Questions Raised, Questions Answered: Game 3 of the WNBA Finals
A look at some of the questions both teams have to answer coming into game three of the WNBA finals tied at 1-1.
It's a new Series as the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx square off tonight in Minneapolis tied at 1-1. The Lynx put the pressure on the Liberty by stealing game one at Barclays and the Liberty responded by taking care of business and securing game two. A tied series means that both teams’ play answered some questions as well as raised a few so here's what to look for in game three.
QUESTIONS RAISED - NEW YORK LIBERTY
Can the Liberty close a game? - Let’s be honest, New York blew game one. Between the untimely missed free throws, the egregious foul on a made three-point shot and the missed game-tying layup in overtime, the Liberty had plenty of chances to put the game away and didn’t. Game two didn’t give spectators much hope as the Liberty once again built a sizable lead yet weren’t able to really exhale until the final minute when the game was truly out of reach. The Liberty need to show they can play a complete game from start to finish.
Can Sandy Brondello get the lineups right? - Defensive stalwart Betnijah Laney-Hamilton was one of the leading scorers for the Liberty with 20 points last game, which is an excellent sign for New York. Leonie Fiebich might be finding her stride at the right time. The rookie looked confident in the minutes she played, though the stats weren’t particularly eye-popping. She’s been steady all season, but that three-pointer in transition in game two had a little extra oomph to it and one might wonder what would happen if she actually caught fire. Forward Nayara Sabally is in a similar situation and with the Lynx frontcourt seemingly the only achilles heel, the question is can Sandy Brondello put the right pieces out there at the right time to exploit and wear down Minnesota.
Will the role players show up in Minnesota? - As the old saying goes, “role players play better at home,” so it’s worth noting how Breanna Stewart’s supporting case plays in Minnesota tonight.
QUESTIONS RAISED - MINNESOTA LYNX
Can Minnesota build a lead? - Ok so truthfully, if the Lynx hadn’t been down big late in game one it wouldn’t have made that ending as incredible as it was. Still, playing from a 10+ point deficient can’t be under “keys to victory” if you’re Cheryl Reeve writing on a white board. Look to see if the Lynx can establish dominance early.
Can the Lynx keep Jonquel Jones contained? - It’s no secret at this point that the one foible in Minnesota’s team makeup is in the frontcourt, and in their defense, very few teams have the personnel to really stop Jonquel Jones. The key is can they get her in foul trouble early and get her to take herself out the game?
Can the Lynx keep up the defensive intensity? - The Minnesota defense has been swarming and at key moments absolutely stifling. The question is will there be any drop off in the production as that level of defending can take a toll at this point in the series. Look for Napheesa Collier to remain the anchor. If Phee’s on, then I trust the Lynx to be solid.
Check back in with the No Cap Space crew for the postgame show by subscribing to our Youtube channel and see how many of these questions were answered.