifth championship looming, the Lynx should be able to build upon this game and will look to close it out on Wednesday. Of course, the Mercury will do everything that it can to bring it back to Phoenix. But, it may be a question of too little too late. Both teams will gather the troops, and it is with great anticipation that we look forward to seeing who wins the battle.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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