The Minnesota Lynx are 13-4. They’re still one of the best teams in the WNBA. But Sunday night stung for a reason that had nothing to do with their spot in the standings.
Minnesota dropped a close one to the Washington Mystics, 84-79, at Target Center. It was Pride Night for the Lynx, and head coach Cheryl Reeve was clearly bummed about how it ended. Not just because of the loss, but because of the crowd that showed up.
“The crowd was amazing,” Reeve said after the game. “We should’ve done it for the gays, but we didn’t get it done.”
She laughed as she said it. But the sentiment was real. Reeve is openly gay and married to Lynx VP Carley Knox. Pride Night isn’t just a marketing event for her. It’s personal.
Reeve went on to praise the fans who packed the building and stayed engaged even when things got tense. “The support that we’ve gotten, obviously a special day like today being our Pride Game, we’re motivated by our crowds. They were with us every step of the way, even when they felt some frustrations too, but they kept bringing it and we appreciate them immensely.”
The Lynx had chances. They made Washington work for it. But it wasn’t enough.
Rookie Olivia Miles Showed Up Again
If there’s a silver lining, it’s that Olivia Miles keeps playing like she’s been in the league for five years. The rookie guard put up 22 points, five rebounds, six assists and two blocks Sunday. She led all scorers in the game. Not bad for a 23-year-old still getting her feet under her.
Miles has been a bright spot all season. But Sunday, even her performance wasn’t enough to overcome Washington’s one-two punch of Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. Citron dropped 21 points. Iriafen added 17. The Mystics did just enough to slip out of Minneapolis with the win.
Revenge Is Just a Few Days Away
The Lynx don’t have to sit on this one long. They’ll see Washington again Wednesday night, this time on the road at CareFirst Arena in D.C. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM ET.
You can bet Reeve and her team will be looking to return the favor. And maybe win one for the gays this time.
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