The Minnesota Lynx knew their opponents after the game on Thursday. It just so happened to be the Golden State Valkyries for the 1st Round of the WNBA Playoffs. The Lynx have MVP front runner Napheesa Collier and the Valkyries are led by Veronica Burton who should be the Most Improved Player.
The Valkyries came into Game 1 looking extremely comfortable in the 1st half as it seemed as though every thing went down. Veronica Burton damn near played the whole game and started Golden State off with a couple of 3 pointers to give them the lead. The Valkyries biggest lead of the game was 10 points and they tried their best to keep the Lynx fans out of this game. The Valkyries had 4 scorers in double figures and they barely played the bench as they have a tall task ahead in this game with the #1 seeded Minnesota Lynx.
Veronica Burton gave her all as she finished with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists on the day. The Lynx held the Valkyries under 40% from the field and 3 point land on the day as the defense was swarming in the 2nd half.
The Minnesota Lynx started off the game a little shaky but that would change quick with a couple of Kayla McBride 3 pointers. Playoff KMac was locked in as she was aggressive on both ends of the floor from the jumpball. Some of the timely shots that Kayla McBride hit throughout the game helped slow the leakage when the Lynx trailed.
The momentum shifted ASAP when Natiesha Hiedeman came in the game as she was electric in transition and was a menace on the defensive end as well. The energy that Hiedeman comes in with it’s contagious and she makes everyone around her better as she was able to finish with 18 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists in the day. There’s no doubt in my mind that Hiedeman is the 6th Woman of the Year as it should be a no brainer.
We talked about the spark that Kayla McBride & Natiesha Hiedeman had to get the Lynx rolling but it was the MVPhee that closed the door on the Valkyries. Napheesa Collier was able to get to her spots with ease as no one on the Valkyries were able to slow her down. Phee was able to finish with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists on the day and was even able to rest as the Lynx had the game out of hand. Napheesa Collier is a walking cheat code with her play on both ends and the Minnesota Lynx have what it takes to get to the finish line.
The Lynx shot 51.5% percent from the field today and it was a delight to see Dijonai Carrington back on the court as well as she came back from her shoulder injury. In her 11 minutes she played amazing defense on Burton and knocked down 2 three pointers. Jessica Shepard was able to make an impact in this one with 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. This Lynx team is stacked and they will be a tough out for anyone.
Game 2 will be on Wednesday as the Lynx head out to San Jose to try and finish the series.
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