After starting the season with 6 losses in 6 games, morale was at its lowest on the Minnesota side. Except that the way, four defeats of less than 10 points, left above all regrets or even frustration.
“We have to learn to win. We always find ourselves in those situations where we are close to victory. We could easily have a 4-2 record. said Napheesa Collier, after the sixth consecutive defeat. “These games are slipping through our fingers, so we have to change our mindset collectively, otherwise we will continue to lose. It sucks to be 0-6. What is disappointing is that it is largely due to the lack of effort. It’s not as if they come in from difficult shots, they get baskets in the paint, lay-ups…”
A collective reaction that feels good
About ten days after these remarks, the Minnesota Lynx played 4 additional matches, and we can see one thing: if the matches of Cheryl Reeve’s players are still ultra tight, on the other hand they win them! As proof, their last four matches have been played with a maximum difference of five points. The balance sheet: three victories in the last four outings, including the latest on Friday evening, with the Los Angeles Sparks (77-72) on the floor.
Led by 9 points at halftime, the Lynx could count on the very good performance of Napheesa Necklace, top scorer of the game with 25 points at 9/13 shooting. Under the spotlight of the Crypto.com Arena, she scored 9 points in the 3rd quarter to allow her team to pick up the score, before winning.
“We are a new team” highlights Napheesa Necklace. “We have a lot of new players and young players. Learning what to do on a collective level to conclude games well has been a bit difficult, but I think we are finally trying to find our way and find what works best for us ”.
With this positive dynamic of three wins in four games, the Lynx now brings its record to 3 wins for 7 losses, and leaves the last place in the league.
