Maria Kliundikova may not have led the team in scoring, but her performance was integral to the Lynx’s success
From her lockdown defense in the opening quarter to her timely scoring runs in the second and fourth periods, Kliundikova demonstrated why she’s becoming such a valuable asset to the team.
The Lynx are building something special this season. With stars like Kayla McBride firing on all cylinders, steady contributions from Courtney Williams, and emerging impact players like Kliundikova stepping up, Minnesota looks poised to make a serious run in the WNBA.
One game doesn’t define a career, but this performance could mark a turning point for Maria Kliundikova.
In a high-pressure moment against a conference rival, she delivered a complete performance that helped secure a statement win. Whether as a spark off the bench or an occasional starter, her role on this team is secure.
For Lynx fans, it’s yet another reason to feel excited about this squad. They’re deep, well-coached, and clearly motivated. And now, they’ve discovered another weapon in Kliundikova—one who’s ready to rise when her number is called.
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Maria Kliundikova Shines in Spot Start as Lynx Dominate Sparks
The Minnesota Lynx continued their strong start to the WNBA season on Saturday night with a commanding 82–66 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks.1
With star forward Napheesa Collier sidelined due to a back injury, Maria Kliundikova stepped into the starting lineup and made the most of her opportunity.
In a game that had playoff-like intensity early, the Lynx used a dominant second half to pull away—and Kliundikova played a major role on both ends of the floor.
A Sudden Opportunity for Kliundikova
When the news broke that Napheesa Collier would miss the matchup due to a back issue, fans and analysts alike wondered how the Lynx would respond without their All-Star forward.
Head coach Cheryl Reeve opted to slide Maria Kliundikova into the starting lineup, a relatively untested player in high-leverage minutes. It was a gutsy decision—but it paid off in a big way.
The 6’2” forward from Russia didn’t just survive her minutes; she thrived. Kliundikova showcased her versatility and tenacity, finishing the game with 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks in under 27 minutes of action.
Maria Kliundikova: Making Her Presence Felt Early
From the opening tip, Kliundikova was active and engaged. She fought for rebounds, closed out hard on perimeter shooters, and wasn’t afraid to take her shot when given space.2
She scored her first basket midway through the first quarter with a nifty drive to the rim and continued to find seams in the Sparks’ defense throughout the night.
Defensively, she set the tone with a pair of early deflections and a block that ignited a fast-break opportunity.
While the Sparks were able to hang around in the first half, Kliundikova’s energy never wavered. Her +25 plus/minus on the night was the highest of any player in the game.
Dominance on Both Ends of the Floor
What made Kliundikova’s performance so impressive was how well-rounded it was. She went 5-of-10 from the field, knocked down a three-pointer, and converted one of her two free throws.
She didn’t force shots and was efficient in her decision-making. Her ball movement helped Minnesota’s offense flow, and she remained poised even when pressured by the Sparks’ defense.
Defensively, she was a disruptor. Her three steals came at crucial moments—two of which led directly to Lynx fast-break buckets.
Her timing on shot contests and blocks showed maturity beyond her experience level. Even more impressively, she managed to stay aggressive despite picking up three fouls, balancing assertiveness with discipline.
Stepping Up in Collier’s Absence
Replacing a player like Napheesa Collier is no small task. She’s not only a team leader but a primary offensive option and a defensive anchor.
Kliundikova didn’t try to be Collier—she played her own game and let her strengths shine. That approach proved effective, and it’s a testament to the Lynx’s depth and player development.
The coaching staff gave her clear roles: crash the glass, defend with intensity, and make smart plays. Kliundikova did all of that and more, proving that Minnesota has a deep and flexible roster capable of weathering injuries without missing a beat.
A Team Performance Anchored by Energy
While Kliundikova was one of the standouts, the Lynx as a whole executed their game plan brilliantly.
Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams provided scoring bursts, while Bridget Carleton and Dorka Juhász anchored the defense alongside Kliundikova.
The Lynx held the Sparks to just 66 points, clamping down particularly hard in the second half.
Minnesota outscored L.A. 44–27 over the final two quarters, fueled by hustle plays, second-chance points, and excellent ball movement. It was clear that every Lynx player bought into the game plan—and Kliundikova’s effort helped lead the charge.
Maria Kliundikova: Key Third Quarter Surge Breaks Game Open
After entering halftime with a narrow lead, Minnesota flipped the script in the third quarter.3
They went on a 14–2 run to open the second half, pushing the pace and suffocating the Sparks defensively.
Kliundikova grabbed four rebounds in the quarter alone and added a three-pointer that helped swing momentum firmly in the Lynx’s favor.
By the end of the third, the Lynx had stretched their lead to double digits, and the Sparks simply didn’t have the firepower to respond. The fourth quarter was a formality as Minnesota closed out the game with confidence and efficiency.
Postgame Reactions and Praise for Kliundikova
In her postgame interview, head coach Cheryl Reeve praised Kliundikova’s performance, saying:
“Maria was ready. We’ve talked about her growth all season, and tonight she showed why we trust her. She didn’t just fill in—she impacted the game on every level.”
Veteran guard Kayla McBride echoed those sentiments:
“We see her work every day in practice. Tonight was no surprise to us. She was locked in, and it gave us a big lift with Phee [Collier] out.”
Even on social media, WNBA fans and analysts applauded Kliundikova’s effort, calling it a breakout performance and a glimpse into her potential as a future starter.
What This Means Moving Forward
With the win, the Lynx improved to 12–1 on the season and now hold the best record in the league, especially following the New York Liberty’s loss earlier in the week.
That puts Minnesota squarely in the title conversation, and performances like Kliundikova’s reinforce that this is more than just a one-star team.
While Collier’s health remains a critical storyline for the Lynx moving forward, Saturday’s game proved that Minnesota is equipped to adapt.
Whether Kliundikova continues to start or returns to a bench role, her value to the team has clearly grown. The coaching staff now knows they can rely on her when it matters most.
A Look at the Numbers
Here’s a full look at Maria Kliundikova’s stat line against the Sparks:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | MIN | FG | 3PT | FT | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maria Kliundikova | 12 | 8 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 26:53 | 5-10 | 1-3 | 1-2 | +25 |
Her +25 plus/minus stands out as a clear indicator of how impactful she was while on the floor. It wasn’t just what she did—it was the effect she had on everyone around her.
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Maria Kliundikova Shines Bright in Lynx Victory Over LA Sparks
In a thrilling night of WNBA action, Maria Kliundikova stood out with a solid all-around performance as the Minnesota Lynx secured another impressive victory, this time over the LA Sparks.
Although not the team’s top scorer, Kliundikova made crucial contributions across all four quarters, especially on the defensive end and during key offensive moments that helped shift momentum in favor of the Lynx.
With this win, Minnesota continues to assert itself as a contender in the league, showcasing depth, chemistry, and resilience.
First Quarter: Defensive Masterclass Sets the Tone
Maria Kliundikova didn’t waste time making her presence felt, especially on the defensive end. From the opening minutes of the first quarter, she was a disruptive force.
Guarding multiple positions with fluidity and physicality, Kliundikova kept the LA Sparks offense from getting into rhythm.
Her lateral quickness and ability to anticipate passing lanes forced the Sparks into several rushed possessions and low-percentage shots.
She may not have lit up the scoreboard early on, but her influence was unmistakable. Her hustle plays, including two early deflections and a contested rebound, sent a clear message: the Lynx were locked in defensively, and Kliundikova was going to be a key factor in that effort.
Second Quarter Surge: Offense Awakens
While her defense laid the foundation, Kliundikova’s offensive game came alive late in the second quarter. With the Lynx in need of a scoring boost, she responded with seven timely points.
She connected on a mid-range jumper off a Courtney Williams assist, followed by a strong drive to the basket that drew contact and led to two free throws. Moments later, she drained a corner three-pointer that got the home crowd buzzing.
Those seven points were crucial. The Sparks were beginning to close the gap, but Kliundikova’s scoring burst helped the Lynx regain control and carry that momentum into halftime. Her offensive rhythm complemented the hot shooting of Kayla McBride and gave Minnesota the edge it needed.
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Third Quarter: Riding the Momentum
The Lynx exploded out of the gates in the third quarter, and while Kliundikova didn’t rack up points during this stretch, her fingerprints were all over the team’s success.
Her floor spacing and off-ball movement created driving lanes for McBride and Williams, while her help-side defense helped force two turnovers that led to fast-break buckets.
This period belonged to the Lynx, who outscored the Sparks significantly thanks to balanced team play and a relentless pace.
Kliundikova’s willingness to do the little things—set strong screens, box out, and rotate on defense—demonstrated her high basketball IQ and value beyond the stat sheet.
Fourth Quarter: Closing Strong
With the Sparks attempting a late-game rally, Kliundikova once again stepped up offensively. She chipped in five more points, including a baseline jumper and a crafty put-back off an offensive rebound.
These baskets were more than just numbers—they were momentum killers for LA, who struggled to mount a serious comeback every time Minnesota responded with key plays.
In total, Kliundikova finished with 12 points, a handful of rebounds, and a few steals and deflections that underscored her two-way impact. Her ability to contribute in the game’s closing stages was a testament to her stamina and poise under pressure.
Maria Kliundikova: Injury Watch
Napheesa Collier’s Status Looms Large
One shadow hanging over this otherwise upbeat win is the absence of All-Star forward Napheesa Collier.
Collier missed this game after exiting Tuesday’s 76–62 victory over the Las Vegas Aces with a back injury. Her status for the upcoming game against the Washington Mystics remains uncertain.
Collier’s impact on both ends of the court is massive, and the Lynx will certainly hope she’s cleared to play soon.
Fortunately, players like Kliundikova have stepped up in her absence, but the team knows a deep postseason run will likely hinge on Collier’s health and availability.
Team Cohesion and Depth Shining Through
What makes this Lynx victory particularly encouraging is the balance and chemistry the team displayed.
Even without their top star, Minnesota looked cohesive, confident, and well-prepared. Every player knew their role, and contributions came from across the lineup.
Maria Kliundikova exemplifies this depth perfectly. Not every team in the league has the luxury of plugging in a versatile player who can guard multiple positions, hit shots, and play within the system at a high level.
Her emergence as a reliable contributor gives the Lynx an extra gear heading into the second half of the season.
Matchup Against the Washington Mystics
Minnesota now sets its sights on a matchup with the struggling Washington Mystics on Tuesday. If Collier returns, the Lynx will be heavy favorites.
However, even without her, the current momentum and form of players like McBride, Williams, and Kliundikova suggest they’ll still be a formidable force.
Washington has had difficulty stopping perimeter scorers this season, so expect Minnesota to lean into McBride’s shooting and Williams’ driving ability.
Kliundikova’s versatility might also be key in dealing with Washington’s pick-and-roll-heavy offense.
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