The Minnesota Lynx are coming off their worst defeat of the season. The Indiana Fever come to the Target Center having just beaten a depleted Phoenix Mercury. Minnesota, while still retaining third place in the standings, will want to keep that position with a bounce-back win. The Fever, who have slowly yet steadily been climbing, will have other ideas. Will the Lynx be rattled by all the hubbub surrounding Caitlin Clark? Highly unlikely.
Even in defeat, this is a Lynx team with maturity, skills, chemistry, and commitment that knows how to move on to the next game. The Fever, in some ways, is still a work in progress, and they have been progressing. The constant noise surrounding Clark must be getting tedious for the Fever.
They are still just a basketball team, with potential, some very good players, and a desire to stay in the playoff race. The Lynx, who have surprised most pundits and fans, will want to end this portion of the season on a high note with a win against the Fever. No mystery; it is that simple.
Key Players Out for the Fever and Lynx
At this writing, Napheesa Collier is still listed as a GTD, and Olivia Époupa is listed as OUT. To have Collier back in the line-up would certainly be a boon to the Lynx, but if she remains out, then they will have to respond with as much resolve as they can muster. They will need to get back to their first-class defense and consistent offense.
The Fever is still without Temi Fagbenle, although her return seems imminent. We have seen what Indiana is capable of in terms of efficiency, but we have also seen them flounder.
The Lynx, who were soundly beaten in their last game by Seattle (and partly by themselves) have an overall better record of bouncing back. They will need every ounce of resolve to do so against Indiana, who have something to prove.
final. pic.twitter.com/dnBHgTQ7gt
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) July 13, 2024
Minnesota will have to contend with Kelsey Mitchell‘s offense, the inside presence of Aliyah Boston, and of course the shooting of Clark.
Final Thoughts
Target Center will be packed with Indiana and Iowa fans, but will that make any difference? Probably not. The Lynx is a team that is not impacted by this kind of circus, for that is what it is. While it isn’t a circus of clown cars, it is one of heightened intensity, but Cheryl Reeve knows these situations well and will drive the team on a steady course.
At this point in the season, with few exceptions, these teams know each other and their strengths and weaknesses. This will be a first for both Indiana and Minnesota, so let’s see who has paid more attention to film footage. The anticipated enormous crowd could have a very positive effect on the Lynx. It’s their house, so we shall see whether their guests are party crashers or not.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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