The current home stand for the Minnesota Lynx concludes Sunday night with a visit from the Dallas Wings, led by consistent powerhouse Arike Ogunbowale. The Wings are coming off a very close loss to the Connecticut Sun and will be looking to return to the plus column. The Lynx will be looking to continue their much-improved season after taking care of the Phoenix Mercury. This included a breakout game from rookie Alissa Pili.
Forward Cecilia Zandalasini took a hit to the eye and is listed as a game-time decision. Zandalasini has also adjusted to being back in the W and has shown why Coach Cheryl Reeve wanted her back. Zandalasini has, over the past couple of games, shown great consistency from deep, much to the delight of the fans, who embraced her when she first played with the Lynx in 2017.
AND 🗣️ AND 🗣️ AND pic.twitter.com/8e49xXLHRv
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) June 1, 2024
Maddy Siegrist, who had a less-than-stellar rookie season, has emerged as a much stronger player this season, moving into the starting lineup in place of Natasha Howard. She has scored in double digits in the last three games, giving the fans a glimpse of what made her a star at Villanova.
Minnesota Lynx Against A Good Dallas Wings Frontcount
The Lynx will have a pair of formidable obstacles when they face the Wings, namely Teaira McCowan and Kalani Brown. With the Lynx being undersized at the five, both Dorka Juhász and Alanna Smith will be tasked with protecting the rim. Impossible? No. Difficult? Yes. Likewise, the Wings will face an intensely improved Minnesota defense. Hopefully, Minnesota can find a way to keep Ogunbowale’s damage to a minimum.
The Wings do not have a particularly effective bench, so they must rely on heavy minutes from the starters until both Howard and Satou Sabally return. Except for Kalani Brown, the Dallas bench has not been much of a factor. Whether or not this is precipitates a change during the season remains to be seen, but I do not think it is beyond of possibility.
Final Thoughts
The Lynx so far this season have looked like a true contender, with a revitalized lineup and much more cohesion among the players. I’ve said before that this group looks like they’re having fun, an element of the game that should not be dismissed. Perhaps on the court, it might be more accurately described as serious fun. For the Wings, the addition of Monique Billings has given them some needed added firepower.
It will be very interesting to see what happens when Howard returns. Also, whether or not the Wings decide to keep Billings. With three rather vulnerable players in Soares, Sheldon, and Lopez Sénéchal, it is not out of the question.
The Lynx will need all pistons firing in sync against the Wings. Also, the Wings will need to try and find a way to break through the Lynx defense. The Wings rely on heavy minutes from the starters; the Lynx have an improved bench. I for one am eager to see who prevails.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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