Even though the New York Liberty couldn't play the Commissioner's Cup final on their home court at the Barclays Center because of the NBA Draft, Breanna Stewart and her teammates were still favorites at the UBS Arena on Long Island. Their fans came out in force to see them do the double.
Except that it didn't go as hoped for the local fans. However, the New York players seemed to gain the upper hand at the end of the first half. But Minnesota's defense disrupted Sabrina Ionescu (23 points, 10 rebounds but 7 turnovers) and Breanna Stewart (24 points, 11 rebounds but 5 turnovers).
By stealing balls, the Lynx were able to create a lot of counter-attacks (20 to 6 in the area) which hurt the Liberty very badly. Especially since Minnesota was particularly skillful from afar (14/29 including 6/8 for the only Bridget Carleton) and was able to count on the precious baskets of Cecilia Zandalasini out of the bench.
Enough to allow Napheesa Collierelected MVP of the match, and her teammates race towards victory (94-89) and therefore win a bonus of 30,000 dollars each.
“You have to talk about us now, you have no choice”
“You have to talk about us now, you have no choice”said Cheryl Reeve, the Lynx coach. “We don't really care what you think but we can tell you, 'You need to talk about us.' We just beat a “Superteam”. Do you know how difficult it is? Because you love your “Superteams”. That's all you want to talk about. But we just beat a “Superteam”. Let's talk about it “.
Already at the head of the team when it reigned over the WNBA, between 2011 and 2017 (four titles and two Finals lost), Cheryl Reeve can in any case appreciate the return to the forefront of her franchise, currently in 3rd place in the league with 13 wins for 3 losses, behind the New York Liberty and the Connecticut Sun.
“We have a lot of offensive threats, but defensively we are very solid”added Napheesa Collier on what allows this team to return to the top of the table. “That’s why it’s so difficult to play against us. We are aggressive and we are willing to give everything [parce que] we protect each other. This is the most talented and fun team I've had since I've been here. We want to build on that, but we don't want this (Commissioner's Cup title) to be our pinnacle. We want to achieve bigger goals at the end of the season. »
Note that the French Olivia Epoupavery little used by the Lynx this season, did not come into play.
