The last time the Los Angeles Sparks met the Minnesota Lynx, the Lynx won by 24 points. That was in Los Angeles. Now, the Sparks come to Target Center to face those same Lynx, who are coming off of a marquee win over the Las Vegas Aces, in Las Vegas. The Sparks have lost three of their last five, with one of their wins against those same Aces. The Lynx have lost only one of their last five, and look to build on their winning streak.
For the most part, the Sparks have been in every game, except for blowouts against Seattle and the Lynx. They have two noteworthy rookies, Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson, plus seasoned vets in Kia Nurse, Dearica Hamby, Layshia Clarendon, and Lexie Brown. So what has put the Sparks where they are? Inconsistent scoring and turnovers have been a significant part of the problem.
just handled business. pic.twitter.com/o1PDce78Nb
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) June 6, 2024
Hamby has been the bright spot for the Sparks, and both Brink and Jackson have shown what they can become. In truth, they are a team that makes you scratch your head and think why aren’t they winning more games? I suspect they are doing the same thing.
The Minnesota Lynx are proving themselves to be legitimate title contenders. The victory over the Aces, who have lost 4 of their last five games, definitely has added to that legitimacy. The shooting of Kayla McBride stands out as a major reason why the Lynx are where they are. Add in Napheesa Collier, Alanna Smith, the much-improved Bridget Carleton, and Courtney Williams, and you’ve got a team that not only has great chemistry and desire to win, but they are also a team that is simply having a lot of fun.
Final Thoughts
That factor matters. They have learned from their losses and have always come back stronger. They work together. When people talk about team effort, look to the Minnesota Lynx. They are a unit with everyone knowing their role. And, there is still more to come. In fact, the Lynx will face the New York Liberty in the Commissioner’s Cup Final. But before that, there is work to do. No team should look at another as an easy win. We know the Lynx won’t do that. Neither will the Sparks. So now we wait.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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