In the latest episode of Locked On Women’s Basketball, The Next’s Natalie Heavren and Terry Horstman discuss the epic start to the season for the Minnesota Lynx. The Lynx are 13-4 this season and won the Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday over the New York Liberty.
Horstman, The Next’s Minnesota beat reporter, breaks down why the Lynx were successful in Tuesday’s championship game:
“They did it by doing what they sort of have been doing all season, and that’s been a lot of clutch shots, sharing the ball really well. This team shares the ball better than any basketball team in any league in any level that I’ve watched. …
“[Forward] Napheesa Collier was fantastic in that game, named MVP, and then the first thing she said after getting it was … ‘I think [forward] Bridget [Carleton] deserves this.’ … On any given night, it could be anyone who goes off. And we’ve seen so many different players be the reason why they win games.”
The Lynx lost their next game, to the Dallas Wings on Thursday, but a bright spot was the return of second-year guard Diamond Miller, who has only played in four games this season due to injury. Here’s Horstman on the impact Miller makes:
“it’s really exciting to see Diamond back. Diamond has been just a very well-liked player and person here in Minneapolis since she’s been drafted. She’s very exciting, adds a lot of energy, a lot of bounce and can really get going on the break. [She] adds just a lot of flair and a lot of potential to the game.
“I think what actually is nice is that there’s pretty much no question now that … Bridget Carleton’s spot in the starting lineup is [not] up for any debate. That’s BC’s spot. So I think what that allows [head coach Cheryl] Reeve to do is bring Diamond along slower. … [But Diamond is] gonna be an important part of this team going forward. And you can tell her teammates were really happy for her, just to see her … put the uniform back on and be out there.”
Related reading:
- Napheesa Collier’s growth and excellence represented in Team USA selection
- Defense defines Minnesota’s early-season success
- Cheryl Reeve wants Bridget Carleton ‘hunting threes’ this season for Minnesota Lynx
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