There was something special in the air Friday night at the Target Center as the Minnesota Lynx hosted the Phoenix Mercury. Perhaps it was an added energy as it was Native American Heritage Night, which always brings a certain mystical aura to the arena. The pre-game drumming and singing is a stirring moment if you allow it to be. Perhaps it was the anticipation of seeing if the Lynx would be able to respond to the previous loss to Las Vegas and regain their winning ways.
For me, there was another element that made me eager to see what this game would give us. That element was which version of a mercurial Phoenix Mercury would show up.
From the tipoff, it became immediately evident that the Minnesota Lynx had taken to heart the mistake of the previous game. Shooting was cleaner and accurate, defense was tighter, and the team spirit was very high. They were having fun. The Mercury, on the other hand, looked somewhat disconnected. There was almost an air of desperation among the Mercury players. Almost. I anticipated a stronger attack, particularly from Kahleah Copper and Natasha Cloud.
Of course, Diana Taurasi always brings that Taurasi energy which I happen to appreciate. Maybe it was a few steps slower, but it was there. While the Lynx played a connected and more cohesive game, the Mercury at times seemed unsure of what was supposed to come next, as evidenced on the faces of some of the veteran players. Save for a brief spurt for the Mercury at the beginning of the third quarter, the Lynx controlled the game.
A Team Effort For The Minnesota Lynx
Everyone contributed. Everyone. It was a balanced attack. Sometimes I think that we are over-impressed by someone who scores an eye-opening number of points. I am far more moved by a team that shares the ball and uses all the skills that everyone brings to the court, which is how I saw the Lynx game unfold.
On the plus side for the Lynx, turnovers were trimmed down to seven, a livable number. Paint points were much better, as were the 25 points off of Phoenix’s 17 turnovers. Plus, there is nothing like a breakout game for a rookie, and Alissa Pili did not disappoint. In fact, she led the team in scoring with 20 points, including 4-4 from deep, to which the crowd roared in delight. There was nothing tentative about Pili’s game, and one can only assume that it was an enormous confidence builder.
what a night for the rook. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/WSxfzFF31T
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) June 1, 2024
Watching the bench cheer with delight was equally moving. I don’t think anyone ever doubted that Pili could do it, and this was certainly a good night to mitigate any doubt that might have been floating in the air. The Mercury did get production from Copper, the always dangerous Sophie Cunningham, and Diana Taurasi. That was pretty much it. It is difficult to pinpoint what was behind the lack of cohesion for the Mercury.
One wonders how different the game might have been with Brittney Griner and Bec Allen in the line-up. However, as every team knows, you play who you’ve got available. I am sure though that the Mercury will look better when the aforementioned players return.
Nevertheless, it was an entertaining game. Even when Phoenix made their surge in the third quarter, the Lynx never strayed from their mission. They played through it, and eventually got back on track. At this early point in the season, the Lynx have shown themselves to be a worthy and formidable opponent. I also do not think that the Mercury is without merit and potential to right their own ship. Veteran leadership has a way of making things better.
Mercury rookie head coach Nate Tibbetts is finding his way in the women’s game and still has plenty of time to work out the kinks, not only the team’s but his own in what is a real learning-on-the-fly situation.
What Is Next For The Minnesota Lynx?
Up next for the Lynx is another home game on Sunday which brings the Dallas Wings to the Target Center. Being without Natasha Howard and Satou Sabally has certainly made things more difficult for the Wings, but Maddy Siegrist has stepped up this season, and Arike Ogunbowale is always a threat. Coming off of a close loss to Connecticut, Dallas will be looking for redemption. Will they be able to get around the Lynx’s much-improved defense? We shall see.
As for Phoenix, they head home to welcome the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday with hopes of putting a stop to this four-game skid. The Sparks are coming off of a loss to Chicago, and will also be looking to get back in the win column. But my concern is for the Lynx, and I’m eager for the big wheel to keep on a-rollin’.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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