OFF-SEASON recruit Aari McDonald delivered an astounding performance to lead the Perth Lynx past the Adelaide Lightning in Round 2 of the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) over the weekend.

The game took place on Saturday night, in a clash between two sides that started the season in different fashion. The Lynx were coming off an emphatic Round 1 win over the Flames the week before, while the Lightning were looking to bounce back after falling to the in-form Boomers to open the season. Travelling out west to take on Perth on its home deck was always going to be a tough task, but the Lightning had claimed a few impressive upsets last season.

Adelaide stormed out of the blocks with a powerful performance in the first quarter, leading by 10 heading into the second term. That margin remained for much of the period before the Lynx went on a bit of a run just before half time, briefly taking the lead but ultimately trailing by just two points at the main break. It did not take long for the home side to steal the lead, before Adelaide returned serve to lead by six at the final change. However, McDonald put the team on her back to storm home in the final term and claim a remarkable seven-point win.

Perth Lynx (92) def. Adelaide Lightning (85)

Aari McDonald – 29 points, one rebound, 11 assists

McDonald was a match-winner in just her second WNBL game, showing the talent she possesses and single-handedly getting Perth over the line.

The former third overall pick in the WNBA draft was at her best in the comeback win over the Lightning on the weekend, delivering a game-high 29 points on 12/22 shooting from the field. It was an explosive scoring performance that culminated in the best individual quarter so far this season in the WNBL.

In the fourth quarter alone, McDonald had 17 points and four assists, proving too much for the opposition to handle. Her ability to knock down three-pointers was the momentum shifter, producing consecutive makes from behind the arc to bring the Lynx back into the game.

She also set up her teammates over the course of the match, finishing with 11 assists to deliver an emphatic double-double and have as big of an impact on the game as anyone.

McDonald announced herself as one of the star players to keep an eye on this season, displaying an ability to completely take over a match in not much time at all.