Aari McDonald is shaping as an early contender for the WNBL's buy of the year after a season-high haul of points helped the Perth Lynx maintain their unbeaten start.
A former first-round WNBA draft pick, the American guard had 19 of her 34 points in the first half when Friday's 86-76 home defeat of Bendigo Spirit was at its closest.
Late in the first quarter, McDonald hit a three-pointer and deep two from the corner in quick succession to turn a deadlock into a lead the Lynx (3-0) carried into the first change.