The Minnesota Lynx need: Napheesa Collier back in the line-up and a win. The Atlanta Dream needs a win to end the skid. With a win, the Lynx will leapfrog back to third place with Las Vegas having lost and the Lynx holding a 3-1 lead over the Storm. At this point, the Dream is going to have to find a way to win if they want to break into the top eight. That will be difficult, with Chicago, Indiana, and Phoenix doing just enough to stay in the playoff hunt. But what every team needs right now is the Olympic break.
Minnesota’s shooting woes are less of a nasty gash and more like a little paper cut that won’t heal. Hopefully, the Olympic break will be the right kind of bandage. When looking at the Atlanta line-up, it’s a real head-scratcher. The talent is there, without a doubt. So what is it? Coaching? Chemistry? Are the stars not in line? Maybe it is just a case of the pieces not fitting quite right and needing disassembly and repair. It isn’t about being able to point the finger at one thing and fix it.
Sometimes the magic just doesn’t work. But the drawing board awaits the Dream during the break, and I suspect Coach Wright will be spending some time with it.
The State of The Minnesota Lynx Entering the Matchup
Minnesota’s situation is certainly less dire. Collier’s absence has been disruptive, but every team has slumped at one time or another. Who would have anticipated the Aces having eight losses? The Connecticut Sun, which started like a house on fire, has been vulnerable. The Indiana Fever, who got off to a terrible start, are inching toward the .500 mark. And did anyone think that Minnesota would be where they are? The short answer is no.
back to work. pic.twitter.com/t0b7vyQ9cR
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) July 16, 2024
A lot could change after the break. Some key injured players will return. Teams will have a chance to regroup, even those with players on Olympic rosters. Minnesota has Collier, Alanna Smith, and Bridget Carleton playing for the USA, Australia, and Canada. The Dream has a chance for all their players to rest, which should help them quite a bit.
Final Thoughts
I suspect everyone just wants a break, and while today’s contest between the Lynx and the Dream is the annual camp day game, it is still important, and a necessary win for both teams. Both teams will have had a couple of days of rest and practice. For Minnesota, the benefit of it being a home game is a plus. Atlanta has had to travel, so they’ve gotten the short end of that stick. Regardless, it will be time to forget about the break, regroup, and just play. It’s really that simple.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
Follow Beyond Women’s Sports for more from the world of sports.
