Lynx vs Sparks: Battle of the Titans Part 3
- By Shorty
- Sep 6, 2016
- 2 min read
Two of the best teams in the WNBA will go head-to-head in their final meeting of the regular season on Tuesday (on ESPN 2 at 10 PM ET). The match-up will have major implications regarding seeding as both Lynx and Sparks are currently tied for the number one seed in standings (24-5). In a tale of two halves, Minnesota came off the Olympic break dropping their first game against the Connecticut Sun before regaining form to win their next four games. Los Angeles on the other hand, had trouble recapturing the magic dropping their first two games on the road vs the Seattle Storm and the Phoenix Mercury before finally picking up where they left off in their next three games. Because the Sparks lost their first two games, it made a way for the Lynx to tie for the number one seed and ultimately set up one of the most crucial meetings of the season.
Predictions: This is a tough one, as much as I want to think the Sparks will perform well at home, however the Lynx have a great history of pulling off a victory at Staples Center when it counts. On June 21st, the Lynx earned a thrilling 72-69 win over the Sparks on a highly drawn play executed to perfection by Lynx guard Renee Montgomery for three. Sparks tried to counter by Candace Parker who quickly dished the ball to Kristi Toliver for what could have been the game-tying three, but Toliver stepped on the end line and she didn't get the shot off in time. The Sparks got revenge in a 94-76 victory over the Lynx behind Kristi Toliver's 25 points on 7 of 11 three pointers (63.3%).
Both teams have also gained reinforcements with Minnesota adding guard Anna Cruz, who played for the defending champs last season and recently played with the Spanish National team earning a Silver medal in Rio. Los Angeles added F-C Sandrine Gruda who last played for LA in 2014 and recently played for France in Rio.
I'm so conflicted, but I am leaning towards the Lynx only because of prior history which has shown us that the Lynx are well prepared to handle business on the road, especially at Staples Center, however the game will be close. I assume that it will come down to the wire in the final seconds where there will need to be another miracle shot (coming from either side) to seal a win in what will be an exciting match-up to decide which team will finish first in standings.
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