The Game

The Lynx have lost two in a row for the first time this season and are looking to get back in the win column in what should be an exciting Friday night contest against one of the best teams in the league.

It’s always dangerous to make too many predictions early in the season, but it’s safe to say that the Sun are real contenders. Led by Jonquel Jones, who is having the best season of her career, the Sun get a lot of scoring up and down the roster to back up a defense that is rivaled only by Minnesota.

Jones will give Sylvia Fowles another tough matchup down low—the latest in a string of All-Star-caliber bigs Fowles has faced in the last few weeks—but the dynamic backcourt of Courtney Williams and Jasmine Thomas can’t be ignored either. Additionally, Shekinna Stricklen has been one of the most productive three-point shooters in the league this season. This is a team that can beat you in a lot of ways.

The Lynx have weapons of their own, though, and despite a rather disappointing week they’re set up to play a team like the Sun very well. Minnesota will lean on their defense and count on Danielle Robinson replicating what was a bit of a breakout performance in New York. Lexie Brown and Odyssey Sims’ production from the outside will be key as well as the Lynx try to create space around Fowles. 

What: Lynx vs. Sun
When:  7 p.m.
Where: Target Center
Watch: Fox Sports Go, League Pass
Tickets

Pride Night

The Lynx will celebrate 2019 Pride Night on Friday, presented by Xcel Energy. There will be many moments of celebration throughout the game in addition to a pregame pride conversation featuring impactful LGBTQ+ leaders hosted at Pourhouse in downtown Minneapolis and a postgame pride party at the Lumber Exchange. There will be appearances by Lynx players and a silent auction hosted by Twin Cities Pride.

You can get all the information on what will certainly be a fun night here.

Ball Control

Unfortunately, the story of the night when the Lynx were in New York was, once again, that the Lynx couldn’t take care of the ball. They’re now averaging 19.1 turnovers per game—the worst mark in the league.

There’s really no way to sugarcoat it, it’s going to be very hard to win games giving the ball away at that rate. Turnovers also tend to lead to easier offense for the other team because they can get out on the break. It’s actually somewhat remarkable that the Lynx defense has held on as well as it has given the frequency their opponents can get out in the open court.

It’s not going to get any easier to hold on to the ball against a good Sun defense, but it’s priority No. 1 until further notice.

Injury Report:

Lynx: Seimone Augustus (knee) and Jessica Shepard (ACL) are out.
Sun: No injuries to report.

Probably Starters:

Lynx: PG—Robinson, SG—Sims, SF—Christmas-Kelly, PF—Dantas, C—Fowles
Sun: PG—J. Thomas, SG—Williams, SF—Stricklen, PF—A. Thomas, C—Jones