Kayla McBride’s Historic Shooting Performance Helps The Lynx Defeat Seattle (83-64)

Kayla McBride’s Historic Shooting Performance Helps The Lynx Defeat Seattle (83-64)

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by | Jun 9, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, WNBA

The Minnesota Lynx came into this game trying to bounce back from the 1 point loss to the Phoenix Mercury over the weekend. One player that has been locked in and playing on a different level as of late has been Kayla McBride. We are witnessing greatness from the best shooter in the WNBA and damn near in the world in my humble opinion. The Seattle Storm came out firing back and forth in this game against the Minnesota Lynx as Jewell Loyd was hitting some tough contested shots in the 1st half. When Loyd gets her jumper going it usually calls for a long night but the gifted Kayla McBride was showcasing why she’s one of the best two way players making it tough on her in the 2nd half. Tonight Loyd finished with a team-high 25 points on 9-27 shooting.

 

The Lynx got into their rythtm of the game in that 2nd half and Olivia Epoupa came in and really set the tone with her impact off the bench. In only 14 minutes of play Olivia was 2nd in rebounds on the team and tied for assists tonight. The pace of the game that Olivia plays with has been infectious as the team turns up the intensity. With that being said about Olivia she was able to find Kayla for a couple of those seven 3 pointers that she made tonight. Kayla McBride was able to take some really good shots in the flow of the game and put the team on her back. The perfection of Kayla McBride is the beauty of her movement without the ball and then her quick trigger for the shot.

 

Kayla McBride finished with 32 points tonight and he she was on another level. Napheesa Collier played amazing as she always does and she again was able to dominate inside the paint and out with her 19 points and 14 rebounds. This Minnesota Lynx team is built for a long run and they have the pieces that really set this team apart when it comes to championship asperations.

 

 

The Minnesota Lynx will be heading to Las Vegas to play the Aces in a game that should have everyone ready with the popcorn. A’ja Wilson has been special this season and she’s on pace for another MVP caliber season. The Lynx are coming in hot as well and have the duo of Collier/McBride that can make it tough on anyone any given night.

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit:

(AP Photo/Abbie Parr) (Abbie Parr / Associated Press)

Jun 9, 2024 No Comments
Lynx Win 87-76 Against Dallas: A Showcase of Depth

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

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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
Anthony Edwards Record & Averages In Each Adidas AE 1 He Rocked On The Court This Season

Anthony Edwards Record & Averages In Each Adidas AE 1 He Rocked On The Court This Season

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by | Jun 1, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA


Adidas AE 1 “With Love” Record – (13-6)

 

The Adidas AE 1 “With Love” was the 1st colorway of the AE 1 that Adidas debuted to the public. This colorway honors Edwards’ mother and grandmother, who’s favorite colors are peach and pink. In the 18 games that Anthony Edwards wore the AE 1 “With Love” he averaged (30 PPG, 5.1 AST, 4.8 REB) and dropped a career high 51 points against the Wizards in these.

 

 

Adidas AE 1 “New Wave” Record – (23-6)

 

While rocking the Adidas AE 1 “New Wave” Anthony Edwards averaged (22.9 PPG, 5 AST, 5.1 REB) in 30 games this season for the Timberwolves. The Adidas AE 1 “New Wave” was the 2nd colorway of the AE 1 that Adidas released to the public and fans fell in love when he debuted them at Media Day.

 

 

 

Adidas AE 1 “Best of Adi” Record – (4-1)

 

While rocking the Adidas AE 1 “Best of Adi” Anthony Edwards averaged (31 PPG, 6 AST, 4.6 REB) in the 5 games. This colorway was a fan favorite for everyone and that hint of lime green makes the sneaker have that pop factor instantly.

 

 

Adidas AE 1 “Velocity Blue” Record – (7-6)

 

While rocking the Adidas AE 1 “Velocity Blue” Anthony Edwards averaged (24.7 PPG, 4.1 AST, 5.5 REB) in the 13 games. The Adidas AE 1″Velocity Blue” was the first colorway that Adidas released showing love to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In the arena all season fans were wearing these in Target Center as that Blue/Green combo was perfect with their throwback jerseys.

 

 

 

Adidas AE 1 “Universty of Arkansas Pine Bluff” PE Record – (3-0)

 

While rocking the Adidas AE 1 “Universty of Arkansas Pine Bluff” PE Anthony Edwards averaged (36 PPG, 4.3 AST, 5.6 REB) in the 3 wins. The Adidas AE 1″Universty of Arkansas Pine Bluff” PE was apart of the Adidas HBCU Collection and instantly had sneakerheads wanting this colorway bad.

This was an exclusive for the players on both the Women’s and Men’s Basketball teams at the school.

 

 

 

 

Adidas AE 1 “All Star” Record – (1-1)

 

While rocking the Adidas AE 1 “All Star” Anthony Edwards averaged (28.5 PPG, 4 AST, 8.5 REB) in the 2 games. The Adidas AE 1″All Star” was the first colorway that Adidas released giving us an amazing look at that metallic color changing pattern.

This was an instant hit as the colorway popped off the page and the court. Ant Man and Adidas changed the game with this pair.

 

 

 

Adidas AE 1 “ATL Vikings” Record – (1-1)

 

While rocking the Adidas AE 1 “ATL Vikings” PE Anthony Edwards averaged (25.5 PPG, 7.5 AST, 4 REB) in the 2 games. The Adidas AE 1″ATL Vikings” was the first Player Exclusive that Adidas debuted for Ant Man. The PE pays homage to Anthony Edwards Pop Warner team the Atlanta Vikings that he played on as a kid. Adidas did some great marketing having him wear them against the Los Angeles Lakers both times.

This PE had everyone going crazy in the sneaker world with the metallic gold/purple pop on these. We all will have to sit here and just look at them forever as they will never reach the public eye for purchase.

 

 

 

Adidas AE 1 “Georgia Red Clay” Record – (6-5)

 

While rocking the Adidas AE 1 “Georgia Red Clay” Anthony Edwards averaged (27.6 PPG, 6.6 AST, 6.3 REB) in the 11 games. The Adidas AE 1″Georgia Red Clay” has been the most ICONIC pair of Adidas AE 1’s that were released this year. Ant Man had some of his best games wearing the “Georgia Red Clay” and some of his Poster Dunks were in them as well.

When you look at the viral moments Ant Man had on the court he was rocking these AE 1’s. Ant Man had a playoff career high of 44 points against Denver in these as well. The dunk on John Collins and dunk on Daniel Gafford will forever stay in every fan and sneakerheads mind when they think about the AE 1 “Georgia Red Clay” trust me.

 

 

 

 

 

Adidas AE 1 “McDonalds All American” PE Record – (2-0)

 

While rocking the Adidas AE 1 “McDonalds All American” PE Anthony Edwards averaged (19.5 PPG, 6.5 AST, 9.5 REB) in the 2 wins. The Adidas AE 1″McDonalds All American” PE was the first colorway that released to the public that was a player exclusive. The AE 1 “McDonalds All American ” PE showcased a mismatch AE 1 for the 1st time and it was exclusively sold on Footlocker.

This colorway was extremely tough to get as resellers all around the world have this price tag past $500+ if you want to get them now. This was one of the best colorways by far and people were blowing my phone up for this pair ASAP.

 

Adidas AE 1 “Timberwolves PE” Record – (0-2)

 

While rocking the Adidas AE 1 “Timberwolves” PE Anthony Edwards averaged (16 PPG, 4.5 AST, 6 REB) in the 2 games. The Adidas AE 1″Timberwolves” PE was the first colorway that Ant Man debuted in Timberwolves colors that were exclusively for him.

The Timberwolves fans all over and myself included wish this pair came out. The colorway could also be showing some love to Sprite at the same time as he signed an endorsement deal with them as well.

 

 

Adidas AE 1 “3Stripes Select Basketball” PE Record – (1-1)

 

This by far is the Sneaker of the Year in the Adidas AE 1 Collection. The tough part about it is the fact they aren’t avaivalble to the public. The AE 1 “3Stripes Select Basketball” was given to Ant Man’s AAU Team.

Edwards debuted this holy grail late in the season against the Atlanta Hawks and the internet went CRAZY. While rocking the Adidas AE 1 “3Stripes Select Basketball” Anthony Edwards averaged (21 PPG, 5 AST, 6.5 REB) in the 2 games.

 

 

Adidas AE 1 Low “Mural” Record – (3-0)

 

While rocking the Adidas AE 1 Low “Mural” Anthony Edwards averaged (28 PPG, 6.3 AST, 7.6 REB) in the 3 wins. This colorway was the first of many Adidas AE 1 Lows that Anthony Edwards debuted during the NBA Playoffs and that pink just pops.

 

Adidas AE 1 Low “Ascent” Record – (2-0)

 

While rocking the Adidas AE 1 Low “Ascent” Anthony Edwards averaged (21.5 PPG, 5.5 AST, 6 REB) in the 2 wins. This colorway was the second of many Adidas AE 1 Lows that Anthony Edwards debuted during the NBA Playoffs and a huge fan favorite after people saw the Murals.

 

 

 

Adidas AE 1 Low “Slime Green” Record – (0-2)

 

This was the fan favorite of the Adidas AE 1 Lows.  Everyone went crazy when they saw Anthony Edwards wear the Slime Green’s at practice. During the Playoffs while rocking the Adidas AE 1 Low “Slime Green” Anthony Edwards averaged (20 PPG, 7.5 AST, 8 REB) in the 2 losses. The good news about The Adidas AE 1 Low “Slime Green” is that they will be releasing to the public very soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images),  (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images), (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images), Minnesota Timberwolves, NBAKicks,(Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) AP Photo Abbie Parr, (AP Photo/Matt Krohn), (AP Photo/Paul Sancya), Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett

Jun 1, 2024 No Comments
Alissa Pili Shines Bright in Minnesota Lynx’s Dominant 95-71 Win Over Phoenix Mercury

Alissa Pili Shines Bright in Minnesota Lynx’s Dominant 95-71 Win Over Phoenix Mercury

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

MINNEAPOLIS – Rookie Alissa Pili steps onto the Target Center court, her eyes fixed on the hoop, as she and the Minnesota Lynx dominate in the paint, from the 3-point line and on defense, securing a 95-71 victory over the Phoenix Mercury. This marks a breakout performance for the University of Utah alumni, selected with the eighth overall pick in the draft. The game holds added significance for Pili, who is of Samoan and Native Alaskan heritage, as it aligns with Native American Heritage Night, a moment she is grateful to share with fans.

“As I’ve ended my college career and come to the W, my support system has been huge, and a big part of that is the indigenous community. Representation has been a huge thing for me as my platform has grown. I’m trying to do my best at being a role model for others and continuing to impact people,” Pili says.

Dorka Juhász, in her second season with the Lynx, returns to the team a week ago following overseas playing commitments. She praises Pili, stating,”She’s working hard, and we are super happy that she had this game, especially on this night; it is very special.”

What was the key to Pili’s breakout game tonight? Juhász answers best, saying, “One thing that I’ve learned is that you gotta stay ready. She is ready whenever her name is called,” adding, “The swag that she has, maybe a little nervousness, but you can’t see it; you’re just knocking down shots.” She talks about how it is early on in the season and Pili having this breakout game is a great sign.

The game starts out evenly matched with Mercury’s talented players Kahleah Copper, Diana Taurasi, and Natasha Cloud matching the energy of the Lynx stars Napheesa Collier and Alanna Smith. However, the Lynx soon take control, finding their rhythm on both offense and defense as Smith is 3-3 to start. Phee grabs rebounds, showing her exceptional defense. With Diamond Miller out after undergoing successful right knee surgery on May 29 and having a 20-point lead on Mercury for a majority of the match, this gives room for bench players to get more minutes, and they truly step up to the challenge. When Head Coach Cheryl Reeve calls Pili to sub in, she recognizes it as her moment to prove herself, rising to the occasion with confidence.

Juhász expresses how this one is personal when talking to the in-arena host about the win post-game. “We want to come out different than how we played against the Aces. We don’t really show our best offensive profile in that game,” she says, adding, “We know that we could do better. It’s always the goal after a loss to come back, especially on home court. We want to protect our home court. I think that’s the motivation that gets us into that energy.”

Pili reflects on how she stays ready, stating,“The game is mostly mental. We huddle up before every game, and all of us kind of have that mindset of always stay ready when your name is called,” adding, “It’s such a great team as a collective. Our starters are great, and then our bench just brings this different type of energy,” adding, “It is good to gain that in-game experience and work towards getting my confidence up and getting more comfortable.”

Towards the end of the game, Pili becomes unstoppable from beyond the arc. The bench contributes significantly with 50 points, marking the third-highest bench points in Lynx history. Juhász earns 13 points, Cecilia Zandalasini 12, Natisha Hiedeman 5, and Pili, as mentioned earlier, scores 20 points. “As a team, we’re just having fun, and I think that’s the most important thing,” said Juhász.

The Lynx hope to maintain this momentum Sunday at 6 p.m. as they face off against the Dallas Wings at the Target Center.

Photo by David Sherman / National Basketball Association / Getty

Jun 1, 2024 No Comments
Lynx Struggle to Find Rhythm in 90-66 Loss to Aces

Lynx Struggle to Find Rhythm in 90-66 Loss to Aces

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by | May 30, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, WNBA

MINNEAPOLIS — The Target Center was alive tonight as the Minnesota Lynx faced off against the Las Vegas Aces. Fans packed the arena, eager to witness the thrilling match-up. With talented and well-known players like Kelsey Plum, A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Kate Martin on the Aces’ roster, fans anticipated a game full of entertaining basketball against the 2023 WNBA champions, the Aces. Despite a spirited effort and a vocal home crowd, the Lynx could not capitalize on key moments, ultimately falling to the Aces.

The showdown between Lynx star Napheesa Collier and Aces’ powerhouse A’ja Wilson was the highlight of the night. Known for her defense, Collier made Wilson work hard for every point. “You gotta know your body to have good defense,” Collier said during a halftime pre-recorded interview. She backed up her words by grabbing 13 rebounds, reaffirming her status as the Lynx’s defensive anchor.

Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve emphasized the importance of trust, especially with Alanna Smith stepping up and playing significant minutes. Smith herself mentioned that playing off instinct has boosted her confidence to play her game. She found her rhythm a few times during the game but needs to find a way to make it consistent. 

The first quarter was a nail-biter, with both teams trading buckets. The Aces took an 18-16 lead, but Courtney Williams provided a spark for the Lynx, scoring six points from mid-range, her sweet spot. Collier dominated defensively early, grabbing eight rebounds. However, the Lynx’s struggles from beyond the arc (8-24) and six turnovers were surprising setbacks given their performance’s so far.

The second quarter started with the Aces jumping out to a 7-0 run. Cecilia Zandalasini ignited Minnesota, hitting 3-for-3 from downtown. The Lynx defense was on fire, forcing two shot clock violations, showing determination. The offensive tempo picked up with a slick give-and-go between Kayla McBride and Dorka Juhász, followed by a three-pointer from McBride. Despite these highlights, the continued turnovers hurt the Lynx and were disappointing to watch, especially considering their potential to beat this Aces team. The Aces capitalized on every Lynx misstep, showcasing why they are the reigning champs.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Lynx showed moments of hope, playing near-perfect basketball at times, but the Aces were always ready to respond. Wilson went off tonight, scoring 29 points and drawing ten fouls. The Lynx began to miss key shots against a powerhouse like Las Vegas, and everyone knew it was over. Wilson’s ability to draw fouls and score was crucial in maintaining the Aces’ lead.

Despite strong individual performances, the Lynx’s chemistry seemed off. Several players’ inability to find their rhythm contributed to the tough loss. The final score shows the Lynx’s inconsistencies, revealing areas needing improvement. This is the time to make mistakes and learn, as it is still early in the season.

As the Lynx prepare to face the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night at 8:30 p.m., they should be able to bounce back. It is all about how the Lynx respond to a loss. With basketball legends like Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner up next, let’s see how Minnesota improves after tonight’s setback. The Lynx’s resilience will be put to the test, but this team’s chemistry and leadership from Collier and McBride have shown they will rise to the occasion.

 

 

Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images

May 30, 2024 No Comments
Minnesota Lynx: A Season of Promise

Minnesota Lynx: A Season of Promise

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by | May 24, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, WNBA

MINNEAPOLIS — The energy in downtown Minneapolis May 17th was high as fans joyfully awaited the Lynx season opener at Target Center. From wearing their favorite Lynx jerseys to sporting green and white leis, fans of all ages showed their pride and excitement.

Among the Lynx rookies, Alissa Pili, who is of Inupiaq and Samoan descent, has attracted a dedicated group of Indigenous basketball fans eager to see her skills on the court. Pili expressed her pride in representing these communities, saying, “It’s always been a goal of mine to impact a certain community, especially the Native and Polynesian community. I’m very proud to represent you all, and I’ll keep doing a good job.” This is a season of hope and promise.
With a great win and performance in their season opener against the Seattle Storm, the Lynx are showing they are a strong team this season with a lot of talent.

Napheesa Collier, with a big smile, accepted the Player of the Week honor during an interview two days ago with the WNBA, becoming the fourth Lynx player to earn this award five or more times. Collier, who credited her success to her teammates, stressed the importance of teamwork, saying, “That’s exciting, I wasn’t even thinking about it. It’s your teammates. I couldn’t do anything without them. You never get any accolades without your team.” Tonight at 6 p.m. CT, the Lynx face former teammate Rachel Banham and the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Collier, after an outstanding 2023 season earning her first First-Team All-WNBA selection, is expected to play a key role for the Lynx this year. Additionally, Kayla McBride, known for her leadership as team captain and her three-point shooting, is expected to be crucial for the team’s dynamics.

With new additions to their roster, including Pili and experienced players like Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman, the Lynx are set for success and are expected to make the playoffs again this season. Second-year players Diamond Miller and Dorka Juhász are also expected to make big contributions, adding to the team’s depth and competitiveness.

With a mix of veteran leadership, young talents, and smart new players, the Lynx are ready for a competitive season. Building on last year’s playoff appearance, the team’s success depends on the performance of key players and how well new players fit in. Overall, there is a lot of optimism for the Lynx as they start the 2024 season. Collier emphasized that she has a great team and is really excited to start the year with her teammates.

Photo: David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images

May 24, 2024 No Comments