Ahead of the Minnesota Lynx facing the Las Vegas Aces, I decided to examine the stats of the Las Vegas-Los Angeles game. The objective is to try and figure out how Las Vegas lost, wondering if there is anything the Lynx can take away from that game and build upon. Let’s see – the Sparks won the third quarter by ten after being down only one point at the half.
Then Las Vegas outscored the Sparks by five in the fourth but lost the game by four. OK, sounds simple enough; have a great third quarter and you’ll be fine. No, I don’t think so.
The Lynx, coming off of a dominant win over the Seattle Storm, will be heading into Las Vegas determined not to repeat their previous matchup with the Aces at Target Center. The defense is clicking, Kayla McBride is on fire, Napheesa Collier is doing great Napheesa Collier stuff, and meaningful minutes are coming from Alanna Smith, Bridget Carleton, Cecilia Zandalasini, Dorka Juhász, and speed demon Olivia Époupa.
Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces Looking For Momentum
The Aces, who will most likely have Jackie Young back, will be ready to erase the memory of the previous two games and get back in the win column. A’ja Wilson will certainly get her points. However, there were a few moments during the game with L.A. where she looked visibly frustrated. In thinking about the game with the Lynx, perhaps finding ways to frustrate Wilson is the way to go, trying simply to make her look bad. Is the Lynx defense capable of such a scheme? Yes, I think so.
see ya in Vegas. pic.twitter.com/MgD6wULQh0
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) June 10, 2024
I don’t think that Aces coach Becky Hammon is going to take the Minnesota Lynx for granted. In fact, I don’t think the Aces are going to take anyone for granted from now on. Sitting at sixth place in the league standings is not, I’m sure, where they expected to be.
Likewise, the Lynx need to stay consistent with their defense and cannot afford those cold shooting streaks that they’ve had to deal with from time to time. It is always the intangibles from night to night that drive coaches crazy. Some things just don’t come with a guarantee.
Both Teams Looking to Pick Up a Key Win
The Aces have lost twice at home; the Lynx have lost twice on the road. Neither team will be looking to add to that tally. Las Vegas is fighting for more than a chance to repeat as champions. They are fighting for dignity. Minnesota is fighting to cement its place as a top team this season.
So far, the pendulum has swung slightly in the direction of the Lynx. This by no means is a sign that Las Vegas is going to roll over and call it a day, nor are the Lynx going to waltz in with an invincible attitude.
Las Vegas is a wounded beast right now. This might prove to be the toughest game to date for both of these teams, with one trying to continue to climb the mountain and the other not wanting to fall any farther.
Final Thoughts
Yes, Wilson is an elite player. Yes, McBride has been on a 3-point tear. Young and Kelsey Plum are always lethal. Collier is becoming more and more of a dominant presence, and Smith and Carleton are rock solid.
This contest could easily define what it means to bring your A-game, for 40 minutes, without letting up. I for one will be armed with chicken wings and a cold beverage, ready to watch these teams go at it. All meat, no filler, 100% grit.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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