Saturday’s lunchtime matchup between the visiting New York Liberty and the host Minnesota Lynx was fittingly something of a smörgåsbord; a big lead, some excellent defense, a couple of deep runs, a technical foul, some questionable calls, a side order of momentary sluggishness, and for dessert, another run leading to a home win. The Lynx fans may have walked away satisfied, but I am sure that the Liberty fans hungered for more.
Not having majored in clairvoyance, I cannot tell you why the Liberty looked so disjointed at times and generally sluggish. Certainly, the Lynx defense was a major contributor to the consternation of the Liberty who, except for their run in the second quarter into the third, were not fully able to match that defensive intensity. From where I sat, the simple answer is that New York was not playing like a team, but rather a collection of very good players who were not in synch.
The Lynx, on the other hand, continued their offensive and defensive energy with the kind of chemistry that allows you to overcome those lapses that allow a team to make some advances. However, under the guidance of coach Cheryl Reeve, and probably a few well-timed words, the Lynx took a deep breath and came back with a strong finish.
How the Minnesota Lynx Contained the Liberty
The question that some may ask is why the New York Liberty struggled. Lynx defense? Sure. Lack of cohesion on the part of New York? Sometimes yes. But the element of why that is the most elusive to explain is the psychological aspect, and there answer to that lies only in the character of each athlete. That is what tends to eat at fans the most because it is an unanswerable question.
When a team wins, that is rarely called into question, because a win is a win, although what is significant is how a team overcomes lapses, and not why. In the end, either winning or losing, the why doesn’t matter. How a team wins or loses is the bigger picture, although the why does count.
Breanna Stewart led all scorers with 20 points but struggled to get them. Both Courtney Vandersloot and Sabrina Ionescu got to double digits but shared the same struggle as Stewart. Napheesa Collier and Alanna Smith led the Lynx with 15 points each, but what each contributes goes beyond the stat sheet.
If anything, I would say that the Lynx out-energized the Liberty with a determination that began on day 1 of training camp. In this game, the Lynx outplayed the Liberty as a team. Scoring 14 threes was no small accomplishment.
well-rounded win. 💪
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) May 25, 2024
Phee – 15 PTS / 12 REB / 4 AST
Lan – 15 PTS / 1 AST / 1 REB
BC – 14 PTS / 3 AST / 2 REB pic.twitter.com/RHqB322uY7
Getting some timely help from Cecilia Zandalasini, Dorka Juhász, Natisha Hiedeman, and Sika Koné showed that this year’s bench is ready to contribute. Other than Leonie Fiebich, the Liberty bench was a non-factor. Of course, the crowd cheered the return of Dorka Juhász, who made an instant impact and showed a growth in maturity that most likely was the result of her time in Europe over the winter as well as her innate character as an athlete and as a person.
Final Thoughts
The Liberty have some serious work to do to get back on the winning side. Dealing with intangibles is never easy and is generally something that is not accomplished overnight. The Minnesota Lynx too have work to do; improve paint protection, limit turnovers, and find a way not to their their version on intangibles get in the way. But therein lies the human element of sports. Perhaps it is the storm at sea that a ship must weather to reach port or the poor choices upon which each player needs to reflect.
Regardless, I have no doubt that the Liberty will right the ship and that the Lynx will continue to build upon what has been an exciting start to this season. Up next for New York is Phoenix on Wednesday, and for the Lynx, a turnaround trip to Atlanta to face the Dream on Sunday. The Liberty have some time to think; the Lynx do not. Maybe that’s a good thing for both teams. Maybe.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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