Watching the W: Lynx-Sun

I hope you caught a great game tonight on ESPN2's WNBA Tuesday. The Minnesota Lynx hosted the Connecticut Sun in a matchup of the leaders in the two conferences on the heels of the Sun handing the Lynx their first loss last Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Minnesota seemed well on its way to evening the season series when I started watching at halftime. However, Connecticut dominated the second half, outscoring the Lynx 47-29 after halftime to steal the game. The key player was former Storm forward Barbara Turner, who scored 18 points on 5-of-8 shooting and came up with several timely buckets to hold Minnesota at bay down the stretch.

It's good to see Turner, always a favorite during her time in Seattle, making good on her potential with the Sun. During the game, ESPN2 broadcasters Pam Ward and Carolyn Peck gave credit for Turner's development to her reuniting during the off-season with John Lucas. Turner had worked with Lucas when he was the head coach of the Cavaliers and she was growing up in Cleveland. Now Lucas trains NBA players in Houston, and Turner worked with them. She's improved her three-point shot, which has opened up her game, and is better at creating off the dribble.

It was only one game, but I was disappointed with a Minnesota offense that came into the game as far and away the league's most efficient on a per-possession basis. The Lynx shot 33.3% from the field in this game, and while Connecticut deserves credit, Minnesota's shot selection left much to be desired. It is obvious how the rookies have helped the Lynx, however. I'm inclined to believe that even if they can't keep up this pace, they'll be a threat all year long.

For more on the game, might I suggest checking out The Horton Report and our old friend Alan Horton?