Maya’s Hoop Highlights: Lynx Edge Out Chicago Sky 79-74

Maya’s Hoop Highlights: Lynx Edge Out Chicago Sky 79-74

Featured

by | Sep 1, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, WNBA

By Maya Aflakpi

September 1st, 2024

Game Day Vibes: Lynx vs. Sky at the Target Center

The Target Center was the place to be today at 2 p.m. as the Minnesota Lynx went head-to-head against the Chicago Sky in a game that was anything but dull. ’m talking about the kind of matchup that has you saying “how did they do that?” and let me tell you, the energy in the building was absolutely electric.

Before the game even began, there was a sweet moment of nostalgia as Napheesa Collier shared a heartfelt hug and a few words with her former teammate, Chicago Sky’s Rachel Banham. Banham, a University of Minnesota legend, set many records and was an invaluable player for the Lynx for four years before joining a new team this season. It was clear that Collier and Banham’s bond went beyond the court—a little pre-game love that reminded us why we adore this sport.

From the tip-off, the Lynx were on fire, with Dorka Juhász and Courtney Williams working their magic, igniting the crowd with an early lead that had everyone on their feet. But the Sky weren’t about to let the Lynx have all the fun. They slowly started to muscle their way back into the game, using their height advantage to dominate the paint and keep things interesting. Their bigs were crashing the boards, making it tough for the Lynx to maintain control.

In the end, it was a game full of high-energy plays and edge-of-your-seat moments. The Lynx’s hot start and Williams’ standout performance were key, but the Sky’s gritty comeback kept the game tight. Fans left the arena buzzing about the game, already hyped for the next round of this thrilling matchup.

Courtney Williams Shines as the Lynx Dominate!

Courtney Williams was an absolute force for Minnesota, truly leading the Lynx to a hard-fought win. She was unstoppable, especially in the second half, matching her season-high with 22 points on a scorching 11-of-16 shooting. Add in her three rebounds, six assists, and two steals, and you’ve got a performance that’s nothing short of spectacular. She did all this in just under 28 minutes—talk about efficiency!Whenever Williams brings this level of heat, the Lynx are almost unbeatable—she’s 8-6 in her career in these games, and the Lynx are 2-0 this season when she’s on fire. Williams wasn’t just scoring, though—she was scoring efficiently.

Courtney Williams was the MVP of the day, not just for her scoring but also her passing skills. She dished out the most assists, making those jaw-dropping connections that kept the Lynx’s offense clicking. Her court vision was on another level, and she made it look easy. There was even a moment when head coach Cheryl Reeve dapped up Williams, highlighting their strong connection.

Kayla McBride Climbs the Three-Point Ladder

Kayla McBride was also cooking, dropping 17 points on 6-of-13 shooting. She didn’t stop there, grabbing two rebounds and three assists in just under 36 minutes. This marks the 15th time this season (158th career) that McBride has scored 15+ points—when she’s on, the Lynx are tough to beat.

But the highlight of McBride’s night? That three-pointer in the first quarter that propelled her past Tamika Catchings for ninth place in WNBA history for threes made. She now sits at an incredible 608 made threes—one of the best to ever do it!

Napheesa Collier’s All-Around Dominance

Napheesa Collier was everywhere on the court, doing a little bit of everything with 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks. This marks her fifth game this season with at least 15 points, five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks—a feat only matched by WNBA superstars A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart. Collier’s all-around brilliance in the game of basketball has been key for the Lynx; they’re 4-1 in such games this season.

Collier also made history, moving into second place in franchise history for blocks, surpassing the legendary Maya Moore with her 177th career block. She’s writing her own legacy with every game!

Team Chemistry on Point

Tonight’s win was a true team effort, a sentiment echoed by every player in the press conference, who emphasized their trust in one another. The Lynx finished with 20+ assists and 10+ steals while committing 10 or fewer turnovers for the third time this season (and 15th time ever). This kind of ball movement and defensive tenacity has been a hallmark of their game, making them one of the top-ranked teams in the WNBA in these kinds of performances. Alongside the Las Vegas Aces, they’re the only franchise to have achieved this level of greatness 15+ times.

Chicago’s Angel Reese Stands Tall

Despite Chicago Sky’s loss, Angel Reese was one of the standouts, putting up 17 points and 19 rebounds. She continues to prove herself as a true contender for Rookie of the Year, breaking the record for most rebounds in a single season, now totaling 418. Reese broke Sylvia Fowles’ previous record of 404 rebounds set in 2018. She also added three assists and two steals in nearly 39 minutes on the court. Although she was a dominant force, tonight belonged to the Lynx.

The Lynx will begin a three-game road trip this Friday, September 6, when they take on the Indiana Fever at 6:30 p.m.

 

 

Photo credit: Lynx forward Napheesa Collier drives against Sky forward Angel Reese during the second half Sunday at Target Center. (Ayrton Breckenridge/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Sep 1, 2024 No Comments
Bobblehead and Beyond: Napheesa Collier’s Leadership Shines in Lynx’s 79-68 Victory Over Mystics

Bobblehead and Beyond: Napheesa Collier’s Leadership Shines in Lynx’s 79-68 Victory Over Mystics

Featured

by | Aug 16, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, WNBA

By Maya Aflakpi

Minneapolis buzzed with energy last night as the Minnesota Lynx faced off against the Washington Mystics in a post-Olympics showdown at the Target Center. The 7 p.m. tip-off saw the arena packed with passionate Lynx fans, eager to witness their team’s dynamic return after a lengthy hiatus for the Paris Olympics. The atmosphere was electric, further amplified by the presence of a special guest—Paige Bueckers, the hometown sensation now starring at UConn. It was a special moment for her to watch her former UConn teammate and close friend, Aaliyah Edwards, as she carves out her legacy with the Mystics.

The game began evenly, with both teams striving to find their rhythm. The excitement spiked when Napheesa Collier sank a three-pointer early in the game, saluting a fan seated courtside who had excitedly urged her pregame to “do that in the game.” It was a fun moment that showcased the deep bond between the players and the fans.

Adding to the night’s memorable moments, fans were treated to a giveaway: Napheesa Collier’s very own signed bobblehead. For Collier, this gesture marked a meaningful milestone in her career. “I feel like I’m finally integrated as a Lynx,” she reflected after the game. “It’s really cool.” This connection with the fans is valuable throughout the game, as they cheered her on with every rebound and bucket.

The returning Olympians were warmly embraced by the crowd, but the extended break posed a challenge as players sought to shake off the rust and rediscover their usual flow. The game was a true test of precision, with both teams adjusting in real-time.

Known for their defensive skills, the Lynx were also firing on all angles offensively, though the game remained a nail-biter throughout. The intensity continued as the third quarter wound down, with both teams racking up 11 fouls in the final two minutes, highlighting just how fiercely contested this battle was.

Leading the charge for the Lynx, Napheesa Collier delivered a stellar performance, finishing with a game-high 17 points and 12 rebounds, along with four assists and two steals in just over 30 minutes. This marked Collier’s 11th game of the season with 15+ points and 10+ rebounds, placing her among elite company with Aces’ A’ja Wilson and Sparks’ Dearica Hamby. Additionally, Collier surpassed a remarkable career milestone, becoming the sixth player in Lynx history to reach 2,500 career points.

Courtney Williams and Alanna Smith also played crucial roles in the Lynx victory. Williams contributed 14 points, five assists, and four rebounds, while Smith added 12 points and eight rebounds. Smith’s consistent performance this season, with five standout games, has solidified her as a key player for the team.

As the final buzzer sounded, Lynx fans erupted with joy throughout the arena, thrilled to witness their team’s victory after the Olympic break. With the unwavering support of their passionate fanbase and stars like Napheesa Collier feeling more connected than ever, the Lynx are prepared to make an impressive push as the season progresses.

The Lynx will give the Mystics a rematch tomorrow at 1 PM on Washington’s home court.

Photo Credit: AP

Aug 16, 2024 No Comments
Highlights from Lynx’s 90-78 Victory Over Dallas Wings

Highlights from Lynx’s 90-78 Victory Over Dallas Wings

Featured

by | Jun 18, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, WNBA

Iowa State basketball player Audi Crooks, coming off her freshman season, arrived at the Target Center wearing a Dallas Wings jersey to support Stephanie Soares (her former teammate). Despite this, she also has a strong love for the Minnesota Lynx. Crooks was named a unanimous first-team all-Big 12 selection by the league’s coaches, making her the first freshman in program history to receive this honor. Personally, I would love to see Crooks in a Lynx jersey! 👀

Lynx legend Sylvia Fowles, a seven-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist, brings invaluable experience and infectious energy with her dance moves to the team.

As a team, the Lynx were nearly flawless from the free-throw line, shooting an impressive 95.8% by converting 23 out of 24 attempts. This achievement marks only the eighth time in franchise history that the Lynx have achieved a 95% or higher success rate while making 20 or more free throws in a game.

Kayla McBride has officially moved past Kristi Toliver into 33rd place on the WNBA all-time scoring list. McBride scored 19 points tonight, bringing her career total to 4,489 points.

Alanna Smith had a well-rounded performance for the Lynx, getting 12 points. She also grabbed a season-high and team-leading nine rebounds, dished out three assists, recorded five steals, and added one block during her 37 minutes and 48 seconds on the court

Smith reflects on her journey as an underdog and the hard work that brought her to where she is now. Heideman chimes in saying Smith has that dawg in her when she’s on the floor.

Natisha Hiedeman ended the game impressively, scoring a season-best 17 points and distributing five assists. She shot efficiently, making 6-of-9 field goals, 2-of-4 three-pointers, and a perfect 3-of-3 from the free throw line.

Napheesa Collier has now moved ahead of Lindsay Whalen to claim fifth place all-time in franchise history for defensive rebounds. Her new career total stands at 803.

Dorka Juhász wrapped up the game with 11 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks, shooting a flawless 5-for-5 from the field in her 24 minutes and 36 seconds of playing time.

The Lynx face the Atlanta Dream tomorrow at the Target Center, where they will also commemorate Juneteenth. Lynx fans, pop at 7 PM!

 

Photo by AARON LAVINSKY, STAR TRIBUNE

Jun 18, 2024 No Comments
Minnesota Lynx Secure 81-76 Win Against Los Angeles Sparks

Minnesota Lynx Secure 81-76 Win Against Los Angeles Sparks

Featured

by | Jun 15, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, WNBA

The Minnesota Lynx faced off against the Los Angeles Sparks in a back-and-forth battle last night, reminiscent of many Lynx matchups at the Target Center. It was a contest of which team could dig deep and play harder. From the start, the Lynx’s Napheesa Collier ignited the crowd with her aggressive play in the paint. The Sparks’ 6-foot-3 Dearica Hamby grabbed 6 rebounds early and dominated in the paint, making it difficult for the Lynx to avoid errors and shifting momentum towards the Sparks. When Olivia Époupa entered the game, the pace changed; she played aggressively and was described by Collier in the post-game press conference as a “pest,” showcasing her role as a confident playmaker. Despite Collier’s scoring efforts, Hamby countered strongly, maneuvering through Alanna Smith and Collier to maintain a tight game. The Sparks ended the first half with a substantial lead, 35-24.

In the second half, Sparks’ 6-foot-4 Cameron Brink engaged in a competitive battle against Phee, resulting in a suspenseful game where the score tightened from 48-48 to 63-59 in favor of the Lynx. The close score intensified the game, where every second and challenge counted for both teams. Players like Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams remained mentally focused even when subbed out, closely observing the game from the sidelines.

Courtney Williams made a significant impact for the Lynx, concluding the game with 15 points, shooting 6-of-11 from the field and 2-of-3 from three-point range. She also recorded a season-high 10 assists, eight rebounds and three steals.

As the game neared its end, the Lynx held a 77-71 lead with less than 2 minutes left. A challenge on a foul for the Sparks’ Rickea Jackson was successfully overturned, reducing the deficit to 77-72. The Lynx secured their victory with decisive play in the final seconds, ultimately winning 81-76 and defending their home court.

The game held special significance as Minnesota Lynx legend Sylvia Fowles, a former WNBA MVP and four-time Defensive Player of the Year, received a standing ovation at the Target Center from players and fans alike. Phee’s exceptional performance stood out, achieving 30 points and 8 steals in a historic display, becoming the first player in WNBA history to achieve 30+ points, 5+ rebounds, 8+ assists, and 2 blocks in a single game.

Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve praised Phee’s aggressive and passionate play, noting its contagious effect on the team: “She really put the team on her back and did everything tonight.” Looking ahead, the Lynx will face the Dallas Wings on Monday at 7 PM at the Target Center.

 

Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images

Jun 15, 2024 No Comments
Lynx Win 87-76 Against Dallas: A Showcase of Depth

Lynx Win 87-76 Against Dallas: A Showcase of Depth

Featured

by | Jun 3, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, WNBA

Tonight was a back-and-forth battle between the Minnesota Lynx and the tallest team in the WNBA, the Dallas Wings. The Lynx were able to come out on top, 87-76, in a hard-fought game that showcased their resilience and depth.

Napheesa Collier led the way for the Lynx tonight, ending with a stunning stat line. She officially surpassed Lynx legend Lindsay Whalen for sixth place in franchise steals, with a total of 266 steals. Dallas is a very aggressive team, and playing against them is always challenging especially in the paint. When asked about playing against Tierra McCowan and the Dallas team, Collier said, “She’s a big girl. They got more points in the paint than we wanted.” She added, “We knew rebounding was going to be a huge thing. They do really well on offensive putbacks, so defensive rebounding was huge. I just tried to do my part and be as disruptive as I could.” Collier did her part indeed tonight, getting 24 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block.

Another big baller tonight was Kayla McBride, known as “McBucket.” She finished the game with a game-high 25 points, shooting 5-of-9 from the three-point line. Additionally, she dished out four assists and snatched two steals. McBride’s performance was a big deal as she crossed 1,500 points and 250 assists with the Lynx, joining just nine others in franchise history to do so.

Leading the Lynx with energy and fast transitions was rookie Olivia Époupa, a French basketball player standing at 5-5, who is beginning to make her mark in the WNBA after a successful career overseas. Époupa had a powerful night. She grabbed a career-high four steals later in the second half, helping Minnesota score 14 points off turnovers in the fourth quarter alone. Head Coach Cheryl Reeve remarked, “She’s always going to play with that energy. It’s what she does, that’s why we brought her here.” Her defensive skills, creativity in assisting, and quick transitions helped the Lynx gain control and momentum in the second half.

Coach Reeve, during the post-game press conference, praised Époupa’s readiness and impact. “About five minutes to go in the game, I went over to O and said, ‘Way to be ready when your number was called.’ She’s been on our minds because we’ve been in situations like this before where we’ve felt like she’s one that can help us through it and today we actually pulled the trigger and did it, and obviously she was pretty impactful for us.”

The Lynx’s ability to lift each other up reflects a strong sisterhood. Collier praised Époupa, saying she “was the momentum change when she came in… and busted the game open for us.” She emphasized, “We just have such depth. If you take one person away, there’s someone right behind them to make up for that. Ollie came in and won us the game with her defense.” In response, Époupa said, “I would say this is teamwork.” She added humbly, “I’m not just a game changer, my teammates were there. We are just here for each other; we have really great chemistry.”

Reflecting on the season so far, Collier said, “It feels like we have played a bunch of different kinds of teams. Everyone looks really different, so it’s just fun to be able to adapt our defense in that way and get better every time we play.” She added, “We’re gonna get better as our chemistry grows and we get these goddamn turnovers down.”

The Lynx have shown that they are a strong team with a talented bench, which is crucial when starters have off days. They hold themselves accountable for their mistakes and always strive to improve with each game. Minnesota will face off against the Seattle Storm on Sunday, June 9th. The last time they met, the game went into double overtime. This upcoming game promises to be another exciting matchup, especially with Nika Múhl now available to play for Storm.

 

PHOTO BY JEFF WHEELER, STAR TRIBUNE

Jun 3, 2024 No Comments