Lacking perennial MVP candidate Napheesa Collier for a fourth consecutive sport, the Minnesota Lynx did not blink in Saturday’s rematch of the 2024 WNBA Finals in opposition to the New York Liberty.
As a substitute, the Lynx affirmed that they are in a category of their very own with an 86-80 win only a month earlier than the playoffs start.
Collier remained out after struggling a sprained ankle on Aug. 2 in opposition to the Las Vegas Aces. Nevertheless, her workforce prevailed in her absence in opposition to the Liberty (21-13), who entered Saturday tied with the Atlanta Dream (21-12) for second within the league standings.
Guard Courtney Williams led all scorers with 26 factors and notched the go-ahead bucket with below two minutes remaining.
Guard Kayla McBride had an uncharacteristic off-shooting sport, even lacking 4 free throws, however nonetheless managed to attain 17 factors. In the meantime, ahead Jessica Shepard, who has taken on an elevated function with Collier sidelined, recorded her third double-double in 5 video games, ending with 17 factors and 10 rebounds.
The Lynx (28-5) have gained six in a row. Minnesota is 3-0 in opposition to New York, which defeated them in 5 video games, 3-2, to win final yr’s WNBA championship.
Two of these wins in opposition to the Liberty have come with out Collier, who additionally missed final Sunday’s 83-71 victory. Within the one sport she was wholesome, the Lynx gained, 100-93, and Collier scored 30 factors.
On Friday, Collier’s standing improved from out to uncertain, a step in the correct path for her eventual return. The Lynx shut their season sequence with the Liberty on Tuesday, adopted by a back-to-back on the Dream and Indiana Fever (18-16) on Thursday and Friday.
Primarily based on its current play, Minnesota ought to be tremendous no matter when Collier is reinserted into the beginning rotation. The Lynx have been the WNBA’s greatest workforce all season, and the final two weeks have confirmed simply how good they’re.
