WNBA Finals What we learned in game 1?
It was a day of celebration as the WNBA recognized it's WNBA Top 20 legends at halftime of game 1 of the WNBA Finals and both teams put on a show for the WNBA pioneers in attendance. Alana Beard hit the game winner at the buzzer as Sparks defeated Lynx 78-76 in Game 1 of the 2016 WNBA FInals. The same Alana Beard that didn't look comfortable on offense the entire game drained a 3 from the corner as her teammates corraled her afterwards in jubilation. The Los Angeles Sparks with early and late foul trouble managed to stay the course and apply the great defensive pressure they have played all season to stop the Minnesota Lynx at home. Maya Moore and Seimone Augustus were never really comfortable offensively and Minnesota Lynx Coach Reeves even thought the Sparks defensive pressure deserved a lot of credit." Game 1 taught us that the Los Angeles Sparks Brian Agler has bought a championship defensive mentality to LA and the Lynx are going to have to find a way to break free if they will win number 4.
The Lynx had offensive struggles in game 1 but the Sparks had no answer for Sylvia Fowles who dominated inside with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Lindsay Whalen carried the Lynx offensively in the first half and finished the game with 18 points. Maya Moore was scoreless in the first half but managed to finish with 18 points despite being draped on defense by Alana Beard. Game 1 taught us that Seimone is going to have to elevate her game when Maya isn't hitting shots. Augustus finishing with 6 points won't be enough against the stingy defense from the Sparks. Coach Reeves on the lost "The Sparks came in here and beat us. We made bad plays that cost us cutting, moving and turning the ball over and the Sparks led by Beard's defense deserves a lot of credit. " The Lynx may have added fuel to the Sparks fire by losing game 1 at home.
Alana Beard finished the game with 4 points and hit what could be one of the biggest shots of her career. Alana Beard plays with the same passion, and tenacity she had when I was her teammate, despite the many injuries, ups and downs throughout her career. It's always great to see an athlete have a moment like that who has endured so much. So what we learned form Beard today taught us everything we need to know about the game and about life. You never give up and you never stop believing in yourself and when an opportunity presents itself you have to take the shot. She's one of the hardest working players that I've ever played with. Today her preparation met opportunity and as my late mentor, coach and friend Kay Yow taught me that's what luck is my friend. Thanks for reading. Next game Tuesday 8pm on ESPN2.