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Takeaways: Fowles and Moore headline fifth straight Lynx win

By Mike Peden

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 04: (L-R) Seimone Augustus
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 04: (L-R) Seimone Augustus /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JUNE 26: Forward Rebekkah Brunson #32, center Sylvia Fowles #34 and guard Lindsay Whalen #13 of the Minnesota Lynx all celebrate a victory over the Seattle Storm on June 26, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JUNE 26: Forward Rebekkah Brunson #32, center Sylvia Fowles #34 and guard Lindsay Whalen #13 of the Minnesota Lynx all celebrate a victory over the Seattle Storm on June 26, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

First impressions

A common bond in Minnesota’s five-game winning streak is building early leads, and Tuesday night was no exception. An 11-0 first quarter run gave the Lynx an edge they would never relinquish.

“We had a really hard time cleanly rebounding the ball, so we didn’t have a lot of pace coming into our early offense,” said Seattle head coach Dan Hughes.

Rebounding has been a strength for the Lynx during their win streak, with a 42-28 edge over the Storm (10-5) on Tuesday. If Minnesota is putting in work on the boards, that means Fowles can rack up high numbers. She has four straight double-doubles and is buoyed by Moore and Rebekkah Brunson, who would probably get a higher distinction if those rebounds were for another team.

Another intangible revealed by scooping up missed shots is a quicker Lynx pace. On set plays designed for Fowles, she is getting more touches in single coverage, resulting in plenty of looks in the paint. Coupled with support from outside shooters, the Lynx can put up points in a hurry, stumping younger teams.

“We earned a 3-6 start, but we also know that’s not who we are,” Reeve said. “Part of our identity is jumping on teams early.”

Another part of Minnesota’s identity has taken shape: the playing rotation. Danielle Robinson, Tanisha Wright and Cecilia Zandalasini see regular minutes, with Temi Fagbenle coming in to spell for Fowles. Zandalasini is emerging as a source of offense, and the bench chemistry can only go higher. Whether or not they replicate the synchronicity of last year’s team, there is enough talent to keep the starters from wearing out prematurely.

Howard’s homecoming spoiled

Tuesday marked Natasha Howard’s first visit to Minnesota after her trade to Seattle. While the Storm got a steal, giving up just a second-round draft pick this year, it was the Lynx who stole momentum from their former comrade. In the midst of a breakout season, Howard was held to six points. Making just two of seven shots, foul trouble limited her playing time.

She wasn’t the only Seattle threat who was neutralized. Jewell Loyd scored just five points on 2-of-11 shooting. Others like first-round draft pick Jordin Canada and Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis were kept in check until late. Although Stewart hit 10 of 14 shots, the rest of the Storm finished at 35 percent.

“Just trying to cut the head of the snake off between Stewie and Sue (Bird). We didn’t want to let Jewell get going either,” Fowles said.

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