Even though they haven’t been at full strength through the first four games of the season, the Minnesota Lynx have still managed to start the WNBA season as one of the hottest teams in the league behind an undefeated start.
On Tuesday at Target Center, the Lynx finally got back to full strength, and they continued to stay hot while extending that undefeated start to the year to 5-0.
Behind the return and season debut of Kayla McBride, Minnesota jumped out in front of the Seattle Storm early and took the first matchup of the year between the two teams 82-77 in Minneapolis.
As a result, the Lynx remain as one of two teams in the league yet to lose a game. And the scary part is, they might be getting even better now with a full roster.
Fast Start, Balanced Offensively
The Lynx jumped out of the gate fast, extending a double-digit lead behind a strong defensive first quarter which proved to be pivotal in the end given the Seattle comeback late.
Minnesota played well on both ends throughout the game, but notably in the opening quarter, forcing Seattle into seven turnovers resulting in 13 points for the Lynx.
Seattle Storm v Minnesota Lynx Photo by David Berding/Getty Images
From that point, Minnesota put forth a balanced offensive effort and held things down for the most part defensively. Courtney Williams led the way with 23 points, four rebounds and four assists, followed by Alanna Smith with 16 points, seven rebounds and two steals, and Napheesa Collier with a balanced double-double consisting of 16 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, five steals and two blocks.
Weathering the Storm
After trailing by as much as 15 points in the first quarter, Seattle battled back and narrowed the game to as close as one in the fourth quarter, but Minnesota was able to weather the storm in the end.
After Minnesota’s 26-11 edge in the first quarter, Seattle outscored the Lynx 18-13 in the second quarter and 22-15 in the third quarter to battle back into the contest, though that comeback fell short.
Seattle Storm v Minnesota Lynx Photo by David Berding/Getty Images
Gabby Williams put on a show for the Storm, leading with a team-best 20 points and six assists. Skylar Diggins added 18 points and two steals, while Nneka Ogwumike posted 11 points and eight boards and Erica Wheeler tallied 10 points off the bench.
Welcome Back, KMac
After missing the first four games of the season due to personal reasons, McBride not only made her return Tuesday but earned the starting nod and received a very warm welcome from the Lynx faithful in attendance at Target Center.
McBride didn’t skip a beat in her season debut, hitting her first two shots from deep and sparked an early lead for the Lynx while doing what she does best: providing a boost to her team both offensively and defensively.
By the end of the game, McBride finished with 15 points, three assists, two steals and one rebound over 31 minutes, connecting on a team-best trio of threes and hitting some key free throws down the stretch of the game.
Even if she would have went 0-for-10 from the field with no points, it is good to see McBride back and on the court again for the Lynx. But she looked like she was in mid-season form from the opening tip in her return, and will provide a nice lift to Minnesota on the court and in the locker room.
Up Next
The Lynx will hit the road for a two-game roadtrip that will span over the weekend, starting with a matchup against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday in Phoenix.
That game, the first battle between the two teams this season, will tip off at 9PM CT and can be seen nationally on ION.