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00:00Девушки отдыхают.
00:30Вы не должны быть кто-то, это просто Кэйла Микриде.
00:33Она уничтожает все, что она уничтожает.
00:37Думаю, что Кэйла Микриде, в том числе и в первую очередь,
00:40в первую очередь, в первую очередь.
00:44Мерлин, Миллер и Миллер, на контакте.
00:46Она уничтожает Кинетикат Белл с 5 секундом.
00:49Микриде, немного слома, чтобы получить ее.
00:54Кэйла Микриде.
00:55Вы просто любите как быстро ее сет.
00:57И снижает, и плачет, и зашит.
01:01И что, Леджер Роке, вы везде из 0,00?
01:05И если вы вложите Катсала Микриде.
01:07Ну что, это тоже иначе.
01:10Кэйля Микриде.
01:13Мерли, Леджер Роке, уже было плотно.
01:15Она уничтожает богордя.
01:15Она удержит тихон и заказала Кэйла Микриде.
01:20Она уничтожает и прикладает Миллер.
01:24ДИНАМИЧНАЯ МУЗЫКА
01:52The Connecticut team, just a rookie.
01:58Moffey looking for an option.
02:00She's fouled by Nelson Adota.
02:02That's her second.
02:04Nelson Adota knew she did that
02:06and I think was frustrated with herself.
02:07Not necessary at all.
02:11You've already got that defender
02:12in such a vulnerable position bailing them out.
02:15Yes, that's exactly what it is.
02:17You bail them out.
02:18Ten seconds to shoot for Minnesota.
02:20Minnesota drive one-on-one with the rookie.
02:23Ball on the floor.
02:25Miller fighting for it.
02:27It will be a jump ball with Williams and Miller coming in.
02:31And this is where Minnesota has to watch
02:34the energy level of this Connecticut team
02:36as you see them diving on the floor for balls,
02:38their willingness to play with extra energy
02:42on the defensive side of the ball.
02:43Coach Messiaen came in and said,
02:45we know that we are facing the best team in the WNBA,
02:48but despite their record just full-lis this season,
02:52we have confidence and we have to stay disciplined.
02:54They've been able to stay even keeled throughout this game.
02:57When that battle against Dallas, they were up by 14.
03:01I mean, they should have won that game.
03:03And it just kind of slowly slipped away from them,
03:06and Paige Beckers did her thing at the end.
03:10That about sums it up.
03:11Paige Beckers did her thing at the end.
03:12She gave them their first lead since early on in the first quarter.
03:17A couple free throws sealed it.
03:19Here is Caldwell for three.
03:21No good that time.
03:22Caldwell into the starting lineup for Olivia Miles in this contest.
03:27Started 16 games last year for the Dream.
03:31And it looks like the clock did not start,
03:33so a malfunction will start this possession over.
03:42So a little reset.
03:52This team is shooting 49% from the floor compared to 43% for the rings.
04:00Just two three-point shots, though, for this Connecticut Sun team,
04:03so that is not how they are going to beat you.
04:07Not only are they last in three-point shooting in the W,
04:11but also down the fewest threes.
04:14Those would go hand-in-hand.
04:15Coach Rue trying to get an extra explanation here.
04:22It looks like it's about to be a sideline out of bounds
04:24for Connecticut.
04:25And indeed it will be.
04:26Launch starts at 21 seconds.
04:28Inside into Griner just that easy.
04:31And Griner up to 15 points.
04:33Three Sun players in double figures.
04:38Williams trying to sneak past Miller.
04:43Caldwell patient through that pick-and-roll.
04:46Couldn't find the option of Coffey on the roll.
04:48Now Howard one-on-one stops on a dime.
04:51A great look for Coffey.
04:53Can't knock it down,
04:55and Miller swoops in for the rebound.
04:56Yeah, I wondered if Reiner didn't get a little piece of that.
05:00That's not the first time where I've thought
05:02maybe she did get a piece of some linked shots.
05:05As Milton Adota has that go just through her hands,
05:08and Minnesota will take over the possession
05:10at seven turnovers for the Sun.
05:14Minnesota had five turnovers in that second quarter.
05:17As Gorky Yehoss will check in.
05:19She has two personal fouls.
05:21Hasn't scored in 11 minutes,
05:23but this crowd was on its feet
05:25when she came to the scorer's table.
05:26So much appreciation for the young player
05:29back in the WNBA for the first time since 2024.
05:32Yeah, they are very aware of what she can do on the floor,
05:36and is she still getting adjusted
05:37and comfortable out there right now?
05:40Natasha Howard from deep.
05:42That's no good.
05:45Williams is going to reset.
05:48Yehoss from the high post.
05:50Five seconds to shoot.
05:52Yehoss drops it off to Howard.
05:54The touch is good inside.
05:56And that's what you have to love about darker Yehoss.
05:58That's just a smart play.
06:00That one little extra pass making it
06:03just a little bit easier to score the ball.
06:05First bucket of the game for Natasha Howard.
06:08That three-point attempt was her first shot attempt
06:10of the game coming here in the third quarter.
06:13Of course, he's set by foul trouble here
06:15in the first half early on.
06:17As Reiner has free throws coming up,
06:20where today she's already five for eight.
06:24Natasha Howard working her way back
06:27into this game offensively.
06:29The little lay-in right there.
06:31We know that Howard has been so accustomed
06:33to playing in pick-and-roll action
06:35with Olivia Miles.
06:37And as Miles hits out of this game,
06:39she's probably getting adjusted
06:40to kind of getting accustomed to her teammates.
06:43Something you have to get credit for, too,
06:45for the Connecticut Sun,
06:46as Reiner at the free throw line.
06:48That bucket by Howard that we just saw, Leah.
06:50Yep.
06:51The first second chance points for the Minnesota Lynx
06:53who lead the W in that category.
06:56Why does that not materialize for Minnesota in this game?
07:00I don't want to say it's an effort thing
07:02because I don't feel like it's a lack of effort
07:04out there right now for Minnesota.
07:06I can't say exactly what it is
07:10because I'm not going to say that.
07:11But that is a rare stat for the Lynx.
07:15We knew the inside presence would be formidable
07:17for the Connecticut Sun.
07:19Coach Reed talked about that coming in
07:21and seeing the fingerprints of that on this game.
07:24Minnesota trailing 55-51
07:26as Williams tries to turn the corner.
07:29Met by two defenders.
07:30She deals her way back out.
07:32Ten seconds on the clock for Dallar.
07:35The pick and pop, not there.
07:37U-Haas decides against it
07:38and Williams has to go back to work.
07:41Two seconds left.
07:42Dallar will fade and hits.
07:45A high degree of difficulty shots.
07:49A little bit of luck right there as well.
07:51That was a nice little touch right there.
07:56She was actually coached by Coach Mezion
07:58on the other side with the Belgium national team.
08:00He said how excited he was to see her in the WNBA.
08:03Such a critical piece of the puzzle
08:05for any winning team she is.
08:07Willing to do anything and play her role
08:10as Diamond Miller drops it in for the free throw line.
08:12And he spoke so highly of Dallar
08:14and just you could see how much respect
08:16that he has for the young player.
08:20Under five minutes to go in the third quarter.
08:24Minnesota within full.
08:25They've trailed for much of this game.
08:27The step back is good for McBride.
08:30That's going to go as a two
08:32but still an incredible attempt by McBride
08:35putting her over 20.
08:36Mikaela McBride gets that shot
08:37because of her willingness to run so hard
08:40off of her screens to get the open shot.
08:42An easy look inside for Brittany Griner.
08:45She's up to six.
08:46Make that 18 points.
08:50Whistle away from the ball.
08:52McBride took a shot to the face.
08:54I wonder if they're going to take a look at this.
08:57She's quick to get to her feet.
09:00The Connecticut Suns still with the lead
09:01on the road over the Minnesota Lynx.
09:04The endings 55-59 as Connecticut's lead on the road.
09:10They continue to shoot well.
09:12Leah, they're shooting 52% and the Lynx, of course,
09:14without a lifting of miles for the first time this season
09:17with a calf injury.
09:19And this play currently under review
09:21is Brittany Griner with the contact against McBride
09:24sending her to the ground.
09:25I feel like that could be elevated to a flagrant one
09:29because of how it caught.
09:32Oh, it's just a common foul of them.
09:35So, Kayla McBride took one to the face.
09:38You can see her nose is still red.
09:42She is tough as nails the way she popped right back up.
09:46She was ready in case there were free throws due her way.
09:48She's not backing down from anybody or any contacts.
09:51And we've seen that throughout her Lynx career.
09:54It is going to stay as a common foul.
09:57The refereeing crew determining that it was not unnecessary contacts.
10:03So, Minnesota with the possession.
10:07Backdoor cut off the back of Lacan.
10:10And Minnesota turns it over for the 11th time.
10:13Connecticut has scored eight points off of those turnovers.
10:17Jetting her way inside is Rivers.
10:18Wide open Lacan for three.
10:20And she drains it.
10:21The third three for the Connecticut Sun this evening.
10:24And there's not a lot of them.
10:25But when they come,
10:26it really is kind of a shock to the system
10:28for Minnesota's defense.
10:29That's obviously there trying to protect the paint
10:33and not worrying as much about the three-point line.
10:42Slicing her way inside McBride.
10:44The finger goal is not there.
10:46And one and done thanks to the Edwards on the glass.
10:50McBride with 21 points.
10:51Williams with 18 to lead the Minnesota Lynx
10:55as Lacan tries to penetrate inside.
11:00Miller calls her own number.
11:03McBride will clean the glass.
11:073.30 to go in the third quarter.
11:10Minnesota trying to put a stamp on this game.
11:14Howard, nice touch.
11:16She's got a couple buckets in this quarter
11:18and up to six points.
11:20You can't be intimidated when you go up inside
11:22against Brittany Griner.
11:23Just a nice, high-line lay-in by Natasha Howard.
11:29Before that Miller miss,
11:31the Sun had made five straight from the floor.
11:33Lacan looking to get that streak going again.
11:36Griner with the second chance.
11:40And Connecticut's cold on that possession.
11:47Williams, no good, that time follows her own shot.
11:51And it won't fall right there, though.
11:53Chasing her miss.
11:54Yeah, you've got to appreciate the effort right there
11:56from Courtney Williams,
11:57her willingness to follow her shot.
11:59Gets a good look but can't finish.
12:01Leah Edwards against the fellow UConn Husky
12:03will kick it out.
12:05And all the way to the opposite end line.
12:07Minnesota takes back, yeah, those are the types of mistakes
12:11that really just kind of docked this Connecticut team,
12:13these unforced errors when everything else is going well.
12:17You see this team turning it over that way.
12:20On their loss against Dallas,
12:22we alluded to losing by just four points,
12:24led by 14 points in the third quarter.
12:28It was their defense that let them down.
12:30They allowed 31 fourth quarter points.
12:33So there's places where you can find those seams.
12:37They're going to take advantage of a youthful team.
12:38That's exactly right.
12:40And that's why Minnesota has to stay locked in here
12:44as we get close here to this fourth quarter
12:46because this is a team, too,
12:48that's really looking to finish a game finally the right way.
12:53Two starters on the floor for Minnesota
12:55and McBride and Howard.
12:57Howard looking for that roll again.
13:00Not there, but a second chance opportunity for the Lynx.
13:03McBride turns on the Jets
13:05and gets to the cup for two.
13:07Showing her versatility.
13:09She can score in every kind of way.
13:11Kayla McBride just having a cooler game out there tonight.
13:1523 points for Kayla McBride taking a heavy loan
13:18without their leading scorer, Olivia Miles,
13:20out today with a calf injury.
13:24I can just tell the intensity
13:26that she is playing with right now,
13:28knowing how much her team is really counting
13:30on her production here today.
13:32She has carried a big load.
13:34She has 23, Williams with 18.
13:36The next highest scorer is Howard with six.
13:39She's just been such a tremendous leader
13:41for this Lynx squad.
13:43Kayla McBride, she does everything.
13:45She never complains.
13:46She works hard.
13:47She comes in in great shape.
13:49Just an incredible competitor.
13:51She's the big sister
13:52to everyone on this team as well.
13:55Off the miss, Alishka Hampseva
13:58threading the needle
13:59and Minnesota jolted on the fast break.
14:06A 6-0 run in Minnesota within one
14:10late in the third quarter here in Target Center.
14:14I love the energy right now
14:17that you're seeing from this Minnesota team.
14:19And when you need points, how do you do it?
14:20You push pace and look up court.
14:22This is just a tremendous pass.
14:24And I love the fact that Natasha Howard
14:27handles it so well and is able to lay it in
14:29and handles things before Connecticut
14:32can get down the court.
14:34Coach Reeve was excited today
14:35to see the 24-year-old Hampseva
14:37get an increased role today
14:39knowing how hard she's worked
14:41on the development side of things
14:43for the Minnesota Lynx this season.
14:45And coming up big in the absence
14:47of Olivia Miles playing confidently.
14:51And Minnesota is trying to get over the hump.
14:53They've been on their heels for a lot of this game,
14:55shooting 45% without their leading score.
14:59And maybe this is the moment
15:00where they can take control.
15:02And that's what they needed.
15:03They did really need someone else
15:05to step up in this game.
15:07And a bench player is really critical
15:09for his Minnesota leads on their bench to do that.
15:13So that's really been key here for Minnesota
15:16as they try to get the lead back from Connecticut.
15:19Their last lead was 44-43.
15:22So it's been a minute for the Lynx trying
15:27to seize control here
15:29in front of the raucous crowd at Target Center.
15:33Defense, everybody!
15:36Can they pounce on the inexperience
15:39and youth of the Connecticut Sun
15:41to close out this third quarter?
15:42The Lynx within one and on defense here.
15:52The Conn threads it inside.
15:56Now, so the Dota is walled up
15:58and Minnesota takes over possession.
16:03McBride jogging her way
16:04and then accelerates as that rejected by Edwards
16:08in still Minnesota basketball.
16:17It's just so impressive
16:18and, you know, she's been knocked around
16:20a little bit in this game
16:21and she is not worried about the contact.
16:23Half of her buckets have come from beyond the arc,
16:26so she has been really reading the defense.
16:30Whether she's scoring inside or out,
16:3323 points through three quarters so far
16:36for Kayla McBride.
16:38Directing traffic again,
16:39finding Howard who finishes through contact.
16:42Loving it, the communication.
16:45Turns out everybody can communicate well
16:47with Natasha Howard.
16:48It doesn't have to just be Olivia Miles.
16:51I love it.
16:51It's just great movement without the ball
16:53and speed and energy
16:55that attacks him to get to the paint.
16:58Natasha Howard was scoreless at the half.
17:02Has eight points in this third quarter.
17:04You make it nine here.
17:09She's got 11 overall.
17:14That's exactly the energy
17:16that Minnesota needed from somebody to step up
17:18and Natasha Howard has done just that.
17:21First lead since it was 44-43.
17:27One minute to go
17:29as Lacan leaves it short.
17:30Griner pokes it
17:32and another opportunity for the Sun.
17:34Griner.
17:35The J is good
17:36plus the foul.
17:38You just keep doing it
17:40because why not?
17:41It works.
17:44That's going to go on Natasha Howard
17:46and that is number four.
17:47And it's off of the second chance opportunity
17:50that Connecticut gets the ball back
17:52to their superstar, Brittany Griner.
17:54And she makes it look easy
17:56because for her it is.
17:58She's got 20 points.
18:00Six for ten for the free throw line.
18:03Connecticut has shot 26 free throws in this game.
18:08And she connects to make it 21 points in 23 minutes.
18:12Seven of nine shooting for Brittany Griner.
18:15One of the greatest centers of all time.
18:18Under a minute to go,
18:20Minnesota with the basketball.
18:21And Hamsava is fouled by Lacan.
18:29That'll be her second.
18:31And Griner having a chat with the young player.
18:35Yeah, I imagine there's a lot of that going on
18:37for Brittany Griner with this group.
18:39And I heard her postgame
18:42in one of the last couple of games
18:44that they played in.
18:45And she just said, you know,
18:46asking the fans in Connecticut
18:48to stay with us as we work through this.
18:50But we're engaged and locked in.
18:53Don't miss your chance to score
18:54a Lynx Care Bear Sherpa belt bag.
18:57Get it with a special ticket offer
18:58for our July 11th game.
18:59Be in the building
19:00and leave with a special piece of Lynx swag.
19:02Visit LynxBasketball.com slash promotions
19:05to purchase this exclusive offer.
19:1150 seconds on the clock
19:12to close out the third quarter
19:13here at Target Center.
19:15Minnesota with a narrow one-point lead
19:18over the four-win Connecticut Sun.
19:22Ledger Walker waiting for a Griner screen.
19:25Finds some space.
19:28Griner with a touch on the interior.
19:30Her patented turnaround jump shot.
19:32What can you do?
19:33You've got to get there before
19:35and push her off her space
19:36because once she gets the ball,
19:38you're done with.
19:3923 points for Brittany Griner
19:41in what Coach Reeves called
19:43a resurgent season.
19:48A six-second difference shot in game clock.
19:51Hamsava.
19:54Dilar lines up a three.
19:56Not that time.
19:57And snatched in the air by Ledger Walker.
19:59Shot clock is off.
20:00Four seconds.
20:01Ledger Walker sets her feet
20:03and will drain it from distance
20:05with 1.6 to go.
20:09Connecticut tried to stand its ground
20:11and heads into the fourth quarter
20:13with a four-point lead.
20:15Anxious to get back
20:16against the New York Liberty.
20:18Phoenix, Los Angeles,
20:20in Portland,
20:20a couple West Coast teams.
20:22But we head to the fourth quarter
20:23with the Connecticut Sun
20:24leading 70-66.
20:28Minnesota, Leah,
20:28had a 9-0 run
20:30toward the end
20:31of that third quarter.
20:32Connecticut responded
20:33with an 8-2 run.
20:34So they've really brought
20:36some confidence
20:36in the same match.
20:38Yeah, and this is how
20:38they have been playing
20:39as of late.
20:40They are competing
20:41in all games.
20:43And you're seeing defensively
20:45they've done some
20:46really nice things.
20:47Juhasz, 4-3,
20:48her first Lynx points
20:50since 2024.
20:53And that has to feel good
20:55for Dorka Juhasz
20:56to get that one off
20:57at a critical time
20:58for the Lynx.
20:59All but one of her
21:00five attempts
21:00have come from three.
21:02You've been talking
21:02about how she can
21:03spread the floor.
21:04Comes at an opportune time
21:06for the Minnesota Lynx
21:07the start of the fourth quarter.
21:09Ledger Walker fires it
21:10inside Nelson.
21:11Adota has it snatched away.
21:13Courtney Williams
21:14then has Nelson Adota
21:15land on top of her.
21:174-on-4 on this side
21:18as Williams finally
21:19makes her way back.
21:21She's open.
21:23Can't drain it though
21:24from distance
21:24but Griner can corral it.
21:27Courtney Williams
21:28gets her hand
21:29in the passing lane.
21:31She's just so good
21:32at turning people over
21:33but Dorka Juhasz
21:34found her three-point shot
21:36and just at the right time
21:38here in the fourth quarter
21:39and the Lynx
21:40needs some points.
21:43Williams the inbounder.
21:45It's team playing
21:46without Olympian Miles
21:47for the first time
21:48this season.
21:49McBride.
21:52Rebound taken
21:53by Nelson Adota.
21:54McBride with four threes
21:56today
21:5623 points
21:58broken up
21:59by Juhasz
22:00intended for Griner
22:01and it will be
22:02Minnesota basketball
22:03on the defensive effort
22:04by Dorfer Juhasz.
22:05Feeling a little bit
22:06more energy
22:06for the first time
22:07in here
22:08at Target Center.
22:09This has been
22:09a pretty quiet crowd
22:10because Connecticut
22:11has had Minnesota
22:12on their heels.
22:18Minnesota within one
22:20and against the Sun
22:22here is Juhasz
22:22blocked by Griner
22:24the all-time leader
22:25in WNBA history
22:26in blocks
22:27as of this season.
22:29Nelson Adota
22:30lobs it inside
22:31to Griner
22:32sets
22:32and will lay it in.
22:34Griner
22:34already with the season high
22:35now increases it
22:36to 25 points
22:38and Leah
22:39has back-to-back games
22:40for post players
22:41have scored season highs.
22:42Stewart with her 36
22:44and now Griner
22:45with her 25.
22:46Yeah, and that is
22:47going...
22:47Oh!
22:49McBride.
22:50Kayla McBride
22:51wants that challenge
22:52to look like
22:53she just got thrown down.
22:56She's quite demonstrative
22:58with her thoughts
22:59about that.
23:01And Cotree
23:02is twirling the finger.
23:08We'll take a look
23:09at it again.
23:10Look at the contact
23:11right there.
23:11Brittany Griner
23:12sends Kayla McBride
23:14to the floor
23:15with a straight-up push.
23:20The fact that Kayla McBride
23:21can be the leading scorer
23:23with 23 points
23:24that can be
23:254 for 7 from 3.
23:26This entire season
23:28she's been getting
23:28popped by bigs
23:30on screens
23:30every single game.
23:32She's in the
23:3394th percentile
23:34of defensive win share.
23:35She brings it all
23:36with the toughness.
23:38Here she'll drive,
23:39leave it out for coffee.
23:40Now 5 to shoot
23:42for the links.
23:43Williams
23:44surveying,
23:45swarmed,
23:46gets herself free
23:47and can't get it to go.
23:50Connecticut continues
23:51to lock down
23:52on the defensive side
23:54of the ball
23:54and then they push pace.
23:57Ledger Walker
23:58slices inside,
23:59loses it.
24:01And going the other way
24:02Minnesota takes back over
24:04trailing 72 to 69.
24:07This is where you really
24:08just need to see
24:09the maturity
24:10of this Minnesota
24:11Lynx team.
24:12They can play calm.
24:13There's 7.40 to go.
24:15There's plenty of time
24:15to do the work
24:16they need to do.
24:17But they really
24:18have to take advantage
24:20of this young,
24:20kind of,
24:22excitable
24:23Connecticut team.
24:24Connecticut with 3 turnovers,
24:26Leah,
24:26in this 4th quarter
24:27alone already.
24:28This is something
24:28to watch here
24:29for a young group
24:31hungry to add
24:32to the win column.
24:35Williams.
24:37Lynx will move it
24:38around the perimeter.
24:39McBride drops it off
24:40to Coffey.
24:41But right there,
24:42Howard,
24:43still the finish
24:44eludes them.
24:45And that's the impact
24:46of their bigs down there.
24:47The Lynx are trying
24:48to shoot the ball
24:49really quickly
24:50to get in and out
24:51of the paint.
24:52Minnesota shooting
24:5341% as a team.
24:54Connecticut,
24:5650%.
24:57The role's reversed
24:58from what you see
24:58on paper
24:59between these two teams.
25:01Berg rejected
25:02by Coffey
25:03with emphasis.
25:05But is there a whistle?
25:07She looks like
25:08she's holding her head
25:09or maybe looks frustrated.
25:13It's going to be
25:135 on Natasha Howard,
25:16not a block.
25:20That appears to be
25:21a mistake
25:22because where is
25:22she on this play?
25:24She's in a by-state.
25:27That was on
25:28Natasha Howard
25:29and not.
25:34That was the
25:35original whistle,
25:36Natasha Howard?
25:37It was on the,
25:37oh, no, you're right.
25:38It was on
25:39Natasha Howard.
25:40We'll sort this out
25:41when we come back.
25:42A close one here
25:43at Target Center.
25:44A three-point game.
25:48Here at Target Center
25:49between the Lynx
25:50and the Sun,
25:50but a win today
25:51for Coach Reeve
25:51would give her
25:53possession of the
25:54all-time wins record,
25:56380,
25:57surpassing her close
25:58friend Mike Tebow
25:59who's in the building
26:00tonight.
26:01But she's bringing
26:01a challenge right here.
26:03This was called
26:03a foul on Natasha Howard.
26:07And Natasha Howard
26:08seems to just be
26:10standing there
26:11absolutely doing nothing.
26:14not to say that she's not
26:15doing anything,
26:16but she wasn't
26:17following anybody.
26:20The challenge is successful.
26:22The challenge is successful.
26:23And I was just about
26:24to say, Leah,
26:25I'm a little perplexed,
26:26so I'm not surprised
26:27to hear that's the outcome.
26:29Yeah, that was,
26:31that was a really
26:33interesting call
26:34because we thought
26:34for sure it was
26:35going to be on
26:37and it was called
26:38a Natasha Howard,
26:39so.
26:40Checking to make
26:41sure I had my numbers
26:42right.
26:43Yes, exactly.
26:45At 6.59
26:46on the clock
26:47here in the fourth quarter,
26:48Minnesota trailing
26:4972-67.
26:51There's been spurts
26:52where Minnesota
26:53has taken a narrow lead,
26:54but it has been
26:55the Sun
26:56with a lot of confidence
26:57in this building
26:58coming right back
27:00and executing
27:01and getting stops.
27:03The Sun
27:04are playing
27:05their style
27:06of basketball
27:06here at Target Center.
27:08Exactly how
27:09they want to play it,
27:10getting to their
27:10big Brittany Griner,
27:12battling for
27:13second chance points
27:14and getting to
27:15the free throw line.
27:16That's their style
27:17of basketball.
27:18Griner with 25 points,
27:20Leah, on 9 of 11
27:21shooting and 9 rebounds.
27:24It's a season high
27:25already with those
27:2625 points.
27:29Lacan will bring it
27:30in from the base line.
27:31under 5 to shoots
27:33for the Sun.
27:34Ledger Walker
27:35glances up,
27:36has to heave it
27:37and she does it again!
27:40She closed out
27:41a corner earlier on
27:43with another heave
27:44and this time
27:45saves her team
27:46on that possession.
27:47Yeah, she must work
27:48on that one
27:48because that goes in
27:50for her
27:50and she looks cool,
27:52calm, and collected
27:52when she shoots it.
27:54Six points
27:54for Ledger Walker.
27:56Minnesota trailing
27:57by six,
27:58a two-possession game
27:59nearing the midway point.
28:00Coffey will set fire
28:02and can't knock it down
28:04from distance.
28:04Ledger Walker
28:05creeps in
28:06to gobble up the rebound.
28:07Ledger Walker
28:08has done a lot
28:09for this team
28:10and a lot of it
28:10is her willingness
28:11to battle,
28:12get to the ball.
28:14Nelson Adota,
28:15no good there
28:16on the take.
28:18Minnesota comes up
28:19with it on the stop.
28:21Minnesota can play fast
28:22and get some easy baskets.
28:24Look at that pass
28:25inside.
28:26Courtney Williams,
28:27the point guard again,
28:28finds Howard.
28:29And that's what
28:30Minnesota needs to do
28:31here in the last
28:315.58 of this game
28:33is push pace
28:33a little bit
28:34because I don't think
28:35this Connecticut team
28:36can hang with Minnesota
28:38when they're playing
28:38that type of transition
28:39offense.
28:41Connecticut lost a lead
28:42in the fourth quarter
28:43in their most recent game
28:44against Dallas
28:45and Minnesota
28:47storming back
28:48here as Ledger Walker
28:49lets it fly.
28:50Greiner with her
28:51tenth rebound,
28:52the spin,
28:53and it will be a jump ball.
28:56Is that with Courtney Williams?
29:01She's ready for it.
29:02All right,
29:03this is going to be fun
29:03to watch.
29:04And this is what Courtney
29:05has done a couple times
29:06in this game
29:07as she's small,
29:07little, agile,
29:08goes in and ties
29:09that ball up
29:10and then she's going
29:10to talk some stuff
29:11right there.
29:15She never believes
29:16that she thinks
29:17she can get this.
29:18This is why
29:18I love Courtney Williams.
29:19She backs down
29:21from nothing
29:22and both of them
29:23had some worse
29:23to see to the Chuck.
29:27It's going to be
29:28a jump ball violation
29:29and that makes
29:29a lot of sense too
29:31to be able to set up
29:32their defense.
29:35Not that she wouldn't
29:36want to try it.
29:37Right, but you know
29:38it's a savvy move.
29:41Ledger Walker
29:41gets it in.
29:42Another touch
29:43for Greiner
29:44who's been nearly
29:44unstoppable today.
29:45A hard double team
29:46comes.
29:50LaConn penetrates.
29:52Greiner has to pick it up.
29:54And it will be
29:54a kick ball.
29:55Another inbound
29:56coming up here
29:57for Connecticut.
30:00A team that has
30:01kept pace
30:01with one of the
30:02top offenses
30:03in the WNBA
30:04came in last
30:05in offensive rating.
30:07Last in field goal
30:09percentage as well.
30:10Here's LaConn
30:11trying to get downhill.
30:12The mid-range
30:13is no good.
30:15Greiner
30:15working the glass
30:16up for grabs
30:17and pouncing on it
30:18is Williams.
30:20Williams' speed
30:21into the frontcourt.
30:23maybe blocked
30:24from behind
30:25but maybe throws it
30:26inside.
30:26Not sure which was
30:27intentional there.
30:28I think there was a couple
30:28of blocks happening
30:29there as Minnesota
30:31was trying to get down
30:32court quickly
30:32to avoid
30:34all of those block shots.
30:35Williams will bring it
30:37in along the baseline.
30:39Looking inside
30:40to Howard.
30:46Eight seconds
30:47on the clock
30:48as Howard
30:49turns the quarter
30:49tries to dish it
30:51off to Coffey
30:51back into Howard
30:53a nifty move
30:54inside
30:55and she spats.
31:00Howard with 13 points
31:02three Lynx players
31:03in double figures.
31:06And Minnesota
31:07just has to continue
31:08to be active
31:08in trying to get
31:09into the paint
31:10because this team's
31:11intimidating
31:12to go inside
31:13and they have hands
31:14all over the passing
31:15lane
31:15but you have to continue
31:17to be willing
31:18to get downhill
31:19and do exactly
31:21what Natasha Howard
31:22just did.
31:25What if your Lynx
31:26membership paid
31:27for itself?
31:27With cash-in
31:28on the ring
31:29you'll get a seat
31:29for every remaining
31:30regular season
31:31home game
31:31and if the Lynx
31:32win the championship
31:33you'll get every
31:34dollar back.
31:36Already a member?
31:36Members will score
31:37a $250 group credit
31:39if the Lynx win it all.
31:40Get your cash-in
31:41on the ring membership
31:42today at
31:43lynxbasketball.com
31:46This is a home stretch
31:49that you're not
31:49going to want to miss
31:50in this building
31:51for a team
31:52that is number one
31:52in the WNBA
31:53but facing a stiff
31:54challenge
31:55from the Connecticut Sun
31:57with that free throw
31:58it is a three-point game
31:59at the midway point
32:00of the fourth quarter
32:01here at Target Center.
32:07Ledger Walker
32:12Griner still fighting
32:14inside
32:14opens up
32:15Burke
32:15with the finger roll
32:17along the baseline.
32:18Griner does such a good job
32:19at clearing the way
32:20to allow her to get
32:21into the lane
32:22to score that ball.
32:26The drive has to
32:27reorient.
32:30Williams takes off
32:31extra pass
32:32to Laro
32:33on the baseline.
32:34Yes!
32:37Darka Juhasz
32:38has really shown
32:39her maturity
32:40on the court
32:41with these extra passes
32:42she has had a couple
32:43of them in this game
32:44that have been
32:45simply outstanding.
32:46Three assists
32:47for Juhasz
32:47showing off
32:48her versatility
32:49and leadership
32:50in her WNBA
32:51season debut.
32:53An easy look inside.
32:54Griner is also
32:55facilitating now
32:56finding Diamond Miller
32:58along the backside.
32:59What can't she do?
33:00And she is a good
33:01facilitator
33:01and great movement
33:03by Diamond Miller.
33:05McBride tries
33:06to drop it down low.
33:08It'll be a Minnesota
33:08turnover.
33:09They're 12.
33:10And Coach Messiaen
33:11is going to call
33:12a timeout.
33:13His team leading
33:14the top team
33:15in the WNBA
33:15by 4.
33:173.49 to go
33:18in downtown Minneapolis.
33:20Lead against
33:21the Connecticut Sun
33:2279-75
33:24is their deficit.
33:25Of course,
33:25playing the first game
33:26of the season
33:27without their leading
33:28scorer
33:29and all-star starter
33:30Olivia Miles.
33:32And the Connecticut Sun
33:33have been able
33:34to execute
33:35on both sides tonight.
33:36Griner has been
33:37a big part of that.
33:38Stopped inside
33:40by Dorka Juhasz.
33:41Welcome back
33:43to the Minnesota
33:44Leafs,
33:44Dorka Juhasz.
33:46An offensive foul
33:48is going to give
33:48the ball to the Sun.
33:51That'll be
33:52Natasha Howard
33:54with an illegal
33:55screen,
33:56her fifth.
34:00Illegal screens
34:01is something
34:02that you have seen
34:03called a lot more
34:04in this season
34:06in the WNBA.
34:08Something that players
34:09have really had
34:10to make adjustments
34:10on.
34:12Burke has it
34:13outside the perimeter,
34:14throws it away.
34:15Dilar with the steal.
34:18McBride keeping
34:19her eyes up,
34:20surveying.
34:20We'll find Howard.
34:25Williams,
34:26long-range shoe,
34:27is good.
34:2920 points
34:30for Courtney Williams.
34:33The Lynx have relied
34:34on Courtney Williams
34:35this entire game
34:36to lead them.
34:38And she has done
34:39just that.
34:41Reiner kicks it out.
34:42Here is Burke for three.
34:43She splashes it home.
34:4641% from distance
34:47last season.
34:48Her number's not the same
34:49this year,
34:50but you know
34:50what's within her.
34:52Yeah, she can do it,
34:53and it's her inside-outside
34:54game that becomes
34:55very scary.
34:57Miller bringing some
34:58chest-to-chest defense
35:00against Courtney Williams.
35:04Backdoor caught.
35:05McBride slices home
35:07for two.
35:08And you have to be brave
35:09to go in knowing
35:10Brittany Bryant is in there
35:11waiting for you.
35:1225 points for Kayla McBride.
35:15Her and Williams
35:15have combined
35:16for 45 of Minnesota's
35:18output.
35:2010 on the clock
35:21for Lacan.
35:24Ledger-Walker
35:25gets the step.
35:29Miller settles
35:30into a mid-range.
35:31It falls off.
35:35Minnesota can tie
35:36the game here
35:37on this possession.
35:38Two minutes to go.
35:40In the passing lane
35:42is Burke,
35:42but right there
35:43is Williams
35:44to pick it back up.
35:46U-Huss.
35:49Miller tries
35:50to regain possession
35:51and the Sun
35:52trying to hold on
35:54here on the road.
35:55140 to go.
35:58Miller looks inside
36:00to Griner.
36:01Goes right to work.
36:02The touch has been there
36:03all night long.
36:0527 and 10
36:07for Brittany Griner.
36:11Coach Reeve was right
36:12about that resurgence.
36:14She has been
36:16agile.
36:17She's been aggressive.
36:18She's blocking shots.
36:20She's rebounded by me.
36:21She looks like
36:22Brittany Griner of old.
36:23This has just been
36:24an outstanding game
36:25for her dominating inside.
36:27And her 10 of 13 shooting
36:28is why she's
36:29tonight's player
36:29of the game.
36:30Brought to you
36:31by TSR Injury Law.
36:34She has keyed
36:35this effort
36:36by the Sun
36:37all night long.
36:38And they have done
36:38a tremendous job
36:39of getting the ball
36:40of getting the ball
36:40to her
36:41because that's what
36:42you have to do
36:42if they want to win
36:43and the turnaround
36:44jumper over everyone.
36:46She puts the ball down,
36:47gets to her spin move,
36:49inside, one-handed.
36:52She's done it all.
36:54Just absolutely dominating.
36:5625 points
36:57and the 10 boards
36:58on top of it.
37:00They've been able
37:01to utilize Griner
37:03when that was such a focus
37:04for the Minnesota Lynx
37:05is basically denying
37:07her even tortures
37:08in the paint,
37:08let alone where she wants you
37:10so she can score.
37:11Yeah, and that's the bottom line
37:12with the fouls
37:13and when you get players
37:14into early foul trouble,
37:17you have to change
37:18the way that you defend
37:19and you have to back off
37:20a little bit.
37:21And Brittany Griner
37:22had a heyday with that.
37:24Minnesota still
37:25has a minute 35
37:26so there's plenty of time
37:28but it's still to be slow.
37:30The second chance point,
37:3117-8.
37:32This Connecticut team
37:34has been working
37:36to get those second chance points.
37:38It's normally Minnesota
37:39who is doubling up
37:40their opponents
37:41in that category,
37:42not the other way around.
37:44Another spot on the court
37:46looks like it needs
37:46to be cleaned up here.
37:47135 on the clock,
37:4984-79 is Minnesota's deficits.
37:53Minnesota with the timeout remaining
37:56and Connecticut with
37:57two.
38:01When it comes to
38:02offensive rebounding,
38:03both teams are dead even,
38:05you would think,
38:05because of the second chance
38:06point situation,
38:08that Connecticut
38:09would have a lot more.
38:11On the sideline
38:12on the bounce,
38:14McBride
38:14with a rampage
38:16to the rim!
38:31today's play of the game
38:32brought to you by Culver's.
38:33Welcome to Delicious!
38:36Kayla McBride
38:37is a dog.
38:39I mean, she
38:40is so strong
38:42and physical
38:42and is able
38:43to score through contact
38:45and the energy
38:46that she just gave her team
38:47as she gets
38:47to the free-throw line.
38:50Her previous season high
38:51was 22 points
38:53this season.
38:54She now
38:54has 28.
38:57Under 90 seconds
38:59to go.
39:00A two-point game
39:01with history
39:03potentially on the horizon
39:05in this building
39:06for Coach Reeve
39:07in this franchise.
39:10From the high post,
39:12it's Miller.
39:13Aggressive defense
39:14comes by McBride,
39:15her former teammate.
39:17Takes a stumble.
39:18Miller can't connect.
39:19Rebound to Howard.
39:26Williams
39:26slips through
39:27with a few screens.
39:29Under a minute
39:30on the clock
39:31and a whistle
39:31away from the ball
39:32is going to go on Miller
39:34chasing after Howard.
39:37It's a big foul
39:38right there
39:39on David Miller
39:40who at one end
39:41kind of went
39:41ISO ball with it.
39:43Trying to take it
39:43to herself
39:44and then down here
39:44gets the foul.
39:51Free throws here.
39:53For Natasha Howard,
39:5514 points for her today.
39:57It's Minnesota in the bonus.
40:03Now 15 points.
40:09The Lynx
40:10trying to survive
40:12against the Connecticut
40:13Sun
40:14without Olivia Miles
40:16out today
40:16with a calf injury.
40:18First game
40:18she's missed all season.
40:24Howard calmly
40:25knocks down both.
40:27She's six for seven
40:28from the free throw line
40:29as a timeout
40:30is called
40:31and the fans
40:32bringing it
40:33inside target center
40:35with a win
40:35potentially enriched.
40:40But we talked about it
40:42at the start
40:43of this game
40:43Salone
40:44that this is not a team
40:46that you were hurt
40:47to let hang around
40:48and that they haven't
40:50hung around.
40:51They have led the game
40:52most of the time
40:53and now Minnesota
40:54is trying to correct
40:56course and finish them
40:58off here at target center.
40:59but Kayla McBride
41:03has been so spectacular
41:05in everything
41:06that she has done
41:07tonight.
41:07A season high
41:08for her 28 points.
41:1010 of 18 cheating
41:12she's knocked down
41:12four threes
41:13while bringing
41:14the defense as well.
41:15And the energy
41:16I mean she has
41:17really gotten
41:18everyone excited
41:19about what she is doing
41:21on the free throw line
41:2228 points
41:2310 of 18 attacking
41:24down low
41:25and defensively
41:26she has been outstanding
41:28so Kayla McBride
41:29and they needed
41:30every one of her points
41:32and still do
41:33with 54 seconds left.
41:38It is electric
41:39inside.
41:40Target Center
41:41with the game
41:42tied.
41:4354 seconds to go.
41:45Minnesota
41:45is in the bonus
41:49and trying to
41:50stave off
41:51the Connecticut Sun.
42:06Everybody
42:06need this!
42:08It's Connecticut
42:09Sun possession
42:13LeConn orchestrating
42:14this offense.
42:16Burke left open
42:17and she
42:18Kansas
42:18a lethal threat
42:20has a couple
42:22in quick succession
42:24for the Sun
42:24and they take the lead
42:26back by three.
42:29It's a reset timeout
42:31for Minnesota
42:31that will advance
42:32the basketball
42:32into the frontcourt.
42:34Burke 16 points
42:36off the bench
42:36off the bench
42:37six of eight
42:37from the floor.
42:39When I think of her
42:41and what I've seen
42:41of her this season
42:43I think of her
42:43with her physicality
42:44in the lane
42:45powering, scoring
42:46down low
42:47and boy
42:49she's been good
42:50inside out
42:51in this one.
42:53Williams will bring
42:53it in.
42:54Diamond Miller
42:54guarding the inbounds.
42:5544.5 seconds to go.
43:00Williams gets the step
43:02blocked from behind
43:03and Miller snatches it away.
43:05That length
43:08assisting her
43:09on that defensive effort.
43:12That is a big time block
43:14right there
43:14six foot three
43:15Diamond Miller
43:16is long and athletic
43:17and she not only blocks
43:20that shot
43:21she grabs that ball.
43:24That's big time
43:25right there
43:26from the former
43:26Lynx player.
43:2837 seconds
43:29on the clock.
43:34Ledger Walker
43:35has been calm
43:36throughout this
43:37fourth quarter.
43:41A 13 second difference
43:43shot in game clock.
43:46Inside
43:47by Brittany Griner
43:48that has been the option
43:50all night long
43:5129 points
43:53for Griner.
43:54And the coaching staff
43:55for Connecticut
43:56trying to calm
43:56everybody down
43:57but you're exactly right.
43:58This is
43:59Connecticut plays
44:00this read and react
44:01offense
44:01and they just move
44:02the ball
44:02move the ball
44:03and then see
44:04the opening
44:05and Brittany Griner
44:06is right down low
44:08wide open.
44:11Defense can't get
44:12there in time
44:13to stop it
44:13even if you did
44:14you couldn't stop it.
44:1611 of 14
44:17from the floor
44:18for Griner
44:19and it's not to say
44:20that she has not
44:21played so strong
44:22this season
44:23but it does feel
44:23like vintage
44:24Brittany Griner
44:2629 points
44:2710 rebounds
44:28coach Reeves
44:29said coming in
44:31this is the best
44:43that she's played
44:43that she's played on
44:43and so
44:44when she is feeling
44:45good
44:46when she's feeling
44:46healthy
44:47and on this team
44:48it's such a good fit
44:49as the veteran player
44:50trying to coach up
44:51all these young players.
44:54Once they come out
44:55of the timeout
44:56shot clock will be off
44:5718.2 seconds left
45:00and Minnesota trailing
45:0289-84
45:05a two possession game
45:08coach Reeves
45:10keeping Dallar
45:11with some three point
45:12shooting ability
45:13on the floor
45:17Minnesota wants
45:18the ball
45:19in the hands
45:20of the two players
45:21that have carried
45:22this team
45:22the entire game
45:23of Courtney Williams
45:24and Kayla McBride
45:26Williams
45:27shot clock is off
45:28for the Minnesota Lynx
45:29needing a score here
45:30in a two possession game
45:32McBride
45:33brings it out
45:34well he cannot hit
45:36offensive rebound
45:37to Howard right there
45:38and Minnesota
45:39is within three
45:4089-86
45:42six seconds left
45:44and coach Messian
45:45is going to call
45:45a timeout
45:48Connecticut has to be
45:49feeling some stress here
45:50this is where this team
45:51has really struggled
45:53right at the end of games
45:55trying to finish off teams
45:57and so now they're in a
45:59situation again
46:00where they have an
46:01opportunity
46:03they don't turn it over
46:04and so yeah
46:07they put themselves
46:08in a good situation
46:09but I'm sure they're
46:10feeling a little bit
46:11of the stress
46:13I go back to
46:14coach Messian's confidence
46:15talking to us before the
46:17game
46:17he said we know
46:17we're a young team
46:18it's going to be a tough
46:19road environment
46:20we know how good they are
46:21he gave Minnesota
46:22their flowers
46:23but said
46:24we still have so much
46:25belief right here
46:26it's not easy
46:27when we're losing
46:28to stay on track
46:29but we see every
46:31practice as an opportunity
46:32is not seeing his team
46:34really divert
46:36off of their mission
46:37to win as many games
46:38as possible
46:38well and the bottom line is
46:40this has never been more
46:41true in the WNBA
46:43is that every single team
46:45on every given night
46:47every single night
46:48could beat you
46:51still a one possession game
46:53six seconds to go
46:5489-86
46:59but he burped to bring it in
47:02Minnesota does not have a
47:04timeout
47:04neither does the Sun
47:10good foul as soon as it goes in
47:12it goes in to the former
47:15Lynx Diamond Miller
47:16who this season is shooting
47:1779% from the free throw line
47:22that's the second person
47:25Diamond Miller has been
47:26pretty quiet in this game
47:27in 19 minutes
47:28just four points
47:29four boards
47:30but that blocked
47:32the end of the game
47:33that she had on
47:34Brittany Williams
47:36can't knock down the first
47:37and she is
47:38the best free throw option
47:40on this team
47:41she is
47:42she's missed one of them
47:445.3 seconds left
47:51and that makes it a
47:52four point game
47:53Minnesota out of timeouts
47:54don't have to go the length
47:55of the floor
47:56as Williams gets past
47:58Miller
47:59and drops it through
48:01from three
48:01it's a one point game
48:04time perhaps expires
48:06and it does
48:08the Connecticut Sun
48:10come into Target Center
48:12and take the victory
48:14against the Lynx
48:15this was a team
48:16that worried me
48:17from the get-go
48:18we've talked about it
48:20from
48:20a team desperate
48:22for a win
48:23you always hate
48:24to go up
48:24against a team
48:25that really needs a win
48:26and this is
48:27what this Connecticut team
48:29was
48:29they played
48:30really great defensively
48:32and this one
48:33to go up
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