MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx today announced forward Natalie Achonwa has been cleared to return to play and in a subsequent move, center Elissa Cunane was released from her hardship contract. Achonwa will be available for tonight’s contest against the Phoenix Mercury.
Achonwa rejoins Minnesota after suffering a right hamstring injury in the May 8 contest against the Washington Mystics. Achonwa, in her second season with Minnesota, has contributed a total of five points, two rebounds and one assist in two contests. The seven-year veteran completed her first season as a Lynx by playing in 21 games and averaging 3.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 12.0 minutes per game.
Cunane, a 6-5 rookie center from North Carolina State, was signed by Minnesota on May 31 to a hardship exception contract. She saw action in three contests for the Lynx where she totaled two points and five rebounds in 10 minutes of play. Chosen by the Seattle Storm in the second round (17th overall) of the 2022 WNBA Draft, she appeared in both preseason games for the Storm where she totaled nine points and eight rebounds in 26 minutes of play.
The Lynx play the Mercury tonight, June 21 at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. Tip is set for 9:00 p.m. CT and will broadcast locally on Bally Sports North Extra and nationally on NBA TV.