Sun head coach and general manager Curt Miller shares his keys for Game Three of the WNBA Finals. Missed his first blog about Game Two? Read it HERE.
The series heads to Los Angeles for Game Three of the WNBA Finals. The teams have had an extra day to prepare and make adjustments heading into this pivotal game.
Some key bullet points for both teams:
Los Angeles:
The Sparks have to be happy they split on the road despite shooting less than a combined 40% from the field and 18% from the 3-point line in Minnesota. They now own home court advantage and can win the WNBA Championship on their home court with two consecutive wins.
Offensive Keys:
* Movement – move the ball from side to side with commitment to cutting
* Play through Candace Parker – allow her to facilitate from the perimeter, increasing assists
* Points in paint – increase shot attempts for Nneka Ogwumike, who has been efficient (13-of-15 from the field in the first two games
* Improved 3-point shooting. Watch for a big night from behind the arc
Key Offensive Stats:
* High assist percentage on made baskets
* Low turnovers
* Efficient 3-point shooting
* Points in the Paint
Defensive Keys:
* Transition Defense – force Minnesota to play in the quarter court
* Limit offensive rebounds – this will allow LA to run back on Minnesota
* Effective trapping ball screens, especially against the back-up guards
* Forcing Minnesota turnovers or getting deflections
* Eliminate big runs
Minnesota:
The Lynx enter the game confident coming off of their 19 point win in Game Two. The defense was disruptive and did a better job of not giving up easy looks in the quarter court. They forced LA into more jump shots which helped keep them off of the foul line. Offensive rebounding helped the Lynx attempt 12 more total shots than in Game One. Seimone Augustus was more aggressive on the offensive end and attempted the second most shots on the team.
Offensive Keys:
* Transition/Early Offense – have a commitment to score early in possessions.
* Find shots for Maya Moore and Seimone Augustus early in the game
* Commitment to points in the paint
* Improved offensive production by the second unit
* Offensive Rebounding
* Low turnovers
Key Offensive stats:
* Transition points
* Points in the paint
* Offensive rebounds
* Low turnovers
* Bench points
Defensive Keys:
* Transition defense
* Keep LA out of the paint – congest the driving lanes
* Keep LA off of the foul line
* Eliminate big runs
* Eliminate a big night at the 3-point line
Looking forward to a great GAME THREE!
Go Sun!