Locked On Women’s Basketball: A Minnesota Lynx update after Commissioner’s Cup championship

Horstman, The Next’s Minnesota beat reporter, breaks down why the Lynx were successful in Tuesday’s championship game:

“They did it by doing what they sort of have been doing all season, and that’s been a lot of clutch shots, sharing the ball really well. This team shares the ball better than any basketball team in any league in any level that I’ve watched. …

“[Forward] Napheesa Collier was fantastic in that game, named MVP, and then the first thing she said after getting it was … ‘I think [forward] Bridget [Carleton] deserves this.’ … On any given night, it could be anyone who goes off. And we’ve seen so many different players be the reason why they win games.”

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The Lynx lost their next game, to the Dallas Wings on Thursday, but a bright spot was the return of second-year guard Diamond Miller, who has only played in four games this season due to injury. Here’s Horstman on the impact Miller makes:

“it’s really exciting to see Diamond back. Diamond has been just a very well-liked player and person here in Minneapolis since she’s been drafted. She’s very exciting, adds a lot of energy, a lot of bounce and can really get going on the break. [She] adds just a lot of flair and a lot of potential to the game.

“I think what actually is nice is that there’s pretty much no question now that … Bridget Carleton’s spot in the starting lineup is [not] up for any debate. That’s BC’s spot. So I think what that allows [head coach Cheryl] Reeve to do is bring Diamond along slower. … [But Diamond is] gonna be an important part of this team going forward. And you can tell her teammates were really happy for her, just to see her … put the uniform back on and be out there.”

Related reading:

• Napheesa Collier’s growth and excellence represented in Team USA selection
• Defense defines Minnesota’s early-season success
• Cheryl Reeve wants Bridget Carleton ‘hunting threes’ this season for Minnesota Lynx

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