The Minnesota Lynx go back on the road for two important games that could significantly impact the top-tier standings. First up is the third regular season game versus the New York Liberty. Although the Commissioner’s Cup win for the Lynx does not figure into the stats or the standings, Minnesota is 2-1 against New York.
Since the Olympic break, both teams have been playing exceptional basketball. New York has notched a 10-2 record while the Lynx have gone 12-1. Each team has had some less-than-dominant wins, but it is the ability to fend off a strong opponent that has placed them at No. 1 and No. 2.
The biggest similarity between the Lynx and the Liberty is that on any given night, someone other than their star players steps up. The Liberty has Leonie Fiebich, Kayla Thornton, Nyara Sabally, and Jaylyn Sherrod who can make a difference. The Lynx can rely on Cecilia Zandalasini, Myisha Hines-Allen, Dorka Juhász, and Natisha Hiedeman to do the same.
Stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier have a firm grip on the leadership of their teams. The teams both share the same intensity and chemistry and know precisely what they have to do. Led by coaches Sandy Brondello and Cheryl Reeve, these are simply elite basketball teams.
wheels up. pic.twitter.com/IV9pq0QiVN
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) September 14, 2024
At this point, with only a few games left, it is not going to be about new revelations, schemes, or plays. These squads know what needs to be done, and the hiccups that they both have endured over the season will have to be erased. While New York is favored to win this game statistically, no one, including the Liberty should count Minnesota out.
Minnesota and New York’s Path Ahead Of This Game
Both teams have honed and improved since last they met. There is no reason to think this game will lack much of anything. Of course, the Liberty were stunned by the Los Angeles Sparks and the Lynx have had some first-half struggles but eventually were victorious. They all know each other very well, and as long as everyone who shows up is healthy, there is no reason to think that this will be anything short of a high energy passionate game.
Perhaps the significance is a little greater for Minnesota, who currently hold a one-game lead over the third-place Connecticut Sun. The outcome of this game coupled with their next one against the Sun will solidify who is 2nd and 3rd. New York is a lock on the No. 1 spot. It is also unlikely that Las Vegas at #4 will climb any higher, so the focus is definitely on the top three teams.
Barclay Center will be rocking and rolling tomorrow afternoon. I highly recommend that you find a way to watch this one.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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