Brunson, a 6-foot, 2-inch tall, 215-pound power forward who recently entered her third trimester, averaged 26 points and 14 rebounds in the series and was by all accounts the Lynx’s biggest threat on both ends of the floor.
“Rebekkah was really the difference-maker, there’s no question about that,” said Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, adding that Brunson’s low-post game has drastically improved since putting on 40 pounds over the past few months. “She did it all—blocking shots, snagging rebounds, and absolutely dominating in the paint. And I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player just blow through the lane like that. No one could guard her.”
“When she threw her weight around down low, she was unstoppable,” Reeve continued. “Rebekkah was boxing out every other player on the court to get rebounds, and to do that against a team as good as the Dream was really something special.”
According to Reeve, Brunson’s commanding presence in the key and 37-centimeter baby bump set the tone for Minnesota’s success against Atlanta. In addition to converting a host of contested layups, Brunson frequently set picks on the perimeter, leading to a number of wide-open three-pointers for her teammates. The 10-year WNBA veteran whose due date is Nov. 8 also drew nine charges over the course of three games while on defense.
Furthermore, many analysts said the highlight of the entire series came when Brunson knifed through three Dream defenders during a fierce drive to the basket, which the eight-months pregnant forward finished with an acrobatic teardrop layup.
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