Perth Lynx Express Relief Over Han Xu's Minor Knee Knock
The Perth Lynx have emerged from a commanding 32-point triumph over the Southside Melbourne Flyers with cautious optimism regarding star centre Han Xu's fitness. Xu, who missed the entire second half of the match after reaching for her knee during the second quarter, is believed to have sustained only a minor knock, alleviating fears of a more serious setback.
Dominant Victory Overshadowed by Injury Concern
In a spectacular display of offensive firepower, the Lynx dominated their opponents in Victoria, posting a formidable 111-79 victory. This scoreline ranks as the third highest in the illustrious history of the club, highlighting the team's exceptional performance on the night. However, the jubilation was momentarily tempered when attention shifted to the 211cm Chinese international, who was returning to action after sitting out the previous win over Sydney due to a back issue.
The prospect of Xu being unavailable for next weekend's crucial clash against Bendigo would have been a significant blow for the Lynx and their supporters. Coach Ryan Petrik provided an early assessment, indicating that the situation does not appear to be grave.
Coach Petrik Provides Reassuring Update
"It was a knee knock so I don't think it will be too bad," Petrik stated post-match. "I literally had the SS&C coach at half-time say Han is no good for the second half. That's as much as I've got right now. If it was the same issues she was having in Sydney, it would be a totally different story. This was just a random knee knock. We can't wrap them in cotton wool forever. If it's just a knee knock and she's okay, I'm not too worried."
Petrik's comments suggest the injury is unrelated to her previous back problem, offering a sigh of relief for the team's management and fans alike.
Ally Wilson's Shooting Masterclass Steals the Show
While Xu's condition was a talking point, the match will be remembered for Ally Wilson's extraordinary third-quarter shooting exhibition. Wilson embarked on a remarkable three-point rampage, sinking five consecutive shots from beyond the arc, with several attempts launched from well beyond NBA range. Southside Melbourne had no answer for her hot hand.
Wilson finished the game with an impressive stat line of 21 points and eight assists, earning high praise from her coach. Petrik described her performance as among the best long-range shooting displays he has witnessed at the club.
"I'm such a confidence shooter," Wilson explained. "When you see a couple go in, the ring just gets larger and larger and I feel like I could just turn around, throw it in the ring and it would go in. As a shooter, you love those moments."
Strong Supporting Cast Ensures Comprehensive Win
The Lynx's victory was a true team effort, with several players stepping up to deliver standout performances. Anneli Maley overcame recent shooting struggles to produce a dominant display, contributing 25 points and hauling in 14 rebounds. She also connected on three of her seven attempts from three-point range.
Alex Ciabattoni continued her excellent form from the previous game against Sydney, adding 20 points to the tally. Steph Gorman chipped in with 17 points, while teenager Alira Fotu provided a memorable highlight by scoring a career-high six points in just four minutes of court time. Her impactful cameo sent her teammates into raptures on the bench.
With this resounding win, the Perth Lynx have solidified their position and will now turn their attention to ensuring Han Xu is fully fit for the important upcoming fixture against Bendigo.
