Lynx Survive Indiana Fever
August 18, 2017

Of all the records set by the Minnesota Lynx in demolishing the Indiana Fever, 111-52, Friday night the one most likely to never be topped is the incredible 37-0 run between 4:11 of the first quarter and 3:26 of the second.

During that amazing period of time, the Lynx lead was stretched from 22-9 to 59-9. Stunned spectators could only murmur at what it was they were seeing as a relentless scoring machine took full advantage of Indiana’s missed shots and turnovers.

For the first five minutes of the contest, every shot the Lynx took went in, including three 3-pointers by Renee Montgomery. Montgomery, starting in place of the injured Lindsay Whelan, finished with 20 points, one of six Lynx in double figures.

Prior to the game, Montgomery had drawn criticism for her inconsistent and sometimes undisciplined play. It’s not easy replacing a legend and a point guard at that.

Even legends grow old, and Whelan is 35, as are Rebakkah Brunson, Jia Perkins, and Plenette Pierson. That Lynx quartet represents four of the five oldest players in the WNBA. Seimone Augustus is 33. All of this would point to a window of Lynx success that is slowly closing.

None of this mattered against the Fever. Indiana is by no means a stumbling pushover. In fact, the last time these two teams met, the Fever took an 84-82 victory on their home floor, Bankers Life Fieldhouse. In that Game, Minnesota had the full services of Brunson, who currently is out with a sprained ankle.

To honor breast cancer survivors, the Lynx wore pink uniforms in their 59-point victory, the largest in WNBA history. Perhaps Minnesota should change their colors to pink and white if it inspires such a display of superiority over opponents.

It was 37-9 at the end of the first quarter and 68-23 at the half. Minnesota had 27 field goals in the half, the most in team history. Meanwhile, the hapless Fever was shooting only 25 percent from the field and turning the ball over 10 times.

The third period ended with the Lynx leading 88-39. Because of the Whelan and Brunson injuries, coach Cheryl Reeve had only four healthy subs, and all were played liberally. Every one scored in the rout, which took on a resemblance to some state girls’ high school contests between overmatched small rural schools and highly-ranked opponents such as Mt. Iron-Buhl.

Sylvia Fowles led the Lynx with 25 points in only 24 minutes of action, followed by Montgomery’s 20. Sub Jia Perkins had 15.

Jazmon Gwathmey led Indiana with 12 points.