Minneapolis, MN (August 24, 2019)—The battle for playoff positioning continues this Sunday as Las Vegas travels to Minnesota for a 4 pm PT tip against the Lynx (watch Coach Raimon’s video scout).
The Aces are coming off an 89-85 loss at Connecticut, Friday, that saw them give up an 11-point first-half lead. The loss dropped them 1.5 games back of the Sun and the Mystics who are now tied for first place atop the league standings.
Liz Cambage is averaging 21.2 points and 10.7 rebounds per game since missing the team’s August 3 game at Dallas. She has had five double-doubles in that span while connecting on 55.7 percent of her shots from the field. A’ja Wilson returned to the Aces lineup three games ago, and is averaging 20.3 points and 6.0 rebounds during that time.
Cambage and Wilson are among the league leaders in scoring, averaging 16.3 and 16.1 points per game respectively. Kayla McBride (14.4) and Dearica Hamby (11.1) give the Aces four double-digit scorers.
On the other side of the ball, Las Vegas has the best defense in the league, pacing the WNBA in Defensive Efficiency, Opponent Field Goal Percentage, and Defensive Rebound Percentage.
Minnesota snapped a three-game losing streak, Thursday, with an 86-70 win vs. Dallas. The Lynx were 10-7 back on July 14, but have lost 8 of their last 12.
Minnesota is shooting 44.6 percent from the field, which is the second best percentage in the league. The Lynx also boast the third best offensive rebound percentage in the W, and are the fourth best rebounding team overall.
Odyssey Sims leads four Minnesota player in double-digit scoring, averaging 14.1 point per game. Sylvia Fowles chips in with 13 5 points and 8.9 rebounds, while rookie Napheesa Collier is second among all first year players with 12.3 points per game, and Danielle Robinson is scoring 10.2 per game.
One of the Lynx’ Achilles heals this season has been its ability to take care of the basketball, as they are averaging a league-high 16.6 miscues per game. Conversely, they force the second most turnovers per game in the W at 16.7 per game. Minnesota’s 4-1 record in games decided by three points or less is the best in the league.
The Aces are 2-0 against the Lynx this season, winning 80-75 at Target Center on June 16, and 79-74 at Mandalay Bay Events Center on July 21.