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The Lynx put their 12-0 record on the line this afternoon when the take on the 11-0 Sparks in Los Angeles in a battle of the two best teams in the WNBA. The game tips at 2:30 pm CDT and is televised on NBA TV. If you are able to watch, I recommend it highly. These are two high quality teams who finally get to measure themselves against each other for the first time this season.
Kevin Pelton weighed in on the matchup at ESPN, seeing the Sparks as likely the slightly stronger team at the moment. They feature the brilliant Candace Parker and the dominant Nneka Ogwumike, a three time all-star who has upped her game yet again this season. In fact, that is probably the match up I'm keying on: Ogwumike, who is very difficult to stop, against the defense of Rebekkah Brunson and Sylvia Fowles.
The Lynx and Sparks are the top teams on both sides of the ball so far this season, with the Sparks offense topping the league while the Lynx have the best defense. Their ability to at least slow down the Sparks attack will be key today, and again on Friday when these teams meet back at Target Center (I. Can't. Wait.)
Three point shooting is going to be a big factor in these two games. The Sparks take more (roughly 3 more per game) and make more (38% to 35%), but the Lynx have defended the three to the tune of 25% shooting for opponents. Keeping the Sparks in control from beyond the arc while also defending in the paint is a tough ask against this Sparks team, but it's what is required for the Lynx to continue unbeaten.
These two games this week should be huge for the Lynx and the league.
Also today is the semi-final of Copa America between Argentina and the U.S. The game is in Houston at 8:00 pm CDT, and should be a great atmosphere, as the game is sold out and I would expect significant support for both sides.
Argentina is, of course,the much better team, and should win comfortably, but it's sports. Anything could happen. It's a big night for American soccer.
Today's musical birthday is Ray Davies, founder of The Kinks, born in 1944