Minnesota Lynx, Los Angeles Sparks prepared for subsequent chapter
Mechelle VoepelespnW.com
CloseMechelle Voepel covers the WNBA, girls’s school basketball, and different school sports activities for espnW. Voepel started protecting girls’s basketball in 1984, and has been with ESPN since 1996.
Los Angeles’ Nneka Ogwumike smiled not too long ago when requested concerning the warmth of the rivalries with the groups closest to the Sparks: Phoenix and Las Vegas. “It form of looks as if everyone sees us as a rival,” she stated.
Maybe so, but when there may be one other crew that feels that approach, it is Minnesota. And Lynx-Sparks has been essentially the most intriguing rivalry within the WNBA over the previous three years. They have been, in fact, the league’s finest two groups in 2016 (when the Sparks gained their third title) and ’17 (the Lynx acquired their fourth title). And even final 12 months, when each had their struggles they usually ended up assembly within the first spherical of the playoffs, every sport they performed had that air of one thing particular.
Now, new storylines mark the primary Sparks-Lynx showdown of 2019 — three:30 p.m. ET Saturday on ABC.
The Lynx held on for a 58-56 victory over Phoenix on Thursday and are tied atop the league with Connecticut at Four-1. The Lynx’s previous and current will come collectively in an intriguing approach Saturday, with the franchise retiring Lindsay Whalen’s jersey. The opposite three of the unique “core 4” of Minnesota’s first two title groups additionally usually are not in motion now, with Maya Moore sitting out the season, Seimone Augustus sidelined after knee surgical procedure and Rebekkah Brunson not on the roster (concussion).
Heart Sylvia Fowles, the important thing participant the Lynx obtained in 2015 who was so massive part of their different two titles, remains to be going sturdy whereas now being surrounded by a distinct solid. And if there’s anybody who’s suited personality-wise to cope with that, it is Fowles. She is aware of she must be the steadying presence always, and he or she might be that. It does not imply she’ll at all times be the main scorer, however she’ll at all times be a serious risk the opponents must key on.
2 Associated
A lot of eyes might be on Napheesa Collier, the newest in a protracted line of pro-ready UConn gamers in a position to make an influence within the WNBA as quickly as they hit the ground. Collier has gone by way of some anticipated ups and downs by way of simply 5 video games in regard to when and the place she will get her photographs. That can proceed to be a course of.
However even towards Dallas (1-of-7, 5 factors) and Phoenix (2-of-7, 4 factors), Collier did not get flustered or begin making different errors. The identical calm willpower we noticed from her in school goes to serve her properly, particularly with how a lot enjoying time and accountability she’ll have as a rookie.
Former Sparks guard Odyssey Sims could have some highlight on her, too, and one can assume the video clip of her getting fouled exhausting by Whalen early in Sport Four of the 2017 WNBA Finals might be unearthed. However bygones appear to be bygones; Sims has averted the subject since coming to the Lynx by way of commerce, and that is in all probability for the most effective. She is aware of she was positively needed (and wanted) in Minnesota this season, so this has an opportunity to work out properly for her and the Lynx.
Sims and fellow guard Lexie Brown carried the scoring load with a mixed 27 factors towards Phoenix, and that might be a priority for the Sparks. Los Angeles had bother stopping Connecticut guards Jasmine Thomas and Courtney Williams (mixed 32 factors) in Thursday’s 89-77 loss to the Solar.
Minnesota will retire former level guard Lindsay Whalen’s jersey on Saturday. Tim Clayton/Corbis by way of Getty Photographs
The Sparks have a brand new coach in Derek Fisher, whose philosophy on protection — extra particular person accountability — is one thing to which they’re nonetheless adjusting. Plus, Los Angeles is with out Candace Parker and Alana Beard because of damage, and Maria Vadeeva, who’s enjoying abroad. Riquna Williams, who had a listening to on her assault/housebreaking case in Florida on Thursday, didn’t play towards the Solar.
The truth that Williams is with the Sparks in any respect this season whereas awaiting trial has been an comprehensible supply of controversy. The WNBA has stated it’s investigating the case, however has allowed her to play. How this has been dealt with by the Sparks — who re-signed Williams as free agent regardless of the fees towards her — and the league might be one thing new commissioner Cathy Engelbert ought to contemplate addressing when she formally takes over in July.
The Sparks’ high weapons now are the Ogwumike sisters, with Nneka and Chiney averaging a mixed 30.5 factors and 17.eight rebounds. That is just about what we anticipated from them, and their chemistry is significant for a Sparks crew that possible will not really feel prefer it has solidified its id for some time.
The Ogwumikes are going to be the emotional leaders for this crew, in addition to main the crew statistically. How they lead the Sparks on what might be an emotionally charged day of celebration for the Lynx this weekend might be attention-grabbing to look at, too.