NFL
By: Nick Andre
The Minnesota Lynx and Tiffany Mitchell, have been in a crazy dilemma through the first few weeks of the 2023 WNBA season. Questions continue to surround the franchise whether they’re rebuilding or if the roster is just not properly constructed to become a playoff contender. Struggles on both ends of the floor were glaring as the Lynx lost their first six games of the season. However, the team captured a big win on Saturday night against the Washington Mystics, which is thanks to the heroics of their new addition Tiffany Mitchell.
Mitchell is another Dawn Staley South Carolina product who’s an elite two-way talent. She’s tough, hard-nosed, and not afraid to get physical. Since she came into the WNBA, it’s been the same mentality for Mitchell. While she hasn’t been known as an All-Star caliber player, her hustle and tenacity allow her to be respected around the league.
Mitchell played for the Indiana Fever during her first seven seasons in the WNBA. While she was in and out of the starting lineup, she spent most of her time with the second unit and provided energy off the bench. During her tenure in Indiana, Mitchell averaged 9.6 points on 38 percent shooting.
Mitchell had big moments during her stint with the Fever. On many occasions, she put the team on her back and delivered spectacular performances leading to a win. However, for a player of Mitchell’s caliber, there comes a time when a player seeks a bigger role. During free agency, she signed with the Lynx with the hope of helping the franchise rejuvenate as title contenders. Through seven games, Mitchell has fit in with the team like a glove. She’s been a great initiator in the offense that has done a great job of scoring, attacking, and keeping her teammates engaged in the offense.
What makes Mitchell a matchup nightmare is her size and athleticism. Not only is she an efficient shooter from the outside but is great at finding openings to attack the basket. Coming off a ball screen, she’s able to take advantage of driving lanes and make her way to the rim. More times than not, Mitchell uses her strength to absorb contact and finish with a highlight play at the basket.
In her first season in Minnesota, Mitchell has continued to place herself in the Most Improved Player conversation. Her scoring numbers have been impressive as she’s shouting a career-high 50 percent from the field as well as 45 percent from three. Being the starting point guard for the Lynx, Mitchell is showing great leadership and setting the tone on both ends of the floor. Also, when it matters most, Mitchell shows that she can make a huge play down the stretch, as she displayed in Saturday night’s big win over the Washington Mystics.
It’s uncertain what the future looks like for the Minnesota Lynx moving forward. Surely, they will not make the playoffs this season. However, Mitchell shows that she can be the point guard for the future. She’s only 28 years old while still having WNBA experience to mentor the younger players. Through seven games of the 2023 WNBA season, Mitchell has embraced her role as the starting point guard for the Lynx.
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