Fansided

Sylvia Fowles makes WNBA history in win vs. Dallas

By Brad Berreman

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 23: Sylvia Fowles #34 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots the ball against the Dallas Wings on May 23, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 23: Sylvia Fowles #34 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots the ball against the Dallas Wings on May 23, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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After a pretty dismal season opener, Sylvia Fowles rebounded with a history-making performance on Wednesday night.

The Minnesota Lynx have become a dynasty, with four titles since 2011 and six WNBA Finals appearances over that span. Sylvia Fowles has been a worthy centerpiece in her two and half-seasons with the team, with two Finals MVP awards and an overall league MVP last year.

Fowles struggled in Minnesota’s narrow season-opening loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, in an instant Finals rematch from last year, with six turnovers as the Sparks made her a focal point of their defensive game plan. But an opportunity to rebound came Wednesday night against the Dallas Wings, with an anticipated matchup against 6-foot-9 inch Australian Liz Campage on the slate for Fowles.

Cambage had a solid 14 points and 12 rebounds in the game, as Dallas rallied in the second half of Minnesota’s 76-68 win. But Fowles usurped that with 23 points, 20 rebounds and five steals, while making some team and league history in the process.

Fowles clearly relished the opportunity to matchup against Cambage.

“I like the challenge,” Fowles said, “but there’s nothing easy about having to go up against Liz.”

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve was highly complimentary of Fowles’ performance.

"It was impressive. Cambage, she’s a physical presence. You guys try to get out there and do that. It’s hard — really, really hard, Syl is just a handful in terms of her aggression, the way that she occupies her spot, the way that she gets to her spot and not relinquish it. Obviously, we needed that. We need that interior presence, and she was able to come up big tonight."

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On a team with highly decorated players like Maya Moore and Lindsey Whalen, Fowles has become a key barometer for the Lynx. One win and one loss so far this season reflects that, but the reigning league MVP performs at a high level far more often than not.

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