In 2018, the Sparks drafted nineteen-year-old Maria Kliundikova out of Russia with the eleventh overall pick. The youngster joined the team right away, playing two seasons with the Sparks before taking a break from the WNBA. She returned to Los Angeles this year, signing a training camp contract. The Sparks waived her, electing to keep Mercedes Russell, who is no longer on the roster, as a backup big instead. In hindsight, it was an interesting choice considering that Kliundikova is playing well for the Lynx and Russell isn’t on the roster anymore.
Kliundikova got another shot at the WNBA when the Lynx signed her in early June. The signing has paid off for both parties. Kliundikova has provided important frontcourt depth since coming to Minnesota, but her true value has been on full display since Napheesa Collier went down with an injury. She has provided big minutes for the Lynx and helped them secure a couple of wins without their superstar.
Maria Kliundikova was huge in the Lynx’s win over the Liberty
With Collier out, Jessica Shepard stepped into the starting lineup, making Kliundikova the only big off the bench. Kliundikova rose to the challenge, recording 21 points and nine rebounds in the Lynx’s first three games without Collier, setting the stage for a big game against the Liberty.
Even with Breanna Stewart sidelined, the Liberty have a big starting frontcourt with finals MVPs Jonquel Jones and Emma Meesseman. The two provided a challenging matchup for Jessica Shepard. So, Cheryl Reeve leaned on Kliundikova to play extended minutes. She reached the 20-minute mark for the second time this season.
In 23 minutes on the court, Kliundikova made her presence felt everywhere. She finished the game with six points, five rebounds, one assist, four steals, and two blocks. She held down the fort together with Alanna Smith, who is making a strong case to be named Defensive Player of the Year, and Shepard, while Collier sat with an ankle injury.
The Lynx will need Kliundikova to play just as well until Collier is ready to come back.
The Lynx have a difficult stretch coming up
The Lynx have two more games against New York coming up, followed by meetings against Atlanta, Indiana, and Seattle. Between Jonquel Jones, Emma Meesseman, Bri Jones, Brittney Griner, Aliyah Boston, and Nneka Ogwumike, the Lynx will have to go up against some of the best bigs in the league. They will need Kliundikova to be in top form.
Even when Collier is healthy, Kliundikova’s ability to come into a game and have an immediate impact will be incredibly important. Her size could make the difference in some playoff matchups or if the Lynx’s main frontcourt players suffer any more injuries.