The Minnesota Lynx once again find themselves facing the Seattle Storm in their fourth and final meeting of the season, this time at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. As much as folks might want to use analytics, this season has proven that they don’t really mean much except to those whose job it is to make them mean something.
I don’t think the word upset means much either, as we’ve seen struggling teams win over seemingly better teams. and presumed title contenders fall. Seattle and Minnesota might be two of the most evenly matched teams in the league. Their rosters feature plenty of experience, all-stars, and maybe a couple of future hall of famers.
The Lynx and Storm Ahead of Their Matchup
The Lynx are coming off a pair of wins while Seattle dropped its last game. Seattle has steadily improved since the beginning of the season, and the Lynx, even though they’ve experienced a few dips along the way, are still holding strong and have an ability to bounce back, as does Seattle. With the familiarity these teams have with each other there most likely will not be any real surprises.
workin’ in washington. pic.twitter.com/yvz1x9D2YA
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) July 12, 2024
Seattle will need first-class effort from Jewell Loyd, Skylar Diggins-Smith, and Ezi Magbegor. If Napheesa Collier plays, which is doubtful, she’ll most likely be limited. That means that Kayla McBride, Alanna Smith, Courtney Williams, and bench players Cecilia Zandalasini and Dorka Juhász will all need to step up. These are two very well-oiled teams. That is what makes these games so enticing.
They are both superbly coached by Noelle Quinn and Cheryl Reeve, who understand their teams and each other. While the point guard is often referred to as the floor general, it is the coach who is the Commander in Chief, which is precisely what Quinn and Reeve are.
Final Thoughts
The Lynx and the Storm are separated by only two games. Each of these teams, barring some unforeseen catastrophe, should make the playoffs. While a win for either team will not affect the standings, it would inch them closer to the next spot. A loss for either team will not drop them down but certainly would make the mountain slightly harder to climb. Each team is 3-2 in their previous five games. Does either team really have an edge? I don’t think so.
If Collier remains out for Minnesota, we have seen how the team responded with a pair of wins. Seattle is healthy, so they’ll be at full strength. So, pundits and analytics aside, this should prove to be a hard-fought, exciting, and perhaps unpredictable game.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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