The Minnesota Lynx continued their impressive run by defeating the New York Liberty 83-71 on Sunday, extending their winning streak to five games. Since joining the team, DiJonai Carrington has played a pivotal role, helping the Lynx achieve a flawless 3-0 record with her new team.
Her strong contributions have not only raised the Lynx’s hopes for a championship but have also drawn sharp criticism from fans towards the Dallas Wings for limiting Carrington’s potential earlier this season.
Fan reactions highlight Carrington’s growth and Dallas Wings shortcomings
Social media has been abuzz with comments celebrating Carrington’s rise and questioning the Wings’ handling of her talent. One fan expressed frustration, stating, “Free everybody from Dallas,” underscoring dissatisfaction with Dallas Wings’ decisions.
Others applauded Carrington’s recent form and defensive intensity. “people forgot who she was,” remarked another fan, while one added,
“Immediate impact,the stats doesn’t even show how disruptive she is on defense. When she was on sab,she could barely score.”
Another observation noted the difference good coaching can make:
“Turns out she’s a ‘good coach’ kind of player. On a bad team, with a poor coach (like Dallas), she’s unusable. On a good team, with a good coach (like Minnesota, or Connecticut last year), she’s very useful,”
the fan commented.
Echoing the sentiment, another supporter simply described her as an “Impact player.”
Strong second-unit leadership drives Carrington’s success with the Lynx
While Kayla McBride topped the scoring chart with 18 points in the recent game, it was Carrington’s energy off the bench that stood out. Leading Minnesota’s second unit, she contributed 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals, cementing her influence on both offense and defense.
Since joining the Lynx, Carrington has averaged 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game through three contests. These numbers represent a clear improvement over her production in 20 games with Dallas, where she averaged 10.4 points and 1.1 steals per game, surpassing even her 2024 Most Improved Player campaign stats.
Carrington praises team chemistry and smooth adjustment in Minnesota
Despite being with the Lynx for just a week, DiJonai Carrington has quickly integrated with her teammates and found a strong rhythm. After Sunday’s win, she spoke about how the team’s playing style suits her perfectly.
“I love playing with this team just the way we move the ball and run the floor,” Carrington said. “They move the ball. I run the floor, we cut, we screen. We pass the ball until we get a really good shot. And there’s no egos, no selfishness. I just, I love it. It’s made it really easy for me.” —DiJonai Carrington
This collaborative approach has helped the Lynx dominate the league standings with a 27-5 record, placing them 6.5 games ahead of the New York Liberty.
Roster strength and player returns fuel Lynx title ambitions
With DiJonai Carrington stepping up to lead the second unit and consistent performances from stars like Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams, the Lynx are solidifying their position as championship contenders. The anticipated return of Napheesa Collier will further bolster the squad’s depth and intensity, intensifying their quest for a fifth WNBA title.