The Minnesota Lynx, who have lost consecutive games for the first time this season, desperately needed a win. The Washington Mystics, who are becoming a far more formidable opponent, needed a win against a top-tier team. The potential was there, and the Lynx came damn close to giving them one. But they did not.
During these past few days, we have seen the playing field begin to significantly level. We’ve seen the top teams lose (and one bounce back somewhat), and as the Olympic break approaches, we see twelve teams in dire need of a break. Save for those teams with players heading to Paris, it would be a good time to escape to an island in the South Pacific, or perhaps a monastery in Tibet to regain some peace that this first half of the season has begun to erode.
After a first quarter of basketball that the Lynx fans had come to love, the Washington Mystics poured it on in the second, showing their potential, a took advantage of Minnesota’s poor shooting and defense. After halftime, we could see that Minnesota was beginning to regroup, getting back some of what had put them where they were.
Competitive Matchup Between Washington and Minnesota
Both the defense and the offense were a little more in sync, and even though Washington won the third quarter, you could see the determination return to Minnesota. It showed up again in the fourth quarter, and while it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing, Minnesota made it to the dock ahead of Washington and took the game 74-67.
Statistically, this game was pretty close. The lower scoring percentage for Minnesota was due to them taking ten more shots, which gave the Mystics a more efficient-looking line. Equal on free throws, close on three-pointers with a nod to Minnesota, assists, paint points, points off of turnovers (of which Washington had four more), and fast break points made this game entertaining and at the same time a little confusing.
Both Teams During and Following the Game
The Mystics are 5-5 in their last ten games. Certainly an improvement over their horrendous start. The Lynx are 7-3, certainly not a terrible record, but it is more about how they lost than to whom.
The Mystics are short-handed, and there are a lot of potential points sitting on the bench at the moment. Minnesota was without Napheesa Collier, who is dealing with a plantar fasciitis issue, and Olivia Époupa, who suffered a thigh injury against Connecticut. While the Lynx starters were generally successful, the Mystics received significant points off the bench from Aaliyah Edwards and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough.
Only Cecilia Zandalasini made an impact off the Lynx bench. In past games, we’ve seen the 2nd team for Minnesota seamlessly slip in when needed. Not so in this game. When and if the Mystics return to something resembling full strength, I think they will become a far more effective team. While they will most likely not climb into the top tier, they will definitely improve.
came to play & got her dues. 💐🫶 pic.twitter.com/Ne8WwqlfJr
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) July 7, 2024
Minnesota, on the other hand, needs to find that winning groove that has put them in that top tier. Are they still a finals contender? Yes. We’ve recently seen all the top teams lose and some of the bottom teams get statement wins.
There is no lack of chemistry with Minnesota; they just are not putting the ball in the hoop enough and they have lost their defensive edge. Not all of it, but it is not as consistent as it has been. Washington needs their injury roster to return to the line-up. It’s that simple. Until then, they must soldier on, as must every team in the league.
What’s Next for the Mystics and Lynx?
Up next for the Mystics is a trip to Indiana to face a vastly improved Fever. They’ve gone 6-4 in their past ten games. Washington will have their hands full. The Lynx will hit the road for a game against the Sparks and then Seattle. Los Angeles recently took down the defending champs Las Vegas and will be hungry for more. The Lynx, who have been the Sparks twice, will need all pistons firing to regain the momentum they’ve had in the past. For Minnesota, it is time for this dip to end if they want to stay serious contenders.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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