2011. 2013. 2015. We are witnessing a dynasty form right before our eyes, and we’e here for it!
After what has been a historic finals series, the Minnesota Lynx have been crowned the 2015 WNBA champions after defeating the Indiana Fever 69-52 in Game 5. The journey to the title was not easy for either team, and the battle will surely go down as one of the best in league history.
Unlike what we witnessed in the previous four game, Game 5 had a lackluster first half. Both teams struggled to score in the second quarter, only shooting at 33% with Minnesota in the lead 27-23 at halftime. Perhaps the biggest costliest mistakes for the Fever came in the form of turnovers–21 to be exact, coupled with only 12pts and 4-23 shooting in the final 20 minutes of the game. The Fever finally showed signs of life in the fourth quarter, but it was a little to late. At the end, Tamika led the Fever with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Briann January and Shenise Johnson finished with double-digit points, scoring 13 and 10, respectively.
After a grueling loss, the Fever graciously head to the locker room.
Finals MVP Sylvia Fowles proved why good things come to those who wait. After sitting out the first half in the season while awaiting a trade from the Chicago Sky, many wondered if she would even take the court at all this season. On July 27th, 2 days after the All-Star game, her wish was granted to be traded to the Lynx, and her contributions have been tremendous since day one. Sylvia was too much for the Fever to contain last night, where she capitalized in the paint and around the glass, finishing the night with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
As for Lynx superstar Maya Moore, she had a quiet night on the stat sheet, only scoring five points the entire game. Yet her competitive edge, defense, and excitement proved to be contagious for the rest of the squad.
In a night when everything was on the line, the core veteran squad of the Lynx showed up when it mattered the most. Seimone Augustus was in vintage form, finishing in double figures with 16 points. Rebekkah Brunson stepped up in a major for the Lynx as well with 10 points and 14 rebounds.
Fever veteran leader Tamika Catchings almost reached her goal of winning title before retirement next year, but the Lynx had a different fire. Although this is their third title in just five seasons, the Lynx have officially become a dynasty in the place that matters the most: on their home-court in front of a sold-out crowd of close to 19,000 loyal fans. Congratulations to the 2015 WNBA Champions Minnesota Lynx!
(For all post-game interviews and recaps, visit the WNBA Finals Central!)
