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Alissa Pili · As the Minnesota Lynx prepared their next steps towards returning to title contention on May 31, 2024 — the arena, charged with energy on Native American Heritage Night — offered a celebratory vibe from the opening tipoff. For Alissa Pili, still patiently awaiting the opportunity to deliver a signature, “She’s arrived” type of game, it presented a situation in which everything, from the friendly atmosphere to the release of her silky-smooth shot, couldn’t have been more perfect. With the breakout performance box officially checked off and Minnesota sporting a 23-point edge, Pili puts the bow on, holding steady as her teammates disconnect the Phoenix Mercury’s defense before draining her fourth 3-pointer of the night from the left wing. Pili led the sizzling second unit that guided a 50-10 bench points edge over the Mercury. Versatile in a display that left her native cultures with plenty to cherish, Pili needed only 15 minutes to toss in 20 points (on seven-of-nine shooting), four rebounds, two assists, and a perfect four-of-four from deep. · State of Mint