Alexander Shun

Web Editor Associate | Twitter 

The Minnesota Lynx are 2-0 after defeating the Indiana Fever 78-69 on Saturday night in Indianapolis.

A huge reason for their fast start has been the play of forward Rebekkah Brunson.

Having missed all but the last 11 regular season games last year after having arthroscopic surgery on her right knee to correct a ligament condition, Brunson looked…good, at the end of last season. Not great. Not like the Brunson of old, but she looked pretty good. Her stats reflected that, averaging just over seven points and eight rebounds in the 11 games. Still, something wasn’t right. Brunson was not 100 percent health-wise and was eventually forced to have yet another procedure on her knee after the season ended.

“I think it was really difficult to watch from the sidelines and know that I couldn’t contribute,” Brunson said. “I did as much as I could, being very vocal, I’ve been trying to lead that way, but I’m always someone that wants to ‘do’. I’m that type of person and it got difficult at times but I did what I could.”

It was a long offseason for Brunson, and one that was spent rehabbing her knee, trying to get herself back to the Brunson of old. She did an excellent job of that.

When Training Camp began earlier this year, Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve said, “It’s nice to have the old Rebekkah back.”

Nobody agreed with such a sentiment more than Brunson herself.

“No one liked the old, gimpy one [Rebekkah],” Brunson joked. “It’s good to be healthy and you know, you always feel more involved when you’re a part of the group and a part of everything that is going on, so I’m excited.”

Although Brunson disliked being sidelined for most of last season, she embraced her role as a leader; a role she wants to remain in this season.

“Last year I had to kind of focus on leading from outside the court, outside the lines, so it has been really nice to come in from the beginning and be on the court and be able to be that type of leader.”

The 2015 season is only two games young so to avoid any sort of a jinx, no such declarations of MVP or All-Star will be made. However, maybe a Comeback Player of the Year award (if the WNBA gave such an award) would be in Brunson’s future.

In the two games this season Brunson has been downright dominant, averaging 15 points and 14 rebounds, including a monster 14 point and 18 rebound game on opening-night last Friday against the Shock.

Brunson’s teammates are thrilled with her play thus far.

“She’s someone who does those little things that are necessary to win on a consistent basis,” said forward Maya Moore. “For our post players, that’s everything we could have wanted. She sets the tone, she sets the bar.”

Teammates are glad to see her playing at such a high level, while Brunson is just happy to be playing again, and more importantly, playing without any pain.

“It makes everything fun. You can actually enjoy what you’re doing. It’s not a grind. You’re not just trying to get through it, you’re enjoying every minute of it.”

To vote Brunson into the WNBA All-Star Game in Connecticut, click here then click vote for player.