The Minnesota Lynx look to extend an impressive start to the season when they travel to Atlanta to take on the Dream on Sunday.
Winners in three of four to start the year, Minnesota’s only blemish was an 83-82 overtime loss to the Connecticut Sun on Thursday.
Spearheading the Lynx’s hot start is six-year veteran Napheesa Collier, who’s averaging 23.8 points and 11 rebounds per game. Collier stuffed the box score in Thursday’s loss, finishing with 31 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, four steals and a pair of blocks.
In Minnesota’s 84-67 home win over the New York Liberty on Saturday, Collier recorded 15 points and 12 rebounds.
As a team, the Lynx tallied 26 assists and connected on 14 of 28 triples to down New York.
“It’s just the selfless nature of every player,” Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve said. “I think it’s them understanding that’s our path. We’re leading the league in assist percentage. Today, 26 assists on 32 field goals. That’s who we have to be.”
Newcomer Courtney Williams, who’s playing for her fifth team, leads the Lynx with 6.0 assists per game.
Unlike Minnesota, Atlanta should be well rested on Sunday, as the Dream are playing for the first time since Tuesday, when they topped the Dallas Wings 83-78. Atlanta finished the game on a 31-16 run in its home opener.
After posting a combined 33-43 record through the first two seasons under head coach Tanisha Wright, Atlanta will look to continue its momentum Sunday.
“I’ve liked the way we’ve competed, for sure,” Wright said. “We can do a better job of executing. I think that’s where the biggest area of growth needs to happen for us. But as far as competing, I like how we look so far.”
Rhyne Howard leads Atlanta in scoring at 20.3 points per game, while Tina Charles’ 9.3 rebounds per contest pace the team.
Atlanta took two of three from Minnesota last season.
