UPDATE: In a breathtaking turn of events, the Perth Lynx mounted a stunning comeback against the Sydney Flames, winning 73-67 at the Perth High Performance Centre on July 15, 2023. The Lynx, trailing by 10 points, produced an extraordinary final quarter, denying the Flames a field goal for nearly eight minutes.
The Lynx appeared to be on the verge of defeat, managing only 48 points by the end of the third quarter and committing 19 turnovers. Sydney captain Lauren Nicholson dominated the first half with 20 points, leaving Perth struggling without their reigning MVP Ally Wilson (knee) and guard Steph Gorman (back).
However, the tide turned when Tegan Graham took on the challenge of guarding Nicholson, limiting her to just 5 points in the second half. The Lynx co-captain Amy Atwell stepped up aggressively, scoring 9 points in the final quarter and finishing the match with 24 points. Co-captain Anneli Maley also shone, contributing 17 points and 17 rebounds.
The Flames’ first score of the final quarter came from free throws more than six minutes into the term, as Perth’s defense forced two shot clock violations. Coach Ryan Petrik praised his team’s resilience, stating, “We knew it was their second game in 48 hours and they had to fly to Perth. We just had to keep it to within 10 for as long as we could.”
Petrik expressed gratitude for Graham’s pivotal defensive performance, saying, “I thought Tegan’s performance was brilliant.” The Lynx have now improved to 2-0 for the season and are optimistic about the return of Wilson and Gorman for their upcoming match against Geelong on Saturday.
This thrilling victory is expected to resonate with fans and players alike, as the Lynx prove their mettle in this highly competitive season. The comeback not only showcases the team’s determination but also sets the stage for their impending matchups.
