WNBA Roundup on July 11 is nothing but pure action and elite hoops as we see the Minnesota Lynx just sweep their season series against the LA Sparks, while the Washington Mystics have now won 2 games in a row.
Minnesota Showing Why They’re On Top Of The West
The Los Angeles Sparks thought fatigue would be a factor for the Minnesota Lynx as the number #1 team in the West just played the #2 team in the West, Phoenix Mercury, yesterday.
Sparks were able to build an early 11-point lead in the 1st quarter, 21-11.
But the Lynx rallied back in the 3rd quarter and even had the biggest lead of the ball game, 80-59. LA showed some life in the final quarter but it wasn’t enough to totally win the game.
FINAL SCORE: 91-82
3 starters from the Lynx scored 15+ points. Napheesa Collier led the crew with her all-around game as she had 17 points to go along with 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Courtney Williams tallied 16 points, 5 boards, 7 dimes, 3 steals, and a block. Alanna Smith had 15 points, 5 boards, 2 steals, and 2 blocks.
For the side of LA Sparks, Kelsey Plum shows her consistency in the offensive end. She ended up with a team high 17 points, 3 rebounds, an impressive 12 assists and 2 steals. However, she turned the ball over 5 times. Julie Vanloo coming off the bench had 15 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and was 5-of-7 from beyond the arc all in 17 minutes of action. Rickea Jackson had scored double figures with 14 points, 3 boards, an assist and a steal.
Minnesota, after playing back-to-back games, stays on top of the West with a record of 18-3, while the Sparks are in the 6th spot with 6-14.
The Lynx will play Angel Reese-led Chicago Skies on July 13, Sunday. Meanwhile, for LA, they’ll face the worst team in the East, the Connecticut Suns, on July 14, Monday.
Mystics Win It With 2 Clutch Free Throws of Brittney Sykes
The score was tied after the 1st period, and both teams had an exchange of leads the rest of the game.
With the score tied at 68, Jackie Young of the Los Angeles Aces just committed a personal foul, which sent Brittney Sykes to the free throw line.
She made both shots, and the Aces called a timeout with 4.1 seconds remaining in the ball game. Young tried to redeem herself by taking a contested layup, which didn’t go in. Sonia Citro secured the board, and the game was over.
FINAL SCORE: 70-68
This is the 2nd win in a row for the Washington Mystics, and they shot 14-of-17 free throws in this matchup, all vital to get the win. Sykes finishes with 18 points, with the last 2 points sealing the game, as well as having 2 rebounds and 4 assists. She was followed by Shakira Austin with 8 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal, and a block. Kiki Iriafen chipped in with 12 points, 8 boards and 2 assists.
Meanwhile, for the LA Aces, if Jackie Young made the shot, she could’ve been the hero. Despite having 10 points, she was 5-of-15 from the field while having her 15th missed shot the worst of all. Jewell Loyd, though, scored the most points in their squad with 20, with 3 rebounds, an assist, and 2 steals. Chelsea Gray also had 13 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal, and 3 swatted shots.
The Aces dropped their 2nd game in a row and are now 9 and 11, taking the 5th spot in the West, while the Mystics are in .500 with a record of 10-10, taking the 3rd spot in the Eastern Conference.
LA Aces will now prepare to play against the Golden State Valkyries on July 13, while the Washington Mystics turn their attention
