In anticipation of Friday’s game at the Target Center between the visiting Phoenix Mercury and the Minnesota Lynx, the first question is, which version of the Mercury will show up? Will it be the only team so far to beat the Las Vegas Aces, or the team who suffered a humiliating defeat against the Connecticut Sun? Their three wins have been relatively close games, with Kahleah Copper providing the bulk of the offense.
Diana Taurasi and Natasha Cloud have also contributed their fair share, with Cloud garnering the bulk of the assists, and Taurasi doing Taurasi stuff. Two of their losses were close and two were not. At this point in the season, the Mercury has been rather mercurial, unpredictable, and erratic.
The Minnesota Lynx, coming off of a lackluster performance versus the Las Vegas Aces will be looking to bounce back. What has carried the Lynx through the games up until Las Vegas needs to return. This is not only a talented and determined team, but they are also a smart team. In a short period, and with several new additions to the roster, the Lynx have shown the chemistry and motivation of a seasoned team.
back to it on Friday. pic.twitter.com/D57Vdj2rkm
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) May 30, 2024
The offensive struggles from Wednesday’s game were marked by inconsistency. There were moments when it appeared as though the Lynx had found some new life. However, the Aces reared back and forged ahead, stymieing the momentum that the Lynx had developed.
Phoenix Mercury and Minnesota Lynx Looking to Right The Ship
Both teams will be looking to get back into the win column. Phoenix is on a three-game skid, and Minnesota will try to right the ship after their second loss of the season. Napheesa Collier, Alanna Smith, Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams, and Natisha Hiedeman will need to get back to the scoring column’s positive side with better focus court vision. The defense will need to step up to support the offense and make sure they gain possessions with better ball control.
The Mercury cannot solely rely on Copper, Cloud, and Taurasi. The Mercury bench will need to step up, as will the bench for the Lynx. Neither team can afford to put constant pressure on the starters. While Cecilia Zandalasini gave an excellent account of herself against the Aces, going 4-6, and all from deep, the rest of the bench needs to be able to keep the momentum going and provide a seamless transition when the starters take a seat.
Stayed together through it. On to Minnesota. #ValleyTogether pic.twitter.com/MuSBBZhD5V
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) May 30, 2024
Bridget Carleton needs to find some more consistency, something of which she is capable, particularly as a three-point shooter. But overall, the defense for the Lynx needs to be cleaned up for this contest. Paint points and turnovers, both problem areas for the Lynx, must improve. As for the Mercury, it seems as though they are still trying to create their identity. With both Bec Allen and Brittney Griner still out, as well as Diamond Miller for the Lynx, those gaps need to be consistently filled.
Final Thoughts
As I have said before, no game in this league is a gimme. The erratic play of the Mercury means nothing, at least not yet. The lapse in offense against the Aces is not a harbinger of things to come for the Lynx. I am not a particular fan of analytics. Those are just numbers. What matters most is people, and how they choose to respond. That is something you won’t find in any statistical chart. That’s the human element, and that’s what makes this game so damn good.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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