WNBA Finals: Lynx Forward Alanna Smith Battles Back Issues
As the Minnesota Lynx prepare to face the New York Liberty in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, starting forward Alanna Smith is fighting to overcome back issues that limited her in Game 3. Despite the setback, Smith remains optimistic about taking the court on Friday, knowing her team’s season hangs in the balance.
A Must-Win Situation
Down 2-1 in the best-of-five series, the Lynx are under pressure to perform at Target Center (ESPN, 8 p.m. ET). Smith’s presence will be crucial, given her significant contribution to Minnesota’s defense, which has been one of the league’s best all season.
Back Discomfort Takes Its Toll
Smith’s back issues were exacerbated during a play in the second quarter of Game 3, where she fell backward battling New York’s Jonquel Jones. The 6-foot-4 forward played just 6 minutes, 37 seconds in the second half, managing only two points and six rebounds. Myisha Hines-Allen filled in admirably, playing 17:43 with four points and six rebounds.
Smith’s Resilience
“I’m banged up, I won’t lie,” Smith admitted Thursday. “But we’re in the WNBA Finals. How your body feels shouldn’t matter that much. Everybody is playing through aches and pains at this point.” Smith credits her teammates for their support, saying, “A big part of what helps me is my teammates. I have a great support system and am not going through it alone.”
Coach Cheryl Reeve Weighs In
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve emphasized the importance of Smith’s presence on the court, stating, “You saw it last night. Our starting five is a plus-20 net rating. Insert someone else, and it’s not. We need her. If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen and it’s just really unlucky.”
Liberty Focus on the Task at Hand
Meanwhile, the Liberty are determined to stay focused on the task at hand, avoiding distractions from the historical significance of their potential championship win. Forward Breanna Stewart, who led New York with 30 points and 11 rebounds in Game 3, is keenly aware of the opportunity ahead.
Sabrina Ionescu’s Winning Moment
Guard Sabrina Ionescu, who sank the winning 3-pointer in Game 3, took time to savor the moment, responding to over 200 congratulatory text messages from friends, family, former teammates, and coaches. “I watched that clip a few times to just relive it,” Ionescu said. “Now, I’ve kind of turned the page. You can’t stay on that high too long, because the job’s not finished.”
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