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00:00And Casino for the Minnesota Lynx, sticking with this same group, has started all season long.
00:05Olivia Miles, the top vote-getter, in the initial offering of fan voting for the WNBA All-Star Game.
00:11That voting continues until June 27th.
00:16Also represented in the top 30, Courtney Williams and Natasha Howard.
00:20And for the Los Angeles Sparks, they are without the WNBA's second-leading scorer.
00:25And Kelsey Plum out with a leg injury, missing her fourth game this year.
00:29Yeah, when you take 25 points per game and over 6 assists per game, that is a huge bucket that
00:35the Sparks are going to have to fill tonight, Sloan.
00:37They have been done it throughout the course of this season.
00:40Early on, she did miss four games with an ankle injury back in late May into early June.
00:47How they respond here after a very disappointing loss themselves on Monday night against Golden State, that is the big
00:54question.
00:55Coach Lynn Roberts says it has to be a collective effort.
00:58You don't replace 25-plus points per game with any one single player.
01:02Everyone has to do their part.
01:04But going up against the top defense in the WNBA in the Minnesota Lynx, it'll be D'Erika Hamby and
01:11Natasha Howard to tip things off at Crypto.com Arena.
01:15And the first possession will belong to the Los Angeles Sparks and Erika Wheeler, the veteran on this squad, orchestrating
01:22this offense against the rookie, Olivia Miles.
01:26As the Sparks seen their last three games last in the WNBA, shooting just 41%, trying to see the ball
01:33go through, starting with tonight's contest.
01:36He has been miles able to get the deflection.
01:38Ogwumike just grazes iron.
01:40And Minnesota, an excellent defensive possession to start.
01:43Well, it's an early example of the team defensive effort that has been so good by the Lynx here over
01:49the past few games.
01:51And the free throw line, McBride drops it inside one-on-one.
01:54The face of Natasha Howard, well-contested.
01:57It doesn't drop.
01:58And the rebound corralled by Nneka Ogwumike, one of the best rebounders in the league's history.
02:04Slicing through is Wheeler, Ray Burrell.
02:06And the starting lineup in place of Plum is able to accelerate to the rim.
02:09Well, and Burrell probably one of the bright spots in that game against Golden State.
02:14She had 13 points.
02:15She's been averaging just shy of 11 per game.
02:18She had a season-high 24 against Phoenix.
02:21McBride will launch from three.
02:23She's got it.
02:25An illustrious talent descends to the top five in WNBA history in career threes.
02:32Now tied with Tina Thompson.
02:35Does it here only in that first quarter.
02:38And a great sign for the Lynx.
02:39They want to open the floor.
02:41But Burrell now with the first five out of the gate for L.A.
02:45A response there with Burrell.
02:47Puts Los Angeles up 5-3.
02:50Olivia Miles snaking through that pick-and-roll.
02:53Gets to the elbow.
02:55But Kayla McBride needs one more to surpass Tina Thompson.
02:59Takes sole possession of fifth all-time in WNBA history.
03:05Hits her first look.
03:08Right there, 748 in her career.
03:13You think about the other names on that list.
03:16And that puts you, as you said, an illustrious group of women who are on those numbers,
03:22who have been outstanding three-point shooters,
03:23but also a player like McBride just in her time with the Lynx.
03:27Top 10 in scoring for the franchise.
03:32The pull-up is good for Erica Wheeler.
03:35Dropping in the mid-range.
03:36That has to be a good sign if you are Los Angeles,
03:39because she was not effective in that game against Golden State.
03:43Has struggled to score.
03:44But without Plum in the lineup, others have to step up.
03:48It's a significant absence, especially with Plum having a career year.
03:52A block inside by D'Erika Hamby.
03:54And she'll take it off the glass, igniting the fast break for the Sparks.
03:59Atkins a tough take.
04:00Leaves it short.
04:01And secured by Howard.
04:04One matchup inside, seeing Agwumike and Howard crashing the glass on both sides
04:09as Miles gets the step, accelerates with the burst for two.
04:13That's where she's been so good.
04:14It's just to be able to read the defense, allow the play to develop.
04:18If you are going to give her space to get to the rim, she will make you pay.
04:22Coach Reeves says even within the course of a game,
04:25she is facing different kinds of schemes and lineups.
04:28D'Erika Hamby has a three-point play opportunity.
04:31It's been early and often now for Los Angeles.
04:34They've taken some perimeter shots,
04:35but they've also had opportunities, Sloan, to get to the paint.
04:38That's where this Lynx defense has to continue to be tough in the mid-range
04:43as well as to clog that paint.
04:45But we talk about Olivia Miles, her ability to create,
04:47and she could just do it in so many different ways.
04:50Ball in her hands has opened up so many options for this Lynx offense.
04:55Up ahead to Courtney Williams, guarded by Wheeler,
04:59sneaks around the screen.
05:00She'll accelerate and pull that up and in for two.
05:04The mid-range between her and Wheeler, working for the respective sides.
05:10Sparks coming off a 20-point loss against Golden State.
05:15Want to start this one-off strong.
05:17They lead by two as Hamby will add to that cushion.
05:20There's a reason why a two-time All-Star is going to have to have the ball
05:24in her hands a lot tonight.
05:26As we said, without Plum, they also are without Cameron Brink
05:29to be able to give them help in the perimeter and in the post.
05:33Brink, an excellent defender out with an ankle injury.
05:36So down two important contributors for this squad.
05:38Mia Coffey, her first look for three.
05:40Doesn't get the bounce.
05:41Howard right there says,
05:43I'll take that and give my team a bucket.
05:45She's been so good on the glass.
05:47Kind of the top rebounder for this Lynx squad,
05:50averaging over seven a game.
05:52When you talk about our players,
05:54you've got 59 career double-doubles in the W.
05:58There's a reason why, because she's going to crash the glass.
06:00Cheryl Reeves now in her 17th season, leading this team.
06:06Minnesota down by two here against the Sparks,
06:09here in the midway point of this first quarter.
06:13Beautiful offense by the Minnesota Lynx,
06:16an easy lay-in for McBride.
06:18That's one of the staples of this Lynx offense, Sloan,
06:21is they're going to move without the basketball.
06:23It's a cut, no standing.
06:25You have to have your head on a swivel defensively,
06:27and a big mistake for the Sparks.
06:30Nearly another turnover for the Sparks.
06:32Burrell gets nearly wrapped up,
06:34and Bride wanted a turnover at travel.
06:37This is going to take over possession anyway.
06:39They just put so much pressure on the basketball,
06:41they disrupt you and make you uncomfortable.
06:45McBride.
06:45And working around the perimeter.
06:50Williams tries to penetrate along the baseline.
06:53Howard can't quite get the touch,
06:55but does get the pushback.
06:57You don't put a body on Natasha Howard,
06:59she will make you pay on the glass.
07:01We talk about the ball in the hands of great guards,
07:04but you've got to move them out of the paint.
07:06Minnesota takes the lead now, 13-11,
07:09past the midway point of this first quarter.
07:11Here's Burrell, facing a brick wall in McBride.
07:15Always getting the toughest matchup on the opposing team.
07:18Game in, game out.
07:19Here's Wheeler, a very high degree of difficulty.
07:22Shot doesn't go.
07:24And now Miles can dart up the floor,
07:26is looking for Williams nearly there.
07:28But a turnover for Minnesota.
07:31Timeout called on the floor.
07:33Quick start for both teams in Los Angeles.
07:35Minnesota nearly cushioned.
07:37Clarks.
07:38Minnesota trying to make it two wins in a row on the road here tonight.
07:42Let's take a look at our keys to the game,
07:43brought to you by LutherAuto.com.
07:45Missy.
07:45Well, this paint battle,
07:47where both of these teams average at least 40 in the paint per game,
07:50you've got to find a way to get inside,
07:52but you need to get on the offensive glass
07:54and put some pressure on the interior defense.
07:56And Karrion is sharing this link squad,
07:58averaging 22 assists a game so far on the year.
08:02When they make the next pass,
08:03they kick ahead,
08:04they share the basketball.
08:05This offensive machine has been almost unstoppable.
08:09And their 107-74 win over Portland,
08:12recently a target center,
08:13a season-high 31 assists for the Minnesota Lakers.
08:17Here's Miles working through the Sparks defense.
08:21Minnesota again,
08:22sharing the basketball,
08:23multiple touches,
08:24and drive the Lofton Fire can't hit.
08:28Burrell in the starting lineup for Kelsey Plum.
08:30The WNBD season score out today,
08:33and the Euro step-through works for Burrell.
08:35I'm so impressed so far by the 6-2 go forward.
08:39She's going to give you a lot of different options.
08:41But as we said,
08:42you've got to get to the interior that time,
08:44off the bounce,
08:45able to finish through traffic.
08:47Wallace kicked.
08:48Miles trying to throw it inside to Natasha Howard.
08:52Wiesel also had seven in double figures,
08:55and that win over the Portland Fire,
08:58that was the first time in franchise history,
09:00tied a league record.
09:02And that's the kind of numbers
09:03that you love to be able to see,
09:05and I know Cheryl Reeve's so happy about
09:06just getting multiple people involved.
09:09And that's where they see that lift from the bench.
09:11You know and expect it from your starting lineup.
09:14You need it from others as well.
09:16Here's Miles wide open from distance.
09:19Yes!
09:20It's the piece of her game
09:21that a lot of people maybe didn't necessarily see
09:24when she was in the college ranks.
09:26But now that three-point shot has come alive.
09:29She hit eight threes in one game so far this season.
09:33That happened on June 4th against Golden State.
09:36As Minnesota forces a turnover.
09:38Ball in the hands of Miles.
09:39She scopes it open and that easy.
09:41That's what this team has done,
09:42is they have generated offense with their defense.
09:46You want to continue to do that.
09:48They caused 22 turnovers
09:50in the blowout win over Portland on Monday.
09:52And they converted that into 26 points.
09:54Miles, her last six games,
09:5622 points per game.
09:58Nearly six assists, 66% shooting.
10:01She's getting a lot of layups
10:03like we just saw on the other side.
10:04Hamby, though, here will lay it up in it.
10:08Hamby, six points on three of three shooting.
10:10Los Angeles led by Burrell, seven.
10:13Miles also with seven.
10:15Tie for the game high.
10:16Okay, Martin new into the game.
10:17The former Iowa Hawkeye.
10:21That's going to be a foul called on Nia Coffey
10:24trying to use her power against Martin.
10:25Yeah, looking for a great matchup
10:27and an opportunity to be able to go one-on-one.
10:30A bit of a collision.
10:31Looks as though Martin gets up a little bit gingerly.
10:34May have taken kind of knee to knee
10:36as she stood her ground when Coffey went baseline.
10:39But that aggressiveness is exactly
10:41what this Lynx coaching staff has asked from Nia Coffey.
10:45To be a setter of the momentum.
10:47To be that spark and use the versatility
10:50and her athleticism to be one of those players
10:53and be a playmaker.
10:54It was Coach Reeve who said she got the game ball
10:56after that win over Portland.
10:58For how she set the tone,
10:59her defense rebounding deflections and threes.
11:02She had a 5-by-3 game.
11:04The first of her career.
11:06Burrell didn't have the ankle.
11:08Handy face in contact.
11:10And she will head to the free throw line.
11:12Well, and Coffey has drawn now the assignment of Ray Burrell.
11:16We've seen that with both McBride and Coffey
11:18to be able to get those tough matchups.
11:20But the one thing I took away from what Joe Reed said
11:23about Nia Coffey was the level of competitive nature
11:27that she brings to the floor each and every time.
11:31That is just not something that coaches dole out all the time.
11:34So they are going to be very specific about that.
11:37She knows that she has to have coffee on the floor
11:40for them to be successful.
11:41The Sparks led by Lynn Roberts in her second season
11:43but nine years prior to that at Utah
11:47in the college ranks has her team at 7-7 this season.
11:51Here's McBride launching from three.
11:52No good that time.
11:53Knocked down her first.
11:55Still tied with Tina Thompson.
11:56Her fifth all-time WNBA history career series
12:00with 748.
12:02Next is her full possession.
12:05Martin is stuck on the baseline.
12:07Chance Gray has also just entered the contest.
12:09the rookies in the spot
12:10and they will get another free ball
12:13coming from Ray Burrell.
12:15But extend the defense, space the floor.
12:18That's where L.A. has thrived.
12:21Their success and their seven wins
12:22has been able to spread the floor
12:24and give themselves opportunities inside out.
12:27Burrell has scored in double figures the last two games.
12:31By that momentum, she's got 10 points on four of five shooting
12:35in the starting lineup for Kelsey Plum today.
12:37And I think you start to see the versatility of a player like Ray Burrell
12:41really coming into her own and understanding she's going to have to step up.
12:45It has got to be a collective effort tonight for Los Angeles.
12:48As you mentioned, with no Kelsey Plum, changes the game for the Sparks.
12:55Olakosu, Antonio Dilar checked into the game for Minnesota.
12:59Maya Caldwell as well.
13:02This bench unit coming off an outstanding effort against Portland.
13:08Kelsey Plum on the sideline with a lower left leg injury.
13:13And she has been having a career year.
13:17You look at where she ranks in the WNBA this season.
13:20Second in points per game.
13:21But she's just 4% overall.
13:2341% from three.
13:25Was absolutely outstanding to start off this season.
13:30To become a number one overall pick.
13:31Here's the mid-range dialed up by Courtney Williams.
13:34It's money each and every time.
13:36Those ball screens.
13:37You've got to make a decision defensively.
13:40No one out to help.
13:41And that is going to be all green light for Courtney Williams in that mid-range game.
13:47Kate Martin running into multiple Lynx defenders.
13:51There was nothing to do there.
13:52But Hoosbar comes away to Martin.
13:54And the Sparks are going to reset a very big three.
13:57That doesn't connect.
13:59And Kosu able to nab the point.
14:02Defense!
14:04Defense!
14:04Defense!
14:06Caldwell now engineering this offense for Minnesota.
14:11Kosu coming off a double-digit effort as Williams tries the mid-range.
14:17A foul on the floor is going to go against Los Angeles.
14:23That's an Atkins.
14:24On Atkins.
14:24Yeah, she's just getting hung up on that screen, Sloan.
14:26And you've got to be able to have some communication.
14:28They know you can't really switch to that big little screen just simply because of the shooters and the range.
14:37Dilar feeds it to Natasha Howard.
14:39One of the greats as a roller.
14:41But just a little too strong at the rim.
14:47Ray nearly lost the handle.
14:48Now Agumike will travel inside.
14:51She shifted those feet.
14:52Yeah, just too much action with those feet.
14:56An extra step.
14:57And I think almost surprised that the defense got there so quickly.
15:00But that is what Minnesota will do is that they rotate.
15:03They are going to be in help.
15:04It's the team defense concept where they have lived and found success this season.
15:12Final 10 seconds of this first quarter.
15:15A close one between the Lynx and Sparks.
15:17Here is Williams.
15:18Punching from three.
15:20She's got it.
15:21Final shot opportunity for the Sparks as Gray sprints up the floor.
15:27And that shot no good at the buzzer.
15:29It's Minnesota leading by four at the end of the first ten minutes in downtown Los Angeles.
15:3623-9 and her same consistent numbers we've seen throughout their career.
15:41I think, Missy, these two players have been defined by consistency.
15:45Well, and when you say savvy, I really like that word that was on that graphic because I think that's
15:50what they are.
15:50Those are the types of players that understand how to impact games and they change games.
15:55Huge acquisitions for both of them to be on these rosters this season.
16:00Making an impact, using their experience, leading some of these younger players,
16:05putting these teams in a space where they can succeed.
16:08Beautiful pass by Olikosu on the other side.
16:10We had coffee, the recipient on the interior.
16:13Minnesota shooting 55% in this contest.
16:17Ball goes inside to a blue mechanic.
16:19She powers it up in it.
16:20She's got to get more touches again without Kelsey Plum available tonight for Los Angeles.
16:25I feel like she has to be the engine for this Sparks offense tonight.
16:29Her first points at 3rd and 0 for 2 as we begin in the second quarter in Los Angeles.
16:34Did Miles bring up the mid-range?
16:37Showing up her three-level scoring.
16:39Well, and it's amazing to think that as she was named Rookie of the Month in the WNBA,
16:44leading all rookies, scoring and assists in the month of May,
16:48taking right at it where she's been in the month of June,
16:51and really making it look real simple.
16:54She doesn't try to do too much, and I think that's one of those things with the leadership
16:58from other players on this roster, as well as what Cheryl Reeve has been talking to her
17:03time in and time out, is to play within herself and to make other things happen.
17:09Unboxed out, getting to the rim, but unable to convert.
17:13Is Taniya Latson coming out of South Carolina?
17:17A missed opportunity by the Sparks, and then a foul on this side.
17:20I think you could see some more minutes tonight for Los Angeles, for Taniya Latson and Chance
17:26Gray, both rookies coming into this league.
17:29Draft picks by Los Angeles.
17:31Latson had a great season at South Carolina, had been at Florida State, where she was known
17:36as a prolific scorer.
17:37Probably hasn't come into that yet here at the professional level, but has the potential
17:44to be one of those types of impact guards.
17:50Miles surveying, playing with one other starter on the floor, that is Coffey cutting back.
17:55Dordellar plunging a space, and she drains it from three.
17:59It's one thing, you know that she's going to be a spot-up shooter, but they give her too
18:03much space.
18:04You've got to be able to have quick closeouts and understand where those shooters are on
18:08the floor.
18:08Coach Reeves said there's just a steady way about her, she's in the right spots defensively,
18:13good compete, still want her to take more threes, maybe message understood.
18:18Well, and against Portland, think about the numbers that she had, 29 minutes on the floor,
18:23seven assists and no turnovers.
18:25That's the type of bench contribution that this coaching staff from Minnesota is looking
18:31for from players like D'Alaire.
18:36Aguomike getting it into Hamby, a couple minutes into the second quarter.
18:41Minnesota leading 30-21, the turnaround jump shot doesn't fall for Aguomike, and Minnesota
18:46gobbles up the rebound.
18:51Miles through that Kosu screen will again try that mid-range step back, works to perfection.
18:57Just create space, and that's what you have to be able to do.
19:00It's contact and space, and it's almost undefendable by this L.A. team.
19:06Jim Park, 26-year-old rookie with the drive along the baseline.
19:10Now Miles keeping her eyes up across the floor, dropping it off near, no look assist right
19:16there, but Kosu able to prevent a turnover on what will be won, an offensive foul is caught.
19:22I don't know if that's necessarily one that the Lynx coaching staff or Aguomike is going
19:27to agree with, however, you love to be able to see Miles be able to get to the middle of
19:33the floor, get to the paint, and create in different ways.
19:37That drop down, no look, they couldn't corral it, but that's the type of possession and aggressiveness
19:43off the bounce you want to see from this Lynx offense.
19:46Hamby thought about that three.
19:48Minnesota leading 32-23.
19:51Atkins, walled up by Caldwell, who rejects it away, tries to keep it in bounds.
19:57It's going to stay on this side, though, but excellent defensive effort by Maya Caldwell.
20:03I heard Cheryl Reeve and her coaching staff say a few weeks ago, one of the things we have
20:07to do is guard the basketball.
20:08But that is exactly what they did right there with Maya Caldwell, being able to go one-on-one
20:15and just stop Ariel Atkins.
20:17No place to go on a rejection.
20:20Can't corral it, but a great defensive stand.
20:23Four seconds to shoot for the Sparks.
20:25They'll be Wheeler launching it from very deep, and Minnesota will come up with that rebound.
20:33Miles working through a couple Howard screens, but has that picked off by Atkins?
20:38Atkins, five times all defensive team selection.
20:42Burrell served off hot, but can't convert there from distance.
20:49Two for ten shooting from long range for Los Angeles as Miles maneuvers her way inside
20:56with a tough take and finish.
20:58It's constant patience from Olivia Miles, not trying to create the hesitation and no-help side.
21:05When you over-help and over-compensate, she is going to beat you one-on-one.
21:10Attack mode all day and a chance at that three-point play.
21:14The hezi she's got, just glorious.
21:17In terms of how she's able to manipulate defenses, can't convert on three-point play.
21:24But Minnesota leads 34-23.
21:34Los Angeles is going to call a timeout, 6-46-7.
21:39And Minnesota is on top, 34-23 in the second quarter.
21:43Look at Olivia Miles.
21:45She ranks in the top three in every statistical category amongst rookies,
21:49including firsts and points per game.
21:53Minnesota, 5-for-5 to start this quarter.
21:56They're shooting 63% overall in this game and forcing turnovers against Los Angeles.
22:03Coffey able to get it up ahead to Caldwell, who's played solid minutes here in the second.
22:09Tries to find Howard down low inside.
22:13McBride, the extra pass.
22:14Half-point down and out, but Howard tries to flip it up and in.
22:19There's a foul on the floor.
22:20Which you said, the extra pass.
22:21And that's exactly what has to happen for this Lynx offense to continue at the rate that it has been.
22:27The top-scoring offense in the WNBA.
22:30And that doesn't happen if you don't share the basketball.
22:33It is a message that is preached to them day in and day out.
22:36They know you go from good shot to a great shot.
22:39Good things happen.
22:41Miles.
22:42Quick trigger, three.
22:44She's got it.
22:45And Miles, 16 first-half points on seven of eight shooting lights out to start this game in L.A.
22:53She has taken the WNBA by storm, and the numbers prove it.
22:59Ball in her hands.
23:00Good things have happened.
23:01She creates not only for her teammates, but for herself.
23:05Making the WNBA her playground this season.
23:09As Minnesota back on the offensive end.
23:11McBride.
23:12Rebound it.
23:13Instead, beats it down low into Howard.
23:16Wonderful turnaround.
23:20All starts with the extra possession and the activity on the offensive glass by this Lynx squad.
23:29They have been so good.
23:31Number one in the league in rebounds per game.
23:34Just shy of 38.
23:35But we talk about Olivia Miles with the range.
23:38It is one piece of her game that has continued to get better in just these first 14 games of
23:44the WNBA season.
23:45Miles again takes off.
23:48Count it.
23:51What's the answer for how she's playing to start this game?
23:56They have not been able to contain Olivia Miles off the bounce.
24:00There's been no one in help.
24:02They haven't been able to get through that high ball screen.
24:04And she has just been able to slice and dice this L.A. squad from the get-go.
24:11That time, convert to the three-point play.
24:13She was upset at herself that she didn't.
24:15The first opportunity she got.
24:17Now sitting at 19 first-quarter points as Nia Coffey picks the pocket of Bambi.
24:23And Natasha Howard will easily put it up.
24:26And in Minnesota running away with things right now in the first half in L.A.
24:32as a timeout is called.
24:36Minnesota all out.
24:40Meet Kinga Taylor, one of the fresh voices, bringing you the links from a fan's point of view.
24:44From game day energy to behind-the-scenes moments, follow along as she shares her love for Minnesota basketball.
24:49Catch Kinga on the Creator Hub exclusively on Victory Plus.
24:53Back in downtown Los Angeles, Minnesota has taken firm control of this game.
24:59A 22-7 run over the last nearly five minutes.
25:03The links are shooting 60% collectively as a team, holding the Sparks under 40.
25:10And they lead 42-26.
25:12The defensive pressure and the uncomfortable way of which L.A. has played here in this second quarter speaks volumes
25:19to that 22-7 run.
25:21Just simply putting the pressure on the basketball, no easy shots, and then opportunities time and time again to slice
25:29and dice this Sparks defense.
25:30They just have not had an answer.
25:34Midway point of the second quarter was close.
25:38It was back and forth to begin this game.
25:40But Minnesota has been able to create this cushion here in the second on the row.
25:49Going to win two in a row, coming off a 33-point win against Portland.
25:54They have six touchdowns this season that lead to the WNBA by double.
26:00Eric Wheeler scoring inside.
26:02I'm Olivia Biles with 19 points back to lead this offense.
26:08Just two games removed from pouring in 29 points as again she kicks off and finishes through contact.
26:16There's been no answer in this entire first half, Sloan, just simply because L.A. has not made an adjustment.
26:24You've got to be able to have someone in help side.
26:27They try to run her off that screen, but just too much body contact by Chance Gray, and yet another
26:33opportunity for a three-point play.
26:36She's like, oh, hey, my left hand.
26:37Look at that.
26:39I'm going to use both.
26:41That's another three-point play for Olivia Biles.
26:44That's 22 first half points, 90% shooting.
26:49You exhaust every superlative.
26:52Talking about Olivia Miles.
26:53This half, a perfect illustration of her mastery.
26:59And Paul McKay dropping it off along the baseline.
27:02Burrell loses it out of bounds.
27:03And that's the kind of energy that Los Angeles has been playing in the second quarter.
27:08Down 45-28.
27:09Trying to make something happen, and it was a strong start for Ray Burrell.
27:13She had 10 points.
27:14She was 4 of 5 in that first quarter, but now quiet here in the second.
27:18Better energy in terms of the defensive intensity by the Lynx, and nothing has come easy now for L.A.
27:25Miles takes off to the rim again.
27:27Finds a wide-open Kayla McBride.
27:29Can't dream it that time as one in this first half.
27:32Tied with Tina Thompson for fifth all-time career threes in WNBA history.
27:38As the Sparks turn it over on back-to-back possessions.
27:41That's their seventh.
27:42Minnesota has scored 12 points off those turnovers.
27:46That's what they want to be able to do is get out and play with pace in the open floor.
27:50But there have not been a lot of those opportunities because the Lynx have blistered the net,
27:56shooting just shy of 60% here in this first half.
28:00Minnesota has five turnovers.
28:01It's only allowed a single point to be scored off of them.
28:05One of the storylines of this first half.
28:08Another is Olivia Miles with 22 points.
28:11Nearly loses it out of bounds as she loses her glasses as well.
28:14He's looking for a review.
28:17Looking over at the Lynx bench.
28:19Not going to get it.
28:21That's turnover number six for the Lynx.
28:30Looking through a glumake.
28:32Being guarded by Coffey.
28:34Now 10 seconds to shoot for the Sparks.
28:37It's Hamby launching a three.
28:39Great.
28:39They've got to be able to extend the floor if you are Los Angeles because they need to be able
28:43to be in attack mode and get downhill.
28:45But those opportunities have not been there with no threes coming from the Sparks.
28:49Caldwell in transition came off and down from the elbow.
28:52That puts Minnesota under 60% shooting, which has become normal for this team.
28:58For now, a slice through for the Lynx.
29:00Back-to-back buckets now for Los Angeles.
29:03Here's Miles again attacking.
29:07Unincumper to the rim.
29:08She's got 24 first-half points.
29:11If you're Lynne Roberts, you're going to say someone has to pick up the basketball.
29:16Nobody picked up Olivia Miles.
29:18She gets it off the inbounds, coast-to-coast, and finish.
29:22I feel like I need to check my own prescription like hers.
29:25But it is indeed 10 for 11 shooting for Olivia Miles in this first half.
29:3124 points.
29:32She's five off of her career high, which she got just two games ago.
29:3829 points against Las Vegas, where she was fantastic against the Aces.
29:43But now you're looking at a game where she has just taken control, playing with great poise and passion.
29:49It's the skill and vision.
29:50And yet another turnover now by L.A.
29:52Eight.
29:53Up ahead is Natasha Howard.
29:55She can't finish, and the Sparks will take it right back.
29:58Minnesota spawners a fast-break opportunity there.
30:01But there's Coffey.
30:03See, let's forget about that.
30:04Give her team back the basketball.
30:06So active on the defensive end.
30:08Exactly what the Lynx need from Coffey.
30:11Courtney Williams can't knock down the long-range, too.
30:14Burrell tries to get it out ahead of McBride, sending her every direction.
30:18And she'll be fouled by Coffey as she attacks the rim.
30:21And Ray Burrell has been a bright spot tonight for Los Angeles.
30:25And it looks as though she is dealing with a little bit of a cramping issue, unfortunately,
30:29because now she's got to go to the free-throw line.
30:32On that last dead ball prior to this possession, came up a little limp, seemed as though she
30:38might be dealing with some cramps in that left leg.
30:42But regardless, you've got to continue to get her some touches.
30:47Who else can step up?
30:49Without Kelsey Plum available, you have to find that kind of offense.
30:54You remove 25-plus points a game from your lineup, it is going to change things immensely.
31:00The Lynx have a deal that's truly the cat's meow.
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31:24Caldwell, slicing through the defense, drops it off, and Minnesota turns it over to the Sparks.
31:29They have not been able to capitalize on those opportunities, though.
31:32Just four points on eight turnovers for Minnesota.
31:38And that ball is kicked.
31:39Two.
31:41Two.
31:41Two.
31:41Two.
31:42Two.
31:42And Ray Burrell will step up, Kate Martin into the game for the Sparks.
31:49Kate Martin comes back into the ballgame now for Los Angeles.
31:53She's going to go out.
31:54Ray Burrell is going to take a seat as they look at that cramping issue it seems as though
31:58she is dealing with.
31:59But can Kate Martin get herself loose?
32:02But another turnover and tip by Coffey, and they convert on the other end.
32:07That is now 14 points off turnovers for the Minnesota Lynx.
32:13They are executing in every way possible to lead 49 to 35, shooting 57%.
32:23And bringing the defense as well, they lead the WNBA in offensive rating, defensive rating, net rating, and all those
32:30by a significant margin compared to number two.
32:35Looking down low.
32:36And the finish on the interior.
32:40Minnesota's still up 22.
32:45Miles not on the floor right now, 24 points in the first half for the rookie.
32:52Coffey wants it in the paint.
32:53One-on-one against Martin was called for an offensive foul earlier when she tried to drive on Martin.
32:58That time, the face-up doesn't go.
33:02Atkins leaving, tried to drop it off.
33:06And that will be another kickspot.
33:08Really dodged a bullet there because there was a lot of traffic in the lane, a lot of white jerseys.
33:14As this Minnesota team just continues to be so good in the numbers game.
33:19Cheryl Reeve and her staff put a lot of emphasis on where they sit in their offensive and defensive rating,
33:25what that looks like.
33:26And they have been head and shoulders above the rest of the league.
33:29That's why they're the top team right now in the W.
33:3250 seconds to go in this first half.
33:34Minnesota has kept its foot on the gas.
33:37Emphatically took off in this second quarter as Wheeler throws up an air ball.
33:42Minnesota up by 22.
33:46Williams.
33:47It's going to be an offensive foul.
33:49Got that arm near the neck of Atkins.
33:52Ariel Atkins, one of the best defenders that you're going to see five times she has been part of the
33:58WNBA all defensive teams.
34:00So that is going to be a lot of ball pressure out front.
34:04You've got to be able to keep your composure for Courtney Williams handling the basketball win.
34:08Miles is not on the floor taking that point spot.
34:14Wheeler retreating, looking for a Grumake.
34:17About a 10-second different shot in game clock to close out this first half in Los Angeles.
34:22Martin.
34:24Another air ball for Los Angeles.
34:26And Courtney Williams is going to slow things down.
34:29Shot clock is off.
34:30And now seven to shoot.
34:33Pick and roll.
34:34Up ahead to Howard.
34:36Perfection with a three-point play opportunity.
34:39That's what you want to see is the finish in traffic and through the contact.
34:44One of the things Natasha Howard does best to be able to catch and finish.
34:49But it is the outstanding feed off that penetration.
34:52And that high ball screen, that pick and roll, has been there all night tonight.
34:58Courtney Williams makes them pay.
35:00How exciting to be a guard on the Minnesota Lynx where you can just throw the ball to Natasha Howard
35:05basically anywhere.
35:06She's going to make you look like a pick and roll fantastic.
35:10She's going to make you look fantastic.
35:13Final shot opportunity for the Sparks.
35:15It's Wheeler rushing too strong.
35:17And Minnesota with a huge first half.
35:21Leading 52-37 on the road.
35:25The story, a living a Commissioner's Cup play.
35:28So that is the simplest way.
35:30Minnesota doing its part here in the first half.
35:31Yeah, they ran away with that number with the plus, 1-1-1.
35:36But you've got to be able to have a victory here on the road, which is they were well on
35:40their way.
35:41You want to continue to keep your foot on the gas.
35:44This is not a let-up situation.
35:46You talk about what Cheryl Reeve likes to say is that you want to win every possession.
35:51McBride 4-3 and sole possession of fifth all-time.
35:56A new milestone unlocked for one of the great shooters in WNBA history.
36:01And Kane from the unselfish play from Olivia Miles to find the shooter open.
36:06And that is what McBride is so good.
36:08She moves without the basketball zone, makes herself available.
36:11And she is ready to pull the trigger.
36:13That's her second three today.
36:15And puts her over Tina Thompson for fifth all-time.
36:21749 career threes for Kayla McBride in her career.
36:26Here it is.
36:33What a reaction from Kayla McBride just to be able to understand and feel.
36:38Puts herself into now that top five all by herself.
36:42To a five from behind that three-point line tonight.
36:45But it is the two that has put her in to outstanding company.
36:49McBride said recently,
36:50I'm proud of my longevity, the ability to play at this level for a long time.
36:55But seeing the names I'm surrounded by.
36:58I played with Becky Hammond.
37:00I was coached by Katie Smith.
37:02I am grateful, honored, and inspired by the work.
37:05Those players who push you to be great.
37:08But this is someone who has studied the art of shooting at the most molecular level.
37:14Admits she nerds out about it on a regular basis.
37:17And even coach Lynn Roberts commented about it coming into this game.
37:21She said, we will not see a quicker release in the WNBA right now.
37:25It is masterful to watch her warm up.
37:28To take in the talent that is her three-point shooting.
37:31Which is just one part of how great she is at this game.
37:33Absolutely.
37:34But I think that's what has made that longevity possible.
37:37Is that you find a craft.
37:39And you hone it.
37:40And you continue to make it better each and every season.
37:43That is what Kayla McBride has done.
37:45And that's why she solidified herself not only in the record books for the Minnesota Lynx.
37:50But in the WNBA as a whole.
37:54The Sparks moving around the perimeter.
37:56Wheeler is no good.
37:57She's coming off a game in which she was 0 for 7 shooting.
38:01She's 2 for 8 in this contest.
38:040 for from distance.
38:05As Miles drops it off inside.
38:07Howard tries to muscle it up.
38:09And no whistle there.
38:11Miles not able to get the steal.
38:13Numbers here for L.A.
38:15And snatched away by Howard.
38:18It's just activity.
38:19Not only in the half court.
38:20But in transition defense.
38:22This league's team.
38:23They get back.
38:24They make you uncomfortable.
38:25And they continue to cause turnovers and generate chaos.
38:2956-37 is Minnesota's lead.
38:32Less than two minutes into this third quarter.
38:35They've picked up where they've left off.
38:37They're shooting 56% holding L.A.
38:41Just over 40% as Aguomike is off from distance.
38:45L.A. 4 for 17 as Aguomike will then straight to the rim.
38:48And that's the first bucket here for Los Angeles in this second half.
38:52We talked about both of these teams needing to get off to a strong start.
38:56Especially the Sparks.
38:57It's been a little bit less for them.
39:00Coffee draining it from distance.
39:03It is all Minnesota Lynx in downtown L.A.
39:06Now up by 20.
39:08I think you cannot talk enough about how important it is for this Lynx team
39:13to have players like a Courtney Williams and Olivia Miles in at the same time.
39:17To be able to have that type of dynamic duo in your backcourt.
39:21To create for themselves but for their teammates.
39:24That all comes off the penetration and the unselfishness to find the three in the corner.
39:29Courtney Williams was second in the WNBA last season.
39:32An assist per game.
39:33She is thriving back in her natural position.
39:36But she'll still drop dives here and there.
39:38Hard take to the rim.
39:40Ray Burrell in the starting lineup for an injured Kelsey Plump.
39:44Here's Miles again working through the teeth of this L.A. defense.
39:49Tries to go up and under and she's fouled.
39:51We've seen a little bit of adjustment coming out of halftime by the Sparks
39:55to be able to do a better job to contain Miles.
39:57To not allow her just straight line opportunities to get to the rim to finish.
40:02But now you've got to get that help side in good position.
40:06And if you are a step late she's going to be able to draw a foul.
40:09And that is going to be a difference maker.
40:11We've seen others step up, knock down shots here in this early in the second half.
40:17Miles knocks down the first free throw.
40:19She's three for four from the charity stripe.
40:22Do Mr. Chase's score a Pride Night link soccer jersey.
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40:38Whistle up ahead is Los Angeles getting into their offense.
40:42And it's going to go on Miles.
40:47That's her first.
40:48As much of a struggle it has been offensively for Los Angeles.
40:52Keep in mind, yes, they are out without Kelsey Plum.
40:55But they did manage four games without her earlier in the season.
40:58So this is a little bit of a repeat for them.
41:01How do you make those adjustments though?
41:03Because she isn't in the lineup.
41:05You've got to create space.
41:06You've got to get movement.
41:07And you've got to find easy buckets just like Atkins there did.
41:11Atkins, her first points had been 0 for 6 against this Minnesota defense.
41:16Williams looking inside to Howard.
41:18She couldn't quite corral it.
41:19And that is turnover number 10 from Minnesota.
41:22Only four points scored off of those turnovers by L.A.
41:27It's Erica Wheeler now running the show against the rookie Miles.
41:31The cool McQueen lines up a three.
41:33And that rims out.
41:35Defense!
41:37Miles with her 26 points after those free throws.
41:41Looks for McBride.
41:42Looking for her third three after she just moved into sole possession of
41:46fifth all-time career threes.
41:48WNBA history.
41:49That foul is going to go on Williams.
41:51And that's the pace that Erica Wheeler can really play with
41:55when they get out into the open floor.
41:57But there just have not been that many opportunities tonight.
42:00So much of that is because of the makes and the ability of this Minnesota team
42:05to shoot the basketball at such a high level and to score as they do.
42:10But also just not having to be able to play with that pace when you take out Plum.
42:14It just changes how they operate in both transition and in the half court.
42:18How they're a whistle as the ball was being brought in.
42:30And that's going to go on Coffey.
42:31And that's going to go on Coffey.
42:46That's number four.
42:51She had just nine points in that loss that they had to Golden State where they lost by 20.
42:58And she's been averaging just shy of 16 points a game, averaging about nine rebounds as well.
43:04The numbers speak for themselves.
43:06Five of the last six games she's been in double figures,
43:09but just has really not found that touch over the last couple games.
43:13Give credit because this Lynx defense, they force her into tough possessions.
43:17Off the turnover, broken up by Hamby, who takes it.
43:2218-point lead for Minnesota at the six-minute mark of the third quarter.
43:27Poked away from behind by McBride.
43:29That's going to be a foul.
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