Typically when going to see a sequel or a remake of an original movie, that sequel or remake does not live up to expectations generated by the original flick.
This upcoming WNBA Finals rematch between the Los Angeles Sparks and Minnesota Lynx will more than likely be the exception to the above rule.
As we know, last year’s WNBA Finals that went the full five games, and was a product of the W’s new and improved playoff format thanks to league president Lisa Borders, was arguably the best in league history. It was also fitting given it came in the WNBA’s 20th season.
It was a Finals that had drama, excitement, and even controversy. And given how many in Minnesota are still somewhat peeved about last year’s finish, that only adds to that hype and buildup for this years.
Only question is can this year’s live up to last season’s? Our guess is that it will.
For the Sparks, they will be entering this year’s Finals in the throes of a 10-game winning streak while the Lynx will be looking to exercise the demons of last year’s Finals.
It is also the second time in WNBA history the same two teams have met in the Finals. The last time was when the Houston Comets and New York Liberty faced off in two consecutive Finals in 1999-2000 which the Comets won both times.
In addition—the winner of this Finals will tie those Comets as having the most titles in history as the Lynx and Sparks are entering with three titles each. The Comets had four.
Los Angeles managed to return to the Finals even after one of their primary three-point threats from last season—Kristi Toliver—went to the Mystics. And Minnesota, as we know, is a team stacked full of veterans—and if it is one thing we know, veterans typically win championships in basketball.
The Lynx finished the regular season with a 27-7 record—two of those defeats came at the hands of the Sparks, who won the season series with the Lynx 2-1.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Flores/Minneapolis Star-Tribune
The season series began in auspicious fashion for the Lynx as the first contest between the two teams of 2017 concluded in an 88-77 victory over the Sparks in early July at the Xcel Energy Center.
Sylvia Fowles, who eventually won this year’s league MVP, led the way with 20 points and 13 rebounds and Renee Montgomery added 20 of her own off the bench. Seimone Augustus added 16 and Maya Moore scored 10.
Despite a 27-point and 14-rebound effort from Nneka Ogwumike and 16 via Chelsea Gray, it was no banner evening for Candace Parker as she only had two points for the entire game and was one-for-six from the field.
Minnesota also out-offensive rebounded Los Angeles 15-9. The Sparks were also hurt by going four-for-16 in shooting threes.
The Lynx’s lead in the second quarter grew to as much as 19.
Photo Credit: Courtney Pedroza/Minneapolis Star-Tribune
It was in the second contest (in mid-August) of this year’s season series when things began to turn more in the Sparks’ favor. Said second game went LA’s way by virtue of a 70-64 victory over Minnesota—also at the Xcel Energy Center.
In the first game, it was Parker who struggled from the field. In Game 2, it was Ogwumike who struggled, going only one-for-eight in what was a very uncharacteristic game for one of the league’s premier interior presences.
But where she came up short, Gray and Parker picked up the slack. Gray scored 23 points and Parker notched a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Odyssey Sims added 14 and the Sparks as a team shot 94 percent from the free throw line.
Fowles led the Lynx with a double-double—17 points and 13 rebounds and Rebekkah Brunson contributed 14 points with nine rebounds. It was a 12-point game for Moore and Renee Montgomery finished with 10 points and five assists.
The Lynx were held to only eight points in the third quarter by the Sparks’ defense. Notably enough, it was also the game where at halftime, the Lynx unveiled what will be the team’s new logo starting with next season. It is part of a rebranding effort where the Lynx, Timberwolves, and NBA G-League’s Iowa Wolves will all feature similar logos and colors.
Photo Credit: Benita Wright/T.G.SportsTV1
In the third and final regular season game between these two teams in late August, the scene shifted to Southern California—and the Sparks won 78-67 to clinch the season series.
A 24-point, 10-rebound, three-assist performance by Parker paced the Sparks to victory over Minnesota—as well as 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists from Chelsea Gray, 12 points from Sims and three steals from Alana Beard.
Those three steals were part of an imposing defensive effort of LA as they forced the Lynx into 18 turnovers and they only shot six free throws for the entire game.
Moore went only two-of-six from the field but still scored 10 points and Fowles contributed 17 points with 14 rebounds.
Game 1 is set for Sunday in Minnesota on ABC and we are just continuing to check our watches and our calendars waiting for it to be Sunday already!
By: Akiem Bailum (@AkiemBailum on Twitter, Instagram)
