Minnesota Lynx Suffers Back-to-Back Losses for the First Time this Season
The Minnesota Lynx played their 35th game of the WNBA season, but unfortunately, they were unable to secure a necessary basket in the last seconds, resulting in a 75-73 loss to the Atlanta Dream on Thursday. This loss marks the first time the top team in the league has suffered two consecutive losses this season, following their 85-75 defeat in New York on Tuesday.
Bridget Carleton was a standout player, finding her offensive rhythm with 16 points, including four triples, while Jessica Shepard continued to shine with 15 points and 16 rebounds. Kayla McBride also contributed 15 points to the team’s efforts. The close game was expected, given the strong performance of both teams, with the Lynx (28-7) having won 96-92 in Atlanta on June 27, and the Dream (23-13) having won 90-86 in the Target Center a month later.
A Disappointing Loss for the Lynx
Carleton, who scored the first eight Lynx points, had a season-high five three-pointers, a significant improvement from her previous four games, where she was 3 for 11 from the field, including 1 for 8 from three-point range, for a total of eight points. The team’s strategy to set the tone with her paid off, as they became more aggressive and took advantage of the matchup.
Despite the loss, the Lynx showed great defensive work, giving themselves a chance to win the game. However, they neglected to do the things they normally do, which ultimately led to their defeat. The team’s ability to stay in the game was impressive, considering they were outshot by the Dream, who converted 51.6% of their shots, compared to the Lynx’s 39.8% in the first 20 minutes.
A Close Game with Many Twists and Turns
The game was marked by several intense moments, including a 13-2 run by the Lynx at the end of the third quarter, which put them ahead 60-54. However, the Dream responded with 14 of the first 16 points in the last quarter, taking a 68-62 lead with 4:50 to play. The Lynx managed to stay within two points during the break, but ultimately fell short. With 1:31 remaining, the Lynx forced the Dream into a desperate shot, and Alanna Smith hit a triple at the other end with 48.9 seconds left, giving the Lynx a glimmer of hope.
As the game came down to the wire, the Lynx had several opportunities to take the lead, but unfortunately, they were unable to capitalize on them. With 12.6 seconds left, Carleton’s inbound pass found Shepard, who was able to reach the bucket and get the Lynx back within two points. However, the Dream’s subsequent violation gave the Lynx the ball, and Carleton’s suggested pass to Smith resulted in a trip to Courtney Williams, but the ball slipped from her hands near the basket with 1.7 seconds left, sealing the Lynx’s fate.
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Source: www.twincities.com
