Minnesota Lynx – Training Camp Day Six – Pre-Season Game 1

What struck me from the moment the game started was the abundant and immediate need not only for more teams but for bigger rosters. There are simply too many good and deserving players out there. I see no reason why additional teams and enlarged rosters cannot be achieved in tandem rather than separately. Simply put, if you want to win big, you have to spend big. 

As a fan, there is no particular interest in statistics or the intricacies of play design. I don’t ignore them, but I am far more intrigued by style, chemistry, and commitment. From my perspective, I saw all three in action from both the Lynx and the Chicago Sky, even though the Sky got off to a rather shaky start.

Minnesota Lynx Unit in the Opening Preseason Game

Seeing Napheesa Collier, Diamond Miller, Alanna Smith, Natisha Hiedeman, and Courtney Williams take the court as a unit was indeed an impressive site. Not only were expectations high for the newcomers but also because this particular line-up provided an almost instant chemistry comprised of commitment and court awareness. It became apparent rather quickly that from the start, this was a game to be won, not simply one in which some players were auditioning for a job.

Although Miller is the least experienced of the bunch, it didn’t matter. After a couple of turnovers by each team, the machine seemed to settle in. This is driven by Collier and Williams who, in particular, provided an offensive grounding that was lacking last season. For the Sky, the debuts of Reese and Cardoso were anticipated. Also, as expected, Cardoso provided a formidable presence in the post. She did leave the game after a shoulder injury.

Hopefully, it is not serious. Reese’s line of 13 points and 9 rebounds was a good start. I expect that as she works into the system, those numbers will increase. But as I am here to cover the Lynx, I’ll let someone else tell you what they thought about Chicago.

Takeaways from the Sky – Lynx Matchup

It isn’t so much a question of expectations for the first pre-season game. Rather, an assessment and eventual decision of which players will emerge as the most effective and in which combinations. Keeping in mind that Kayla McBride sat out, and Dorka Juhász, Sika Koné, and Cecilia Zandalasini were still overseas, the look of the Lynx will be measurably different come the season home opener.

Among the newcomers, Taylor Soule, Camryn Taylor, and Kayana Traylor stood out as legitimate contenders for a roster spot. Rookie Alissa Pili‘s first game was not, most likely, what she would have wanted. Pili did struggle from the three-point line. Although there were shots without any contest in the game, she will find her range. You could chalk it up to nerves, but as we all know, even great shooters have rough games. For Chicago, Marina Mabrey, always a threat, went 3-10 and only hit one three. It happens.

Final Thoughts on the Game

The addition of Smith, Hiedeman, and Williams gives the Lynx another strong piece of what could very well be a new and exciting foundation for the coming season. The defense looked significantly improved over last season, with better communication and an overall sense of purpose. One can garner whatever they want from statistics and analytics. Yet, as a fan, which I am, I am far more concerned with the big picture and the components therein.

I see the emergence of a team far better than last season’s. Moreover, I see possibilities, more options, certainly a stronger bench, and a greater focus on the tasks at hand. I asked myself on the drive home if I was seeing what I wanted or what was there. While seeing what was there and while I am eager to see those players who were absent from the game and who will in all probability be there for the season opener, I do think that the possibilities for the 2024 Minnesota Lynx will be formidable.

And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.

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