FEVER GRIND OUT WIN, END LOSING STREAK BEHIND "ARRIVAL" OF NALYSSA SMITH
By Deon Cash
The Indiana Fever was on a losing streak, and with it came some hard questions.
After a gutty win on the road against a Minnesota Lynx team needing a win themselves, the Fever answered a few questions, and then some.
They now will come home this week and see if they can get on a winning streak as they grinded out an 84-80 win to snap a 5-game losing streak and build some positive momentum heading back to Indy.
#2 pick NaLyssa Smith showed why she was that pick, with a coming out party of sorts, as she led the team with 21 pts, 14 boards and 4 assists in the Fever's crucial victory. She was one of four Fever in double digits, as Robinson (16), Kelsey Mitchell (15) and Victoria Vivians (15) help lead a balanced attack in a crucial must win game.
Vivians two clutch 3's help seal the deal late in the game.
Smith also made her statement in the Rookie of the Year race, which she has said she wants to win.
"I want to win. When you lose, you don't want that energy around the team. We had to get a win and we was gonna' do whatever it took." Smith would state in the press conference after the game.
Smith was involved in all the key plays, including a dust up with the Lynx which fueled her even more, especially late when she made a few more "Winning Plays" to get a much-needed W.
Coach Knox, who now moves to 2-5 on the season, was relieved and happy for his team as well.
It was nice to get that win, to end a losing streak, as the ladies have been working so hard each and every day. It's all about the process and I'm happy to see NaLyssa and her development coming along well. She's in the gym a lot, and it is paying off."
With the win the Fever move to 4-12 on the season, but are 3-1 vs the Western Conference, which should be interesting as they will face a bevy of those teams for the remainder of the season.
The Fever will be back at home on Wednesday, and while they aren't near a playoff spot, they sit only 5 games back with the All-Star break less than a month away. They will face a Phoenix Mercury team (5-8) who is looking to get back on the winning track as well, despite missing all-WNBA C Britney Griner, who is still in Russia jail after over 100 days.
Fever Rookie Report
Henny Sees Lowest Minute Output of Season -Why?
Destanni Henderson, one of the brightest young stars of the Fever and the NBA, saw her lowest minutes total of the season. But with good reason, as the starting PG played well in DRob, with her best overall game of the season. Mitchell was solid, but had a good floor game, and her assists in the final minutes were clutch. "Henny" played well last night, so expect her to play much more in the upcoming games.
No Lexie This Game - Why?
Lexie Hull, the guard who was starting to find her way in the WNBA, was not available as she attended a graduation ceremony. Hull could be a key off the bench in the second part of the season. She is starting to find her groove.
Engstler - Solid and Disruptive
Emily Englster was solid and disruptive in her time on the floor, which is exactly what coach Knox wants them to be. Englster has been in foul trouble often, but has given great minutes on the floor, and seems to be getting more comfortable on the court, so much so, she took it from one end to the other recently, which shows her true versatility to the team.
Egbo - Tough & Developing
Queen Egbo had some good and bad moments, but for the most part, Egbo has been a very nice suprise starting from Day 1 at the center position. She plays around the rim, but has a nice drive game, with some post moves as well, and showed it last nite in flashes. She also had the unenviable task of trying to stop the Lynx bigs, who played well last night. Most players have a couple inches on Egbo on every team she faces, but her heart, and desire usually makes up for the size.
Smith - Clutch, Clearly in the Rookie of the Year Race
NaLyssa Smith provided everything you needed to see out of a Rookie of the Year type of player; A dominant start, didn't miss until shot 8...Diving out of bounds to save a huge loose ball late in the game...Standing up in the moment of a crisis and possible fight...Hitting clutch off the dribble shots to stop offensive droughts...Nice defense, especially late in the game....Posting inside against bigger players - and scoring; There was nothing she didn't do tonight, and few more of those performances will boost her against Rhyne Howard, who is having a banner year herself for that Rookie of the Year Award.
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