The Indiana Fever has been recognized historically as one of the WNBA’s defensive stalwarts. Somebody forgot to tell the Minnesota Lynx as they cruised past the Fever to spoil their home opener 96-74, in front of 9,234 disappointed fans.
Minnesota shot an incredible 92.9 percent from the floor in the first period, while holding the Fever to just 38.9 percent, and from there the rout was on. The Lynx continued to find success from the field in the second stanza and posted an eye popping 79. 3 percent from the field for the first two quarters, to take a 60-38 lead at the half.
Indiana would simply trade baskets with Minnesota in the second half and did not mount a serious threat to the Lynx.
Minnesota was led by Charde Houston who dropped a career best 23 points on the Fever. Seimone Augustus added 19, and Nicky Anosike contributed 17 points and a game high four steals.
The Fever were led by Yolanda Griffith who had a solid night with 17 points and a game high seven rebounds.
Katie Douglas added 16 points on a night when the Fever would shoot just 40.3 percent from the field and commit 18 turnovers that would lead to 26 Minnesota points.
Notes: The Fever were playing their second game in two nights.
The lost the season opener the night before in Atlanta in double overtime, by the score of 87-86. The late arrival back in Indianapolis no doubt had some impact on their energy against Minnesota. To their credit, nobody used it for an excuse.
Perennial All Star Tamika Catchings injured her quadricep against Atlanta and then aggravated it against Minnesota.
Catchings was limited to ten minutes against Minnesota as a result, and scored just five points.
Pacer President Larry Bird and Head Coach Jim O’Brien attended the Fever home opener with family members.
While they sat in close proximity, they did not appear to be discussing a contract extension. This scribe thinks O’Brien
deserves one. Stay tuned this summer as it looks to be an interesting one for the Pacers in terms of this matter.
Pacer Jeff Foster provides a section of seats at Fever home games that are allocated to various organizations throughout
Indianapolis. Hats off to him for once again helping others in our community.
The Fever has home games on June 9 against Seattle and June 12 against Los Angeles. Tickets are still available at the Conseco Fieldhouse Box Office or at Ticketmaster.com
Come out and “Catch the Fever” with your family.
Danny Bridges, who could shoot in his day, but never played any defense, can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
