While the Minnesota Lynx have had moments when their excellent defense has stuttered, they have, for the most part, been able to regroup and use their collective energy and faith in each other to get back on track. I find that kind of win far more revealing than a blowout. It demonstrates not just the physical depth of a team, but also that kind of chemistry that helps to bring together a group of players when they need it most.
The Atlanta Dream are a curious team. After twelve games and a 6-6 record, they have yet to really build any significant steam to propel them higher up in the standings. After beating the Las Vegas Aces 78-74 in their sixth game, they proceeded to go 2-4, with their last game being a win at home over the Los Angeles Sparks 87-74. Obviously, consistency is a problem for Atlanta. They’ve gone 3-4 at home, but 3-2 on the road (the exact same record as the Aces).
I don’t think that tells any particular story, other than their woes are equally divided between home and away games. Against the Sparks, the quartet of Allisha Gray, Tina Charles, Rhyne Howard, and Aerial Powers provided 74 of the Dream’s 87 points. But that was Sunday. and today is Wednesday. The Dream will be coming into Target Center to face a Minnesota Lynx squad with a 7-1 home record, and who are on a four-game streak.
The Dream and its Talented Roster
Atlanta most assuredly is not without talent. Charles, who did not play last year, still shows what has made her one of the most enduring players in recent times. Gray and Howard are always dangerous, although I have observed that Gray has lost maybe half a step in her game. Nothing terribly significant, but it is there.
The rest of the team has been somewhat mercurial. Cheyenne Parker-Tyus has had an uneven season, scoring 18 in one game and then 4 in the next. That has repeated itself a few times. As I said, consistency has been a real thorn in the side of Atlanta.
The Lynx as a Collective Unit This Season
Minnesota is the surprise team of the season. No one expected them to get where they are, which may very well have worked in their favor. With all eyes on Las Vegas and New York and Caitlin Clark, the Lynx have managed to put together an impressive, trailing only Connecticut and New York. What is difficult to do is to single out one player who is leading the charge.
happy victory Tuesday, Lynx fam.
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) June 18, 2024
KMac – 19 PTS / 7 AST / 4 REB
Natisha – 17 PTS / 5 AST / 2 3FGM
Phee – 16 PTS / 7 REB / 3 STL
⭐️ VOTE » https://t.co/F8iYINEVmH pic.twitter.com/LuoXqajfWn
What makes this team so impressive is that they embody the “next player up” mentality. One night it will be Napheesa Collier. The next Kayla McBride, Bridget Carleton, Alanna Smith, or Courtney Williams. In their win against Dallas, it was Natisha Hiedeman who stepped up with her best game of the season. Everyone on this team is ready to do their part. Always.
Of course, anyone can win on any given night. I think however that it is the chemistry and overall cohesiveness that gives the Lynx the edge, particularly on their home court. All season, we’ve seen that no team should be taken lightly, or as an easy win. This game is no different. Whether or not Atlanta can start to play more consistent basketball remains to be seen. The Lynx will do everything they can to thwart that prospect. Should be a very good game.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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