It’s been a good week of practice for the Lynx and there’s been too much going on to focus on just one story, so here’s a collection of things to think about heading into the weekend. If you’re in the mood for a longer, more detailed read, check out this piece on Sylvia Fowles’ legacy that we published this afternoon.

Let’s hit it!

-Things are getting harder for Napheesa Collier but she’s still excelling. While she is getting scouted more and more, that goes both ways and she is learning how to deal with the different things that defenses are throwing at her. The main focus for her opposition has been trying to take away her post-up looks. Teams have been learning how to send help or front Collier to prevent her from getting to the spots she wants to. Fowles pointed out that while it’s going to be an adjustment period for Collier, she continues to create her own opportunities. Getting scouted more is a sign of respect.

-The Lynx’s late-game execution isn’t perfect but it’s a heck of a lot better. Things are moving in the right direction. Collier said she thinks the team has a better understanding of what they’re trying to do now and understands that there is no need to panic if a few things don’t go their way right away.

-Head coach Cheryl Reeve talked a bit about why she decided to hire Plenette Pierson—pretty good stuff:

“In 2017 Plenette, it was clear it was the end, so I think because of that she understood how to carve out a space that was really valuable. She had a strong connection to her teammates, great communicator, someone would come off the floor and she’d go right up to a player and tell them what she way, what needed to happen… She’s comfortable here because the stuff we run, the way we do it, she did… She’s got knowledge and confidence in saying what needs to happen.”

-Jessica Shepard has been back in the building for the last week after undergoing surgery to repair her torn ACL. It’s obviously been nice to have Shepard back in the building and she is going to learn a lot observing practices, but it is also a little difficult for Reeve to see her on the bench. “A daily reminder,” were her exact words. Reeve also made it clear she wanted Shepard in the building and said it won’t be long until she starts rehab. It will be great when Shepard can start working towards a return.

Perspective. Progress. Patience. 😈⏳🔒 pic.twitter.com/gEeorvvnvC

— Jessica Shepard (@JShepard32) June 28, 2019

-Damiris Dantas is feeling better but has not been practicing as she works on a bit of a calf injury. She’s on track to practice tomorrow and should be a go for Sunday’s game. In other news, Fowles sang a song about Dantas’ three-point shooting at practice. Dantas is making a name for herself as a deadeye from deep.

-Lexie Brown has been in a bit of a slump lately but nobody inside the organization is stressing about it. Reeve said she mostly leaves Brown alone and trusts her to work herself through things so long as her body language is good. Reeve expects Brown to keep shooting and keep playing hard—her shooting fundamentals are incredibly solid so there’s little doubt they’ll start to fall again soon.