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Slyvia Fowles was named the WNBA MVP this afternoon in advance of game two of the Lynx’ semifinal series vs. the Washington Mystics. Fowles, a regular All-Star, took her game to a new level this season, combining her usual ferocious interior defense with an aggressive and consistent offensive game we hadn’t before seen in Minnesota.
Fowles averaged 19 points and 10.4 rebounds per game, along with two blocks and 1.3 steals. It was the all around dominance that garnered her this award, and it’s well deserved. She was incredibly efficient, shooting a career high 65.5 percent from the floor, and was the focal point of the offense during a comparative off-year for perennial MVP candidate Maya Moore.
Fowles’ first two seasons in Minnesota were certainly successful ones—she helped the team to a championship in her first season, and won the Defensive Player of the year Award as the Lynx returned to the Finals last season. But this was different. Coach Cheryl Reeve made it a priority to get Fowles more involved as a centerpiece of the offense, and it paid off in spades. She was unstoppable in the post, abusing the league with her strength, agility, and quickness, and showing a patience with the ball we hadn’t seen in the past.
It was a terrific season for Fowles, who is well deserving of this award. No doubt capping it off with another title would be the best possible ending for the Lynx and one of their star players.