Head-To-Head: Zandalasini and Brunson (Maybe) Need To Stop Ogwumike
Julian Andrews
August 21, 2018
Before the Lynx face the Sparks on Tuesday night, we’re going position by position and taking a look at the matchups that will define the first-round playoff contest. Next, a young gun and a savvy veteran match up with a do-it-all forward…
Nneka Ogwumike is a problem. She’s strong, smart, a good rebounder, an excellent finisher in the paint and a good enough shooter to make her opponents pay for leaving her open. She won the 2016 WNBA MVP award and she’s been leading the Sparks on deep postseason runs for years.
She also hit a game-winner to snatch the 2016 WNBA title from the Lynx, but we don’t talk about that.
Even on the day of the game, it’s a little unclear for both teams what is going on at the power forward position. Ogwumike is battling an illness, but she is probable for tonight. Rebekkah Brunson, who would usually have the job of stopping her, is questionable as she continues to deal with concussion symptoms.
More than likely, the Lynx will have to turn to a new face to match up with Ogwumike—Cecilia Zandalasini. While Maya Moore may defend Ogwumike if Brunson is unable to play, Ogwumike will probably match up with Zandalasini on the other end. That’s a tough draw for the young Italian, but also represents a major opportunity for the Lynx.
If the Sparks choose to keep Alana Beard on Moore and have Ogwumike guard Zandalasini, Zandalasini will need to use her shooting to get Ogwumike out of the paint and away from being able to help on Sylvia Fowles. Zandalasini is still getting used to being guarded by bigger players, but she had some moments against Elena Delle Donne in the Lynx’s last game against the Mystics that are definitely a cause for optimism.
Zandalasini is deceptively quick, and she gets such nice elevation on her shot that she’s able to execute even when taller players are in her area. The key is going to be playing smart. Ogwumike will certainly try to tempt Zandalasini into making rookie mistakes.
If Brunson is able to go, the game plan changes a bit. Brunson can out-rebound Ogwumike one-on-one, and has the ability to go toe-to-toe with her physicality. If the WNBA’s all-time leading rebounder is in the game, the matchup becomes more about Brunson winning in an area of the floor where both players excel.
Whether it’s Zandalasini or Brunson lining up across from Moore at the second forward spot tonight, keep an eye on how the Lynx choose to handle Ogwumike. If they can keep her quiet, it could make all the difference in the world.
Read the rest of the series:
Lindsay Whalen vs. Odyssey Sims
Seimone Augustus vs. Chelsea Gray
Sylvia Fowles vs. Candace Parker