The Minnesota Lynx dropped their second straight game on Monday night, falling 90-89 to the Connecticut Sun at Target Center. The loss marked the team's first back-to-back defeats of the season and exposed just how much Minnesota relies on its rookie point guard, Olivia Miles.
Minnesota Lynx Adjust Lineup Following Olivia Miles Injury
Miles sat the bench for the first time after being ruled out late with a right calf strain. She picked up the injury during last week's loss to the New York Liberty, forcing head coach Cheryl Reeve to reshuffle her rotation against the Sun. Miles had started all 20 games prior and earned back-to-back Rookie of the Month honors for May and June.
The Lynx are also still without five-time All-Star Napheesa Collier, who has missed the entire season after offseason ankle surgeries. Collier returned to practice last week, though, offering a boost on the horizon.
Without two key pieces, veteran Courtney Williams stepped into primary playmaking duties and finished with 23 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Kayla McBride led all Minnesota Lynx scorers with 28 points.
Brittney Griner Dominates Paint for Connecticut Sun
Still, neither could offset Brittney Griner, who posted a season-best 29 points on 11-of-14 shooting with 10 rebounds for the Connecticut Sun.
The game also marked Dorka Juhász's season debut after a foot injury kept her out for the first 20 games. She contributed three points in 25 minutes. Minnesota drops to 15-6 but remains tied for the league's best record. Their rematch against Connecticut is slated for July 9 at 7:30 PM ET on USA Network.
