It was back to Section 111 Sunday night for a matchup between the Dallas Wings and the Minnesota Lynx. Knowing that Dallas can always be a dangerous team, I was eager to get the first look of the season. Happily, there was nothing about this game that was disappointing.
If I had to choose a single word to describe the first half, it would be frenetic. What caused it isn’t essential, and speculating would only allow me to use some clever adjectives and a few useless adverbs. That said, with Dallas coming off of a close loss and the Lynx wishing to put another check in the win column, it seemed as though the opening half was a case of marking territory at a rather fast pace, and not a pace that was necessarily filled with accuracy.
What caught my attention immediately was the added energy from Monique Billings, a hardship contract signee. She scored 12 of her eventual 19 points in the first quarter, and it looked as though this might be the added oomph to push Dallas over the finish line first. But it wasn’t to be.
The Play Of Dallas Wings Star Arike Ogunbowale
Arike Ogunbowale got off to a slow start, and although she finished with 21 points, seven of those came from the free throw line. Additionally, Arike committed 10 turnovers, which seemed out of the ordinary. I am continually impressed with the growth of Maddy Siegrist, who continues to play with greater confidence, showing glimpses of what made her a success at Villanova.
Newcomer Sevgi Uzun, who some may recognize from Euroleague basketball, and who is a teammate of Kayla McBride and Napheesa Collier for the powerhouse Fenerbaçhe, is a great addition to the Wings roster. A strong point guard with excellent court vision, Uzun adds that European style which I happen to enjoy. The rest of the Dallas team, well, let’s just say there is a fair amount of empty space there, and the starters don’t get much support.
A Tough Start For The Minnesota Lynx
I wouldn’t say that the Lynx got off to a rocky start, but it wasn’t quite smooth sailing through the first quarter. Dallas did take a five-point lead until Bridget Carleton scored three with a couple of minutes left. Eventually, Collier scored a buzzer-beater jump shot to give the Lynx a one-point lead. The second quarter was much the same, with the Wings pulling ahead and the Lynx having to play catch-up. Once again, it was Napheesa Collier with another buzzer beater to put the Lynx up by one, again, at the half.
After halftime, the Lynx regained their composure and found a way to pull ahead and stay ahead. Courtney Williams was assessed a flagrant 1 for seemingly kicking Uzun in the head. Cheryl Reeve got T’d up, something for which she took responsibility at the post-game presser. Once the dust settled, Dallas had pulled within one. Then Olivia Époupa entered the game. Another experienced “rookie” point guard, Époupa provided an energetic boost to the Lynx and seamlessly slipped into her role.
The Minnesota Lynx Picked Up The In The Final Frame
All pistons were firing for the Lynx in the fourth, and they were able to stay ahead of the Wings and build on their lead. Époupa stayed in the game for the fourth quarter, which seemed to revitalize the team. Dallas never quit though. They are a tough team to play against, but the Lynx defense shined again, and even though the offense wasn’t quite as sharp as it has been on other occasions, it is the team chemistry that carries this team and contributes to their success in a very noticeable manner.
ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER DUB. pic.twitter.com/IV3EgjkEXv
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) June 3, 2024
I think the Wings are going to be faced with a real problem once Howard and Sabally return. I cannot imagine them wanting to give up Billings, who has carved herself a nice niche in the lineup. Will they let her go, or will someone face the chopping block? I won’t speculate on who that might be if that is indeed what happens. I don’t see with a coach’s eyes. All I know is that it will not be an easy decision, although it may very likely be the right decision.
Final Thoughts
Finally, a few words about Dorka Juhász: after a very good rookie season and a successful turn in Euroleague, Dorka has returned to the Minnesota Lynx with a maturity and ease to her game that, as a rookie, was only just beginning. The difference between last year and this year is obvious, and I think her continued contribution to the Lynx will make her an even more important piece to the puzzle.
When and if Diamond Miller returns, I hope that we will see the same thing from her. For the moment, though, this is a damn good team, and a lot of fun to watch. Surprise, surprise, and don’t sleep on the Lynx.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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