The Minnesota Lynx beat the Dallas Wings 103-90 on Saturday and became the first team to clinch a playoff spot this season. However, it wasn't all good news for the team, particularly for star forward Natasha Howard.
Howard finished with 12 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks in the game. Unfortunately, she also committed a Flagrant 1 foul during the contest, which means she is subject to a fine from the WNBA.
Late in the fourth quarter, Howard attempted to block Paige Bueckers' mid-range jumper, but she was called for a foul after not giving the Wings star enough landing space. The officials reviewed the play and deemed it a reckless closeout, prompting them to upgrade the call to a Flagrant 1 foul.
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
According to the WNBA's rules, each flagrant point carries a $500 fine. A Flagrant 1 foul accounts for one flagrant point, while a Flagrant 2 foul accounts for two flagrant points.
More concerning for Howard, however, is the fact that it was her third Flagrant 1 foul of the season. That means she's just one flagrant point away from a one-game suspension.
It should be noted that she's also in danger of facing a two-game suspension if she commits a Flagrant 2 foul in any of Minnesota's upcoming games.
Howard has been one of the Lynx's most reliable players this season, averaging around 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals per game. With that said, a potential suspension is definitely going to hurt Minnesota.
