Mitchell Hansen
Web Editorial Associate
C | 6-6, 212 lbs
2016 season: 34 games, 34 starts, 13.9 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.7 BPG, 59.5 FG%, 71.7 FT%
Midway through the 2015 WNBA season, the Minnesota Lynx were involved in a three-team trade that landed center Sylvia Fowles in Minnesota.
The three-time WNBA All-Star with a decorated resume was added to the Lynx team who was coming off two WNBA championships in the past four seasons.
Her goal was to help Minnesota capture another title. Mission accomplished.
The Lynx went on to win the 2015 WNBA title, their third in five years and Fowles earned her first championship.
While trying to defend their championship, Minnesota went on to reach the WNBA Finals in 2016, but fell to the Los Angeles Sparks in five games.
During the 2016 season this past summer, Fowles played a large part into Minnesota’s success.
In her second season with the Lynx and her ninth in the WNBA, Fowles was second on the Lynx in points per game (13.9), first in rebounds (8.5), second in steals (1.3), first in blocks (1.8), first in field goal percentage (59.5 percent) and second in minutes per game (28.6).
Fowles, Florida native, will play in her 10th WNBA season when the 2017 season kicks off at 6 p.m. on May 14 against the Chicago Sky at Xcel Energy Center.
Top Three Games Of The Season
3.) July 17 at Dallas Wings
In the 98-97 overtime win over the Dallas Wings at College Park Center, Fowles tallied her highest rebound total of the season, finishing with 19 rebounds. She also had 14 points and three assists in the game. Fowles shot 4-of-5 from the field and went 6-for-7 from the free throw line.
2.) May 18 at Chicago Sky
In the 97-80 win over the Chicago Sky at the Allstate Arena, Fowles finished with 24 points, her second highest point total of the season, along with 13 rebounds and three assists. She shot 10-for-13 from the field and 4-for-6 from the free throw line.
1.) September 17 vs. Atlanta Dream
In the 95-87 win over the Atlanta Dream at the Target Center in the regular season finale, Fowles saved her best performance for last. In the win, she recorded a season-high and game best 30 points, along with eight rebounds. Fowles shot 9-for-11 from the field and went 12-for-18 from the free throw line in the game.
Offseason Plans
Fowles is spending her offseason playing overseas in China, playing for Beijing for the second straight season.
Through 17 games, the 6-foot-6 center is averaging 22.5 points, 11.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks per game. She is averaging 30.6 minutes per game while shooting 66.5 percent from the field and 69.7 percent from the free throw line.
Role For 2017?
Behind Maya Moore, Fowles was one of the primary scorers for the Lynx in the 2016 season. She was second on the team in points per game, averaging 13.9 points.
Along with her ability to score the ball, Fowles’ biggest asset to Minnesota is her ability to haul in rebounds. She led the team in rebounds last season with 8.5 a game.
Look for more of the same out of Fowles in the 2017 season.
They Said It…
“We are excited to have Sylvia re-sign with the Minnesota Lynx organization,” Executive Vice President Roger Griffith said after the team re-signed Fowles prior to the 2016 season. “Sylvia joined the organization midway through the 2015 season and played a pivotal role in winning our third WNBA Championship.”