2016 WNBA season Game Thread: Sparks host Lynx in much-anticipated showdown

Someone's O has got to go.

The Los Angeles Sparks are hosting the Minnesota Lynx today. This is the most anticipated and biggest game so far in the 2016 WNBA regular season.

The game will tip off at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be shown on NBA TV, TWC D and TWC SN.

Both the Sparks and Lynx have been impressive in the season, cruising past every opponent to set records and reign supreme in the league standings so far.

The Lynx are 12-0, the best start to a regular season in WNBA history. The Sparks are just half a game behind at 11-0, a franchise record for best start to a regular season. A win by the Lynx will assure that they will still hold that record, but a loss to the Sparks would mean the Sparks will get a chance to steal that record.

More than that, this match-up is also a potential WNBA Finals preview, given that the league had already adopted a new playoff format. It would be interesting to see how the two sides size up against each other.

Candace Parker has been at the forefront of the Sparks' success, averaging 16.5 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, and 1.1 BPG. She is also shooting 39.5 percent from three-point area.

Her counterpart, Maya Moore, has also been on a tear so far in the season, averaging 19.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 5.0 APG.

The two superstars will have plenty of support. Both the Lynx and Sparks have reliable benches, making this affair even more interesting.

At 8 p.m. ET on ESPN 3 is the San Antonio Stars (2-9) going up against the Chicago Sky (5-7).

Also at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN 2 is the Phoenix Mercury (4-8) battling the Dallas Wings (5-7). The Wings had just outlasted the Mercury in a triple-overtime thriller a few nights ago, 117-111 and the Mercury are eager to bounce back.

Picks? Predictions? Follow the open thread and join the discussion below. Just enter your name and complete a CAPTCHA.

Comments

  1. LVJJune 22, 2016 at 4:06 AM

    Lynx up 25-21 after 1

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  2. LVJJune 22, 2016 at 4:27 AM

    Lynx seem to have an answer for every Sparks attempt at cutting it closer. 39-34 Lynx after a Seimone Augustus bucket

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  3. LVJJune 22, 2016 at 4:35 AM

    Upon review, refs nullified Maya Moore's triple earlier. Sparks getting baskets in transition. They have a 39-38 lead at the half

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  4. LVJJune 22, 2016 at 4:59 AM

    Scrambling defense starting to show for the Sparks. Moore picked up her 4th personal earlier. Candace Parker puts the Sparks ahead, 49-47.

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  5. LVJJune 22, 2016 at 5:04 AM

    Kristi Toliver from deep! Sparks pulling away, 54-47. Nneka Ogwumike also with 4 personals

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  6. LVJJune 22, 2016 at 5:09 AM

    Great response from the Lynx. Cheryl Reeve sent Moore back in. Tied at 54 late in the 3rd

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  7. LVJJune 22, 2016 at 5:19 AM

    Jia Perkins doing damage early in the 4th. 63-61 Lynx up

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  8. LVJJune 22, 2016 at 5:30 AM

    Toliver from downtown! But Brunson sinks 2 from the foul line. 67-66 Lynx under 3 minutes left

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  9. LVJJune 22, 2016 at 5:34 AM

    TOLIVER top of the key three! 69-67 Sparks 1:27 left

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  10. LVJJune 22, 2016 at 5:42 AM

    Fowles hook shot goes in! Beard drives, no! Tied at 69. Lynx ball, 7.5 left.

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  11. LVJJune 22, 2016 at 5:50 AM

    Renee Montgomery for the win! A great kick out by Lindsay Whalen off the inbounds pass.

    Parker fouled immediately, misses the first and intentionally misses the second. Toliver made a long two but it didn't beat the buzzer.

    Lynx win, 72-69 to improve to 13-0.

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