Menzie HendersonLynx Writer
After losing three straight heart-breaking losses and flirting with the fine line of playoff contention in the Western Conference, the Minnesota Lynx made a move that will hopefully help give them the playoff push they are in desperate need for.
Yesterday, the Lynx officially announced a trade, welcoming Tulsa's Alexis Hornbuckle in exchange for Rashanda McCants. Hornbuckle could be exactly what the Lynx need, a true competitor and winner. She has been surrounded by success, winning back-to-back national championships at Tennessee and a 2008 WNBA championship with the Detroit Shock. Through her experiences, it is safe to say Hornbuckle knows what it takes to be a champion.
"I learned how to become a winning player by playing together, being a good teammate and being open-minded and coachable," Hornbuckle said. "If you are able to do all of those, it's pretty impossible to fail."
Hornbuckle, a flashy guard who can weave through defenses and knock down perimeter shots, will provide the Lynx with another perimeter weapon. Maybe more importantly, she is known for being active, causing ruckus on the defensive end and could help revamp Minnesota's perimeter defense.
"I just want to come in and bring energy," Hornbuckle said. "Getting offensive rebounds and defensive stops, deflections and steals, playing big, and just creating motion and movement on offense. I definitely plan on being an asset to this team."
The 5'11" guard will comfortably rejoin with head coach Cheryl Reeve, who coached Hornbuckle as an assistant with the Detroit Shock in 2008. Due to the Detroit connection, Hornbuckle will pick up Reeve's offense easily and should find her role quickly. Hornbuckle is averaging 5.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game this season.
"When I heard I was coming to Minnesota, I was excited," Hornbuckle explained. "I'm definitely excited for a new opportunity and to be with Coach Reeve again. I was with her for two years in Detroit, so to be back with the system, I'm happy."
Hornbuckle is expected to wear #14 and will make her Lynx debut tonight, July 27 in a crucial Western Conference matchup against Los Angeles.
The Lynx will complete its six game homestand tonight in a matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks. After nearly a month at home, the Lynx have failed to use Target Center to their full advantage. Minnesota has now lost three straight at home, but will look to end on a strong note in front of fans with a vital win against Los Angeles.
The Lynx still remain in the playoff picture, but have fallen to the fourth and final spot of the Western Conference playoffs. With a 7-14 record, the Lynx are on thin ice, being challenged by the Sparks for the last spot in the standings. At this point, no team would prefer to play the league-leading Seattle Storm in the first round of the playoffs, so look for Minnesota to find its groove and use the addition of Hornbuckle to gain some pivotal ground in the Western Conference.
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