The Minnesota Lynx face off against the Washington Mystics on Wednesday night on NBA TV at 8 pm ET in a game both teams want to win to improve their position in the standings.
The Lynx have struggled all season to rack up wins. At 10-13 and losers of four and their last five, Minnesota is holding onto the seventh seed. The main reason the season is still salvageable and playoff seeding is in hand: Napheesa Collier.
Collier is averaging 21.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists. She is having a career year, is the leader of the Lynx and is on the short list of MVP candidates. She is the key factor in this and every game Minnesota plays. To give them the best chance at winning, the Lynx need Collier to have monster games. Opponents, in turn, must try to slow her down as much as possible.
There is no stopping Collier, but you can contain. On the defensive end, make her exert as much energy as possible. When defending Collier, force her out of the spots she likes to receive the ball on the floor and, when she gets the ball, double team her the instant she takes possession. That’s easier said than done! But that’s the job the Mystics’ front court will have on Wednesday. If they struggle to contain Collier, it could be a long night in Minnesota.
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