Lynx Bounce Back: Courtney Williams Leads in Game 2 Win Against the Sun (77-70)

Lynx Bounce Back: Courtney Williams Leads in Game 2 Win Against the Sun (77-70)

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by | Oct 2, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, WNBA

Target Center, October 2, 2024 – A Gritty, Emotional Showdown

The Minnesota Lynx took the floor tonight at the Target Center with everything on the line in playoff Game 2 of the WNBA semifinals against the Connecticut Sun. The players had that win-or-go-home mentality, and both teams brought intensity and physicality. The game was so heated that after the final whistle, a reporter suggested to Courtney Williams it felt like a fight nearly broke out. Williams responded with a smile, “It’s playoff basketball, folks ain’t fighting.” Her response captured the grit required to compete at this level. But tonight’s game was more than just basketball—it was a test of heart, resilience, and raw emotion. What unfolded on the court wasn’t just a contest between two teams but a battle of willpower and frustration

1st Quarter: Both Teams Search for Rhythm

From the first whistle, you could feel the tension in the air. Connecticut opened the scoring with a free throw after an early foul by Alanna Smith. Minnesota, typically known for sharp execution, struggled to find their footing, with shots not falling as both teams battled defensively. Frustrated Lynx fans voiced their displeasure with the officiating, but Minnesota wasn’t helping their case. Alanna Smith hit a critical three-pointer to tie the game at 8-8, yet the Lynx still lacked their usual chemistry. The quarter ended with Minnesota holding a slim 12-10 lead as both teams searched for rhythm.

2nd Quarter: Connecticut Brings Confidence, Lynx Keep Fighting

The Sun entered the second quarter focused, pushing ahead 13-12, but the Lynx quickly matched that energy, thanks to Natisha Hiedeman’s impactful play off the bench. The game felt up for grabs, though Minnesota made defensive mistakes, allowing Connecticut easy baskets in the paint. Napheesa Collier faced double teams, but players like Alanna Smith stepped up, going 3-for-4 from beyond the arc. Their was a moment where Sun palayer Maria Mabrey collided with Collier and Myisha Hines-Allen was their to defend and protect Collier. From that point on, it was clear that neither team was holding back. Kayla McBride picked up a technical foul, and suddenly it felt like the emotions were about to boil over. The Lynx held a 36-30 lead at the half, but the emotions were palpable, highlighted by Kayla McBride picking up a technical foul.

3rd Quarter: Lynx Fight but Can’t Find Their Flow

After halftime, the Lynx came out swinging, determined to make up the ground they’d lost. But it was clear something still wasn’t clicking. Napheesa Collier, usually the team’s go-to, was struggling to find her shot, sitting at 2-for-9 with five minutes left in the third. Despite her offensive struggles, Collier was everywhere else, grabbing boards and locking down on defense, but Minnesota needed her to get going offensively.

Connecticut’s DeWanna Bonner was a menace in the paint, and the Lynx found it difficult to stop her. She was scoring at will, and the Lynx sometimes had no answer. It was frustrating to watch as Minnesota put together strong defensive possessions only to miss easy shots on the other end but lucky for them it was the same case for the Sun. The game stayed close, but you could feel the tension rising.

4th Quarter: Lynx Lock In, Sun Struggle to Hold On

Then came the fourth quarter—and the Lynx found their groove. The defense that had been solid all night kicked into overdrive, and Minnesota started to dominate. They surged to a 66-56 lead with six minutes left, thanks to stellar defensive stops from Collier, who was reminding everyone why she’s the Defensive Player of the Year. Every time the Sun tried to go inside, Collier was there, shutting down Dijonai Carrington and Bonner. It was her house, and she wasn’t letting anyone in.

But Connecticut didn’t go down quietly. They used quick transitions to get some fast-break points, and the Lynx couldn’t afford to get comfortable. Alyssa Thomas had six assists by this point, but the Sun’s offense was sputtering. The frustration on their faces was evident. They just couldn’t break through the Lynx defense, and every miss or foul called seemed to suck a little more life out of them.

Things got really heated when Kayla McBride and Marina Mabrey got into it—pure streetball vibes and chirping. Williams emphasized how they made sure to match Connecticut’s energy from game 1. The Lynx were able to learn from game 1 and came out on top winning 77-70.

Final Thoughts: Courtney Williams and Napheesa Collier Lead the Charge

Courtney Williams emerged as the unsung hero, leading Minnesota with 17 points and delivering when it mattered most. Her confidence and leadership were pivotal in the tense fourth quarter. Napheesa Collier’s contributions were felt throughout the game, with 12 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks, showcasing her defensive prowess. Despite her shooting struggles, she found ways to impact the game, reinforcing her status as the heart of the Lynx.

As for the Sun, Alyssa Thomas led with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists but struggled to replicate her Game 1 performance against Minnesota’s strong defense.

Up Next: Game 3 – A True Test in Connecticut

With the series now tied 1-1, Smith, who had a big night alongside her teammate Courtney—“her dawg,” as Williams would say—expressed her excitement for the next game and the desire to keep winning, showcasing their confidence.

The Lynx are headed to Mohegan Sun Arena, where the Sun will try to reclaim momentum on their home court. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on Friday, October 4. If tonight’s game taught us anything, it’s that this series is far from over—and it’s only getting more intense.

Post Game Press Conference Highlight: Courtney discusses back and forth battle with Connecticut Sun’s Marina Mabrey. 

 

Oct 2, 2024 No Comments
Connecticut Sun Steal Game 1 From Minnesota In A Defensive Battle (73-70)

Connecticut Sun Steal Game 1 From Minnesota In A Defensive Battle (73-70)

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by | Sep 29, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, WNBA

Both the Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx came into this series with sweeps in their rare viewmirror. The Sun won the regular season series with the Minnesota Lynx but this was a brand new Lynx team with new additions along the way as well. One thing that didn’t change is that both teams are at the top of the WNBA when it comes to defense. Before Game 1 the fans in Minnesota were able to congratulate their (Coach of the Year, Cheryl Reeve, and Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier).

 

The start of this game was physical as you can tell the Sun game plan was to make sure that Napheesa Collier didn’t go off like she did in the Phoenix series. Every time Napheesa got the ball tonight there were multiple defenders in her face and switches at all times. With that being said Napheesa is one of the smartest players in the WNBA and was able to find the open teammate with ease. Tonight that teammate that got it going for Phee and the Lynx was Bridget Carleton as she was able to get her shot to go down early. When Carleton has her shot going it’s tough to beat the Lynx and she was able to exploit the Sun double-teamming Collier. Bridge has improved her play throughout the year and it was on full display as the Sun got caught with having Burton/Carrington on her at the wrong moments. Bridget was locked in tonight and was there to help until Napheesa got some open looks that finally fell in for her. Napheesa Collier is a tough guard as she’s always moving around and knows how to get to her spots on the floor to get in a great position to score. The Sun were playing some great defense but on the offensive end Marina Mabrey came to ball out and she was able to hit some tough shots.

 

The one thing that hurt the Lynx tonight was the fact that Alyssa Thomas was able to get to a lot of those loose balls but about two of them opened things up for Marina Mabrey on a couple of her 6 (3-pointers) that she was able to knock down tonight. When Mabrey is shooting lights out from the 3-point line like that the Sun are tough to beat and she knew it was her night when the clock was running down for her 30-footer. The Sun had the momentum at times but the Lynx were able to continue to go back and forth with them. One encouraging thing for the Lynx was that Kayla McBride was able to get her shot going coming out the 2nd half and that type of shooting can lead to a huge display in Game 2.

 

The Lynx cooled down from the previous series but sometimes teams need to be brought back down to get back up. The Sun came into Minnesota and executed down the stretch as Thomas was able to hit 2 big shots that were able to be the deciding factor with time running out under the minute in the 4th. The Lynx were able to get 48 combined points from Napheesa, Bridget, and Kayla but they will need Courtney Williams to come up big time moving forward if they want to win this series. The Sun almost got a triple-double from Alyssa Thomas as she finished with 17 points, 9 assists, and 10 rebounds on the night. Marina Mabrey finished with 20 points in the win and those 6 (3-pointers) that she made were a huge reason for the victory.

 

 

Game 1 was a defensive battle and it’s to be expected in this whole series that it will be close every night. Game 2 will be on Tuesday at 8:30 pm at Target Center as the Lynx will look to bounce back after this loss. One thing about the Lynx this season is that they have matured throughout the year and they have Napheesa Collier who will be looking to showcase her play on both ends at an elite level.

Sep 29, 2024 No Comments
The Minnesota Lynx Take The Series Lead Against Phoenix (102-95)

The Minnesota Lynx Take The Series Lead Against Phoenix (102-95)

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by | Sep 22, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, WNBA

The Minnesota Lynx started this game against the Phoenix Mercury on fire as they got the ball to their All-WNBA Player Naphessa Collier. It looked like Collier couldn’t be stopped in that 1st half as she was getting buckets inside and outside. One of the best attributes of Napheesa’s game is that she is so unselfish and she’s one of the best teammates. When she had it going she was able to instill some confidence in her teammates when they were scoring and going off her play. Napheesa was making it tough for anyone that the Phoenix Mercury put on her and it didn’t matter if it was Cunningham/Copper she was a walking bucket. When Napheesa has her offense going like this it’s tough to beat the Minnesota Lynx because she’s just as impressive on the defensive end. The Lynx were clicking on all cylinders early as they were able to get the lead up to 23 points. Sometimes teams get that big of a lead and take the foot off the gas a little bit and that’s exactly what happened in this one with the Lynx. The Phoenix Mercury who have been playing inspired basketball not knowing if this will be Diana Taurisi’s last dance of her own came out motivated in that 2nd half. Diana and Natasha both came out with some fire and were hitting some shots that they didn’t make in the 1st half. Natasha Cloud was playing at a high level as she was able to get to the rim with ease blowing by some Lynx players in the paint. Natasha Cloud finished with 33 points and 10 assists tonight in a stellar Game 1 for the Mercury. The momentum was starting to shift in this game as the Mercury were trying to take the crowd out of this game with the run they were on. It seemed like every time you looked up the Mercury hit a big 3-point shot to inch them closer.

 

The COTY Coach Reeve was able to make those adjustments as she was able to have multiple defenders running to the shooters but they also made it tough on Brittney Griner in this one as well. The Lynx were able to play through Napheesa Collier in this one as she finished with 38 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists on the night. Collier showcased exactly why she was in the running for the MVP as she was able to put the team on her back on both ends. The Lynx made some key plays down the stretch of Game 1 and it was special to see the play of Courtney Williams as her confidence and swagger were all over this game. Williams was able to set up her team with the playmaking and she was able to find her shot whenever needed for Minnesota. Another player that had playoff experience that gave her all was Kayla McBride as she was able to defend Diana and made some key shots down the stretch to get the Lynx the win. Bridget Carleton hit the shot of the night when the Lynx needed it and she has been special all season long in those moments once inserted into the starting lineup. The Lynx were the aggressive team in Game 1 with a huge edge in free throws but both teams came out with a sense of urgency as we will be in store for a big Game 2 on Wednesday night.

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: AP/Matt Krohn

Sep 22, 2024 No Comments
Maya’s Hoop Highlights: A Night to Remember – Lynx vs. Sparks

Maya’s Hoop Highlights: A Night to Remember – Lynx vs. Sparks

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by | Sep 20, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, WNBA

As the 2024 WNBA season wraps up, the excitement is like no other, especially for us Minnesota Lynx fans. Securing the second seed spot in the WNBA is no small achievement, and the atmosphere heading into the game against the Los Angeles Sparks reflected that.

Pregame Highlights

Before the game, Natisha Heideman and Courtney Williams provided a lighthearted moment that set the tone. They were gifted “Stepbrothers” shirts—Natisha’s face edited onto Will Ferrell’s body and Courtney’s onto John C. Reilly’s. This brought some laughs to warm-ups, reminding us that, while they’re fierce competitors, they know how to have fun. In the post-game press conference, Natisha mentioned she didn’t know where it came from, but she said, “Courtney, we cute.”

Game Time

With usual starters KayMac, Dorka, and Phee out after already clinching a playoff spot, the opportunity was open for other players to step up. The Lynx had a strong track record against the Sparks, winning 13 of their last 14 matchups, so confidence was high.

Diamond Miller ignited the crowd with a three-pointer right at the start. The cheers were deafening, but it didn’t take long for the Sparks to respond. Dearica Hamby and Rickea Jackson quickly established dominance both in the paint and from beyond the arc, turning the momentum.

Ollie’s Return

One of the notable moments was Ollie’s return. After re-signing with the Lynx, she was intense during warmups, clearly focused. Her playmaking skills are invaluable, and it’s impressive to see how the team stays ready, even when not in the starting lineup.

Performance Overview

As the game progressed, the Lynx attempted to close the scoring gap, but the Sparks remained in control, as the Lynx struggled to capitalize on key layups and free throws. Diamond Miller finished with eight points and three rebounds, while Alissa Pili matched her with eight points, tying her career high in steals. Alanna Smith added six points, eight rebounds, and played strong defense.

On the opposing side, Dearica Hamby was a standout, leading the Sparks with 20 points and making multiple key plays. Los Angeles defeated the Lynx 68-51, but it also provided an important opportunity for Minnesota’s bench players to gain invaluable in-game experience, which adds depth to their roster.

Looking Ahead

With the Lynx closing the season with a home record of 16-4—tying the franchise record for home wins—there’s a sense of optimism heading into the playoffs. The mix of humor and determination in this team has made this an exciting season.

The Lynx are ready and remain focused, not feeling the pressure of what’s to come. They prefer to take it one game at a time, and I can’t wait to see how the playoff game against the Phoenix Mercury unfolds this Sunday at 4 PM.

 

Photo by Minnesota Lynx Social Media

 

 

Sep 20, 2024 No Comments
Lynx Fly High Defeating Chicago Sky 83-66

Lynx Fly High Defeating Chicago Sky 83-66

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by | Sep 14, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, WNBA

Friday the 13th might be known for bad luck, but the Minnesota Lynx turned it into a night of triumph against the Chicago Sky. Despite a shaky start, where the Sky raced ahead with an 18-9 lead, the Lynx dug deep to mount a comeback at Target Center in Minneapolis, thrilling the home crowd.

Courtney Williams played a pivotal role in the turnaround with her 14-point, 10-assist double-double, showcasing both offensive leadership and defensive tenacity. She highlighted the team’s focus on adjusting defensively, saying, “We had to buckle down and protect the paint… they got it going in that first quarter, but we had to refresh, reset, and get it poppin’.” This shift in strategy allowed the Lynx to outscore Chicago by a decisive margin in the third quarter.

Alanna Smith was another standout, finishing with a season-high 12 rebounds along with 11 points, securing her second double-double of the season. Her impact in protecting the rim and battling for boards frustrated Chicago’s efforts to regain momentum. Smith’s contribution was crucial in maintaining control, as head coach Cheryl Reeve added, “We needed to look up, as they say, and battle and make it difficult, and Lan was ready for it. Sometimes you can do everything right and a player still scores. We just move on and control what we can control.”

By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Lynx had secured an 83-66 win, keeping them in second place in the WNBA standings. This victory also marked their 28th win of the season. The Lynx have now tied their franchise record for wins in a season, making a clear statement as the playoffs approach—Minnesota is not just a contender, they are a force to be reckoned with.

Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn

Sep 14, 2024 No Comments
Maya’s Hoop Highlights: Lynx Edge Out Chicago Sky 79-74

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

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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