And we’re back! The Minnesota Lynx and the Washington Mystics faced off Thursday night at Target Center in what proved to be something of a shaky start to the final portion of the season. While each team and their runs and the game never really got out of hand for either, it was not the smoothest of sailing for the Lynx. They still seemed to be struggling to score, and what started as a more energized game quickly fell back into the offensive difficulties of July.
The Mystics, with Brittney Sykes, Shakira Austin, and Karlie Samuelson back on the floor, had some needed firepower. Both Austin and Sykes played limited minutes, but each made a significant impact. The non-stop drive of Sykes is palpable, and when she is back to full strength, her impact on the Mystics should increase.
Austin played the hard defensive game we are used to. I think that there may be an adjustment needed to flow a little more with the rest of the team. But Austin is a passionate player, and that is part of her trademark.
Unlike some of their July losses, the Lynx found a way to regain some cohesion, particularly toward the end of the fourth quarter. With the game tied at 63-63 with 5:36 left to go, Courtney Williams hit a three, and the Lynx went on a 16-5 run to give them the 79-68 win. Did the fourth quarter redeem the earlier inconsistencies? Perhaps.
The Mystics Showed Plenty of Effort Versus the Lynx
Washington is a better team than their record indicates. There is no question that they have the talent to compete, but the intangibles are mystifying. Players like Jade Melbourne, Julie Vanloo, Ariel Atkins, and Aaliyah Edwards are all first-rate players. Anyone who watched the Olympics saw that in Melbourne, Vanloo, and Edwards. So why do the Mystics struggle as they do? They simply got outplayed in the fourth quarter, and not just because the Lynx stepped it up.
They seemed to get in their own way at times, which is baffling. Is it coaching, schemes, or personnel? All good questions. Meanwhile, the Lynx are going to need to get back to form, both offensively and defensively, if they are to make a serious push for the playoffs. Kayla McBride‘s shooting needs to be more consistent and does that of Napheesa Collier.
ABRACADABRA. IT’S A DUB. 🪄 pic.twitter.com/UfnP22rVnv
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) August 16, 2024
While the Lynx bench made a decent contribution, they’ve shown more in the past and need to do so from here on. Bridget Carleton had a particularly off night, going 0-4 from three and scoring only 4 points. Diamond Miller seems to be something of an enigma these days, and one wonders if her being used sparingly is an indication of anything. But I’ll let that one go.
These teams face off again, this time in Washington, so we’ll have the chance to see what changes have been made. I’ve often said that I don’t think the home court is always the advantage some would like it to be. We shall soon find out.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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