The Minnesota Lynx had a lot of time to let that loss to the Aces sink in. Tonight they bounced back and were able to get back in the win column against a banged up Mystics that still was able to fight.
In the 1st quarter it was the Brittney Sykes show as she was able to get to the basket with ease. Tonight Sykes had 13 points in the 1st but finished the game with 17 points. The defense that the Lynx played on Sykes in that 2 quarter to the finish was impressive. The Lynx put some length on her and we’re able to limit her driving attempts as well. Once the Lynx shut down Sykes then it was time for Natasha Cloud to show up. Cloud was able to keep the Mystics in the game with her passing ability and her creative shot making ability. Some of the shots that Cloud made you just have to tip your hat but to the Lynx credit all the shots were contested. Natasha Cloud finished the game with 24 points and 6 assists. Cloud was the Mystics offense in the second half and she was able to keep them within distance at all times until late in the game. One thing the Mystics were mad about was the officiating and how they only had 4 free throws to the Lynx 23 attempts.
Overall the Lynx were able to take this game and never look back in that 2nd half. Diamond Miller became the 1st rookie WNBA player to score more than 20 points with 9 assists and 1 turnover. Diamond’s energy was contagious as she was able to score inside and outside tonight but brought it on the defensive end as well. The confidence that Diamond is playing with right now is unmatched and she’s playing like a sophomore now instead of a rookie. The growth that Diamond has been able to display will go a long way and she was able to showcase her playmaking ability as well. This team has been on a roll since she returned from injury and it’s going to have its moments but this was a special moment for Diamond Miller.
The captain Napheesa Collier got her game going too and she could have had a bigger game if she didn’t miss some easy looks in the paint. Collier finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds on the night. Collier was a problem for the Mystics on both sides of the floor as she commanded that ball in the paint scoring and rebounding. Kayla McBride bounced back in a major way scoring inside and outside as well. The buzzer beater she made at the half was the momentum shift that the Lynx needed and she didn’t look back finishing with 15 points and getting her shooting groove back.
The Lynx will be traveling to NYC to take on the Liberty in a game that should be challenging but they should be prepared enough to win it.
Photo Credit: (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
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