Lynx pull an all-nighter

LYNX 102

STORM 93

2 OT

The Lynx opened up their 2024 home schedule at a most unusual time on Friday night. 8:30 start time for TV. 

Then an already late night became even later, during a double OT marathon that didn't finish up until almost 3 hours later. 

It sure didn't look early that the Lynx would need to go to such great lengths to secure the win. The stout defense they had played in Seattle just a few nights earlier to get a win carried over to this game. And coupled with an efficient offense they looked like they might easily win in a rout. Midway through the 2nd a 4 point play by Kayla McBride pushed the lead up to a game high 16. 

But then the Lynx offense got very sloppy for a very long time. They started turning the ball over, often unforced, which let Seattle go on a 17-6 run. The halftime lead remained 7, but the Lynx could have been on easy street already. 

Third quarter was messy too. The highlight was rookie Alissa Pili draining a corner 3 for her first WNBA points.

Much of quarter 4 was a turnover fest too, but halfway through the Lynx had pushed the lead back into double digits and looked to havw salted it away. But again, they couldn't get out of their own way, and turnovers and poor shot selection erased almost the whole lead. They had 27 turnovers for the game, most of them in regulation. 

Still, we had McBride going to the line for free throws, up 3, with under 30 seconds left. But then McBuckets of all people clanked both freebies, and compounded problems by fouling Jewell Lloyd on a 3. She sank all of hers. Courtney Williams took an ill-advised quick shot and missed, giving Seattle the final shot, which they thankfully missed.

Off to overtime, which was evenly matched. Clutch shots on both sides. Then Napheesa Collier drew a foul with seconds left down 1. And she too flubbed at the line, making just 1 of 2 and sending us to a second OT. 

Here, finally, the Lynx put the hammer down. Collier, McBride, and Alanna Smith all drained threes. Seattle could not match, and the Lynx escaped a predicament of their own making with their first 2-0 start since 2019.

The Lynx just have to tighten things up on offense to be dangerous. Their defense is already impressive. This is a faster Lynx team, with better outside shooting, than anything they have had in years. My gal Dorka will be back soon, and hopefully Pili will develop. Smith looks like a fantastic signing. And Collier is elite.

Could be a very fun Lynx season, as long as they don't keep me out past midnight any more.