The Minnesota Lynx took Game 1 at home on Sunday against the Golden State Valkyries. In order for them to take Game 2 the Lynx would have to beat the Valkyries and their 18,000+ fans.
The Golden State Valkyries came out and threw a haymaker as Veronica Burton put the team on her back. The newly awarded Most Improved Player was on a mission in Game 2 as she was aggressive from the jumpball.
Veronica Burton was all over the place tonight with effort and energy on her way to 13 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds. Burton was the true leader and the driving force in this game for the Valkyries success. The Lynx didn’t have an answer for Burton’s playmaking ability through the first 3 quarters as she was getting to the paint and kicking it out to her shooters for easy looks.
One of those shooters was her rookie Janelle Salaün as she showed up big time in Game 2 with huge shot making ability. Salaün finished with 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist tonight. She had a tough night defensively though as Napheesa Collier was able to start getting some rhythm and hitting some huge shots. The Lynx were down by 17 points in this game and a lot of that had to do with Salaün/Zandalasini/Burton.
Tonight the Lynx showed exactly what it takes to win a playoff series but also play with the heart of a champion. Napheesa Collier hasn’t won a championship yet but she was close last season and that has been the driving force for this team all season long. When the team was down it was Kayla McBride & Napheesa Collier who kept plugging away as they’re used to this.
The Valkyries haven’t been in this moment before and they showed some inexperience down the stretch when the Lynx did the total opposite. Kayla McBride & Napheesa Collier combined for 42 points tonight and the Lynx needed every single point from them. The leadership and poise was on full display as the Lynx made it clear they didn’t want to play in a Game 3 on Friday.
The Minnesota Lynx are on a mission to get back to the WNBA Finals and this was the 1st step to achieving that goal again. The Lynx will be awaiting the winner of the Mercury/Liberty series as they get the chance to rest and wait for their opponent.
Recent Comments