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The Los Angeles Sparks (3-2) defeated the Minnesota Lynx (4-2) 89-85 Saturday afternoon on the road, putting a damper on Lindsay Whalen’s jersey retirement that afternoon.
Though the Lynx lost, they still pulled out all the stops to give their former starting point guard a proper send-off. Here is a tribute video the Lynx made for her before the game:
"Look up the definition of 'Warrior', and that was Lindsay through and through." pic.twitter.com/GjpzTqtbGH
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) June 8, 2019
Congratulations to @Lindsay_13 as her #13 @minnesotalynx jersey makes its way to the Target Center rafters! #WNBA pic.twitter.com/8cLv5X6mRS
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 8, 2019
Players from the Lynx and the WNBA also gave their congratulations. Here is just a very small sample:
"Leadership, sisterhood, friendship, caring, loving. Thank you for all that you've done for the @minnesotalynx and the WNBA."
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 8, 2019
@seimoneaugustus and @SylviaFowles pay homage to teammate @Lindsay_13 on Whay Day. #WNBA pic.twitter.com/V54k298LmA
Sad I couldn't be there today but shoutout to this gem. Give her all the things! Weezy is one of my favorite people on the planet and I'm so happy for her and all her accomplishments. Congrats on your jersey retirement Weezus! #TheWinningWhay pic.twitter.com/L4Bj53c6SX
— Devereaux Peters (@MsPeters14) June 8, 2019
From one to another.
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) June 8, 2019
Congrats @Lindsay_13!!!
Be sure to tune-in, 12:30 PM PT to catch the @minnesotalynx vs. @LA_Sparks on ABC #AllTheWhayUp pic.twitter.com/VPFAALidnc
So what about the game itself?
Riquna Williams led the Sparks with 25 points off the bench, where she shot 7-of-16 from the field and 4-of-9 from the three-point line. Chelsea Gray added 21 points and Tierra Ruffin-Pratt added 17 more for Los Angeles.
For Minnesota, Lexie Brown scored 21 points off the bench, while Sylvia Fowles had a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Napheesa Collier added 18 points.
Los Angeles won the game by just four points, but they were in control for most of the game. They were able to race out to a 13-point lead in the second quarter and led by as many as ten points in the fourth quarter.
Still, the Lynx had their moments, especially late, as they made several spectacular shots to keep things interesting.
O AND PHEE ON THE RUN ♀️ ♀️ ♀️@SharecareInc Share of the Game pic.twitter.com/z3nnCfmkdw
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) June 8, 2019
dfadskljfadskdfhadskjfhadskdheashjfj@LEXIEKIAH_4 HOW?!?!?!?!?1 pic.twitter.com/4XAVxXbxeb
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) June 8, 2019
Nevertheless, Gray came up with a clutch basket with just 8.5 seconds left to close out the victory for L.A. on the road.
Chelsea Gray comes up CLUTCH AGAIN as she gives the @LA_Sparks a 4-PT lead with 8.5 seconds remaining on ABC! pic.twitter.com/SiMpsWFptM
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 8, 2019
Unfortunately, the Lynx also lost more than just the game earlier on Saturday. Jessica Shepard injured her right leg while attempting a layup in the fourth quarter. She left and did not return.
Lynx's Shepard injured her leg on landing, was helped off the court pic.twitter.com/24wFkTwXU1
— Board Man Gets Paid (@cjzero) June 8, 2019
It’s unclear how serious the injury is, but hopefully, she won’t have to miss much time.
Next up for the Lynx
The Lynx will travel to New York next Wednesday to play against the Liberty (0-4). Tipoff is at 7 p.m. ET.
Next up for the Sparks
The Sparks will go on the road to play the Mercury (1-2) on Friday, June 14. Tipoff is at 10 p.m. ET.