"When we play the right way, we're a very hard team to stop," said Jonquel Jones. "Understand that this is the standard.
This is the level we need to play at, and now it's about maintaining it."
Lynx Struggle Without Collier
Kayla McBride led Minnesota with 18 points on July 3, while Courtney Williams added 16 points. The Lynx allowed New York to shoot 58% from the field.
"Our team defense just wasn't there," said Courtney Williams.
"Describing how they scored 52 points in the paint, and that's something we really hang our hats on defensively.
When a team shoots 58 percent on its home floor, it's usually because they're getting quality looks, layups, and close-range opportunities."
Reeve offered a critical evaluation of the Lynx defense regarding their coverage of pick-and-roll schemes.
"It was not our best. It wasn't good enough against this team," Reeve said.
"Our decisions defending their pick-and-roll actions, especially the ones involving Stewie, weren't good.
We were out of position, we had no help, and they scored 52 points in the paint. Stewie had a field day."
The Lynx played the July 3 match without Napheesa Collier, who missed the start of the season due to offseason ankle surgery but returned to practice alongside Dorka Juhász.
Liberty forward Satou Sabally remained sidelined in concussion protocol.
NBA Hall of Famer Yao Ming attended the July 3 game, providing a memorable moment for New York center Xu Han.
"I had just finished warming up and saw him.
It felt amazing to have such a great Chinese basketball player come support us and support me," said Xu Han.
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"I felt his energy, and I think I brought that energy onto the court for my teammates too."
