On Friday’s episode of Locked On Women’s Basketball, The Next’s Minnesota Lynx beat writer Terry Horstman chats with host Natalie Heavren about Minnesota’s journey in the 2024 WNBA playoffs. The pair discuss how the Lynx adjusted in Game 2 of the semifinals against Connecticut, the impact of the late-season addition of forward Myisha Hines-Allen, what adjustments need to be made in Game 3, what they’re looking forward to in Game 3 and more.
Terry discussed the closely contested semifinals Game 2 between the Minnesota Lynx and the Connecticut Sun, which ended with a 77-70 Minnesota victory. He noted that while the Sun aimed to neutralize MVP candidate Napheesa Collier, other Lynx players — particularly Courtney Williams and Alanna Smith — stepped up their games.
“It was another knockdown drag out game,” Horstman said. He anticipates a similarly intense atmosphere in the upcoming Game 3, emphasizing the physical nature of the playoff series.
Later in the podcast, Terry highlighted the significant impact of Alanna Smith on the Lynx’s performance, noting that her ability to score from anywhere on the floor “unlocks a different level of the Lynx offense.” Both she and Courtney Williams finding their rhythm was crucial for the team in Game 2, especially after a slow start in the first quarter. On the defensive side, the Lynx effectively contained Sun guard Marina Mabrey, who had previously tormented them from beyond the 3-point arc. Keeping Mabrey contained will be another key to success for the Lynx.
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