A revitalized Minnesota Lynx heads to Mohegan Sun Arena to face an always dangerous Connecticut Sun Thursday night. Both teams have yet to lose, which will not be the case after what has the makings of an energetic and entertaining game. Minnesota’s two wins have come against the Seattle Storm, a team who is just now beginning to find some rhythm, although in their second game with Minnesota was more of a test for the Lynx than the first meeting.
The Lynx survived a home opener double overtime much to the delight of the crowd. The Lynx showed a resolve that has been missing the past couple of seasons. It was an impressive display of growth and team chemistry. More importantly, the Lynx looked as though they were having fun, which is a key element that might often be overlooked. For the Sun, two of their three games have been against the Indiana Fever.
Connecticut’s Sun Path So Far This Season
The first matchup in Connecticut was a runaway victory, while the second was far more of a test for the Sun, who barely escaped Indianapolis with a four-point win. In between, the Sun was also challenged by the Washington Mystics, but with an overwhelming fourth quarter came away with the win.
It is hard to find weaknesses in Connecticut. Perhaps it might be that their scoring is essentially a three-and-a-half-pronged attack, with DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas, an improved Dijonai Carrington, and Tyasha Harris. Thomas may be the only truly unstoppable player in the WNBA. Bonner is always a threat from everywhere, and Dijonai Carrington is becoming a force to be reckoned with, playing with a consistent intensity that more often than not gets results.
🏀 Week 1 Players of the Week 🏀
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 21, 2024
Eastern Conference: @athomas_25 | @connecticutsun
13.0 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 9.5 APG 2-0 week record
Western Conference: @PHEEsespieces | @minnesotalynx
24.5 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 3.5 SPG 2-0 week record #WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/6HUnkaKkN9
Harris is making an impact, and while I am not quite ready to call these athletes the new Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, they do present an impressive and daunting attack.
Minnesota Lynx Off to a Perfect Start
With some crafty retooling, the Minnesota Lynx has come out of the corner swinging, and connecting. Led by Napheesa Collier, this is the most focused version of the Lynx that we’ve seen for a few years. With the addition of free agents Alanna Smith and Courtney Williams, both from Chicago and trade acquisition Natisha Hiedeman from Connecticut, the foundation of the Lynx starting five, which includes Kayla McBride and Diamond Miller, presents a more formidable opponent.
Miller is still on a minutes restriction coming off an injury. Hiedeman, who comes off the bench, as well as Bridget Carleton, immediately slip into their roles with no visible drop. Rookie Alissa Pili is slowly finding her way. The returning Cecelia Zandalasini offers strength and another three-point option off the bench, and, like Pili, is working her way back into the lineup. Dorka Juhász has yet to return but should do so in a matter of days. How Coach Reeve puts her back in the rotation will be interesting to see.
Connecticut bound. pic.twitter.com/pmvxQgsPeD
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) May 22, 2024
With Juhász’s return, one of the two remaining training camp signees, Taylor Soule and Olivia Époupa, will unfortunately have to be cut. But everyone new to this team has had an impact. Alanna Smith, in her first game as a Lynx, set a new personal record in scoring right out of the gate. The energy of Courtney Williams is indeed infectious and provides an instant sharp and surety at the point.
Hiedeman is always a threat from beyond the arc. She is a crafty and quick player, with excellent court vision. The Lynx, so far, have shown great determination, which no doubt will continue to grow.
Final Thoughts
One might look at this game as one in which the Connecticut Sun will be able to do what they do without much interruption. However, this version of the Sun has essentially been around for a while. The Lynx, on the other hand, presents a different look and a different purpose, a different team than the one they faced in last year’s playoffs. The Sun has had a couple of challenges and this will be another one. Is this a win for the Sun? It certainly isn’t a gimme.
Would a win for the Lynx be considered an upset? Not this season, not with this team, and not with this chemistry. Each team has a potential most improved player. Carrington, for the Sun, is a legitimate contender. Perhaps a dark horse is Bridget Carleton, who certainly has the talent. If Carleton can find more consistency, then she is in the conversation.
Again, can anyone stop Alyssa Thomas? Many have tried, and tonight the Lynx will take their turn.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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