Minnesota Lynx Seek Constant Excellence Despite Their Impeccable Start
Despite a perfect start to the season, the Minnesota Lynx are not satisfied with what they have shown so far. The team, which currently holds an undefeated record, seeks to raise its performance and maintain a consistent level of play to achieve its ambitious goals.
“With expectations, we must strive harder because our goals are high,” said Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve after Sunday’s victory over the Valkyries.
Cheryl Reeve
Sunday’s game against the Valkyries was a clear example of the improvements they are seeking. Although the first half was close, the Lynx took control in the third quarter, limiting Golden State to only eight points. This remarkable performance allowed them to transform a one-point lead into a 22-point difference.
Defense was key in the transformation of the game. The team focused on pressing the Valkyries more, controlling the pace of the match, and executing their strategies better. This improvement in attention to detail began in the locker room during halftime, with a motivational speech from Reeve.
“She expressed her frustration with us,” commented Napheesa Collier. “And, honestly, it’s valid. Knowing what to do and not doing it is extremely frustrating… We need to take responsibility.”
Napheesa Collier
Before the match, Reeve had already reminded her team of the importance of playing with passion and effort, especially after a close victory against the Phoenix Mercury.
“It’s about focusing,” said Courtney Williams. “We need to give it our all every night. I think sometimes we take it for granted. We have to stop doing that. If we want to achieve the goals we have, we can’t be a one-half team.”
Courtney Williams
Collier, with 24 points and 11 rebounds, and Williams, with 20 points, proved their worth in the game. Collier highlighted the third quarter against the Valkyries, as well as other moments of the season, as proof that Minnesota has what it takes to compete for the title, their ultimate goal. For Collier, the game against the Seattle Storm was the only one he categorized as a “good game” for the Lynx.
Despite their impressive 7-0 record, the best since 2017, flashes of excellence are not enough for the Lynx. The team seeks a consistency that allows them to achieve their most ambitious goals.
Collier concluded: “It really depends on us. We are the only ones standing in our way, which is good news. And let’s hope this is the last time we talk about this.”“The aggressiveness and firmness we show in certain games, we need to do it in every game,” Collier stated. “We know we can. We have bigger goals this season than individual games. And yes, individual games are needed to get there or we won’t reach those bigger goals.”
Napheesa Collier
