Indianapolis, IN – The paint was were the Minnesota Lynx began to beat up on the Indiana Fever today at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana could not match the Lynx aggressive play losing 87-65.
“We needed to match their sense of urgency early. But we didn’t do that,” said coach Pokey Chatman, “It’s tougher still when you do that against a veteran, experienced team.”
The Fever just beat the Lynx at the home last week playing good defense and stopping their ball movement. Ball movement and knocking down shots was another key to the Lynx lopsided victory.
Sylvia Fowles lead all scorers with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assist for a complete state line.
After the Fever began to crash down to the paint on defense the Lynx began to kickball out and make shots. As a team they tallied a season-high 29 assists on 33 field goals to shoot 51.6% from the field.
“They crowded the paint on me a lot and I got some open looks to our guards on the perimeter,” said Fowles, “When they knocked down shots they made sure they got me back inside.”
Erica Wheeler lead the Fever off the bench with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assist and rookie Kelsey Mitchell scored 11 points.
“Everything is all about defense,” said Wheeler, “Once we get our defense down, we’re pretty good.”
The Fever did make one hard 11-0 run in second quarter to bring game to 31-27, before Lynx answered with their own 10 run to restore order.
The midseason veteran addition of guard Cappie Pondexter to the Fever has been helpful she scored 9 points in 23 minutes of playing time.
The other super Lynx Maya Moore scored 19 points, and pull down 9 rebounds in this win.
Now Indiana will fly to Atlanta to face the Dream Friday night and look to get their next victory.
