The Minnesota Lynx Defeat New York Liberty (82-80) To Force Game 5 Sunday

The Minnesota Lynx Defeat New York Liberty (82-80) To Force Game 5 Sunday

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by | Oct 19, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, WNBA

The Minnesota Lynx were caught off guard by Sabrina Ionescu’s game-winning 3-pointer in Game 3 to give the Liberty the series lead. One thing that we’ve learned about this Minnesota Lynx team is that they’re battle-tested and they believe in each other no matter the situation. Some of that comes from Coach Cheryl Reeve but a lot of that swagger comes from Courtney Williams as well. They were going to need that DAWG in Game 4 if the Lynx wanted to prevent the New York Liberty from celebrating on their court tonight as the WNBA Champions.

 

This game was a true slugfest as both teams came out trying to make the first run but it was extremely tight. The Minnesota Lynx Big 3 of Napheesa Collier, Courtney Williams, and Kayla McBride led the way with a combined 48 points of the 82 points from the team tonight. Napheesa didn’t have one of her scoring nights that she usually does but she impacted the game on the defensive end in a big way. Napheesa is one of the best in the game because when she would get doubled she’s so unsuccessful that she knows when to find her teammates. The Liberty were trying to make sure that Napheesa wasn’t going to beat them tonight but they slept on Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams. Napheesa draws a lot of attention and that helped the team out tonight against New York.

 

Both McBride and Williams were able to hit some big shots throughout the game as the Liberty gave them too much space. Kayla McBride is one of the best shooters in the game and once she sees one of her jumpers go in the basket it’s a long night for the opposing team. Tonight Kayla McBride was the leading scorer on Minnesota with 19 points and she set the tone on both ends as well. A lot of people gave Sabrina Ionescu high praise last game for her big shot making but like Kayla said “She guarded her for 40 minutes”. Kayla held Sabrina to a quiet 10 points as she wasn’t able to get her game going because that defense had her out of rhythm. Minnesota was able to execute whatever the gameplan was tonight for Coach Reeve but they will have to limit Jonquel Jones & Breanna Stewart inside the paint because they missed a lot of easy baskets tonight. Courtney Williams has been a great addition to the Lynx and it was on full display in Game 4 as she was able to get her team involved passing-wise and was able to put them on her back with the smooth mid-range shot.

 

Jonquel finished with 21 points with 8 rebounds as the Lynx don’t have much of a matchup for her in this series but the Lynx have been creating a lot of jumpball situations. The Lynx might be undersized but they have a huge heart and it showed tonight as they battled in front of the home crowd. The other bright spot for New York was the play of Fiebich as she finished with 19 points but was able to make tough shot after shot when Minnesota looked to be pulling away. She’s a rookie but the way she hits big shots looks like she’s been in the league for like 10 years. The Minnesota Lynx were able to pull this game out with Ionescu/Stewart going 10/36 from the field but we know that this won’t be a repeat in New York. The Lynx will need to keep making it tough on the Liberty with deflections and making sure they get out in transition. Both teams know each other’s game well now and it’s going to come down to who wants it more on Sunday.

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Abbie Parr

Oct 19, 2024 No Comments
Miracle Comeback Win: Lynx Make History, Lead 1-0 Against Liberty in WNBA Finals

Miracle Comeback Win: Lynx Make History, Lead 1-0 Against Liberty in WNBA Finals

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by | Oct 10, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, WNBA

Barclays Center, Brooklyn – In a season defined by thrilling moments, few can compare to what unfolded tonight as the Minnesota Lynx faced off against the New York Liberty in Game 1 of the 2024 WNBA Finals. This game will be remembered as one of the greatest in the history of the league, featuring a miraculous 18 point comeback that has cemented the Lynx’s legacy. It was a testament to their resilience, defensive skill, and ability to thrive under pressure. 

Pregame Tensions Set the Stage

Even before the game tipped off, the atmosphere was charged with intensity as the stadium was full of Liberty fans. The Lynx, confident and battle-tested, knew they were prepared for the challenge ahead. Head Coach Cheryl Reeve, a veteran of this stage, emphasized that the team’s belief in themselves would carry them through the tough moments.

On the court, the highly anticipated matchup between Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, co-founders of the new 3-on-3 women’s league, Unrivaled, which is slated to begin play in January, started with a bang—Stewart missed her first shot, while Collier’s defensive efforts helped set the tone early on. Though the Lynx struggled to finish at the rim in the early minutes, the team’s resilience was on full display

Courtney Williams, known for her lethal mid-range game, opened the scoring for Minnesota with a vicious crossover. Kayla McBride missed her first shot but quickly followed it up by scoring on an assist from Williams, marking the beginning of what would be a historic night.

Liberty Look to Break Game 1 Curse

For the New York Liberty, the pressure was high. They entered Game 1 with an unfortunate record of 0-5 at home in series openers, but with seasoned champions like Breanna Stewart and Courtney Vandersloot on their roster, hopes were high that they could break that streak. Jonquel Jones (#25) gave the Liberty their first bucket, drawing a foul in the process, which boosted her confidence and set the tone for the Liberty’s aggressive approach early in the game.

Despite the Liberty’s strong start, the Lynx struggled offensively, appearing neither pretty nor efficient in the first half. It wasn’t until the second half that Minnesota’s resolve and grit became evident.

Game Time: The Tides Turn

By the fourth quarter, the Liberty had built a solid lead, and it appeared they were poised to take Game 1. However, the Lynx had other plans. With defensive intensity at a peak, and Napheesa Collier leading by example, the Lynx chipped away at the Liberty’s lead, possession by possession.

Williams continued to shine, her 3-point game was the play of the night as she knocked down crucial baskets. But it wasn’t just one player who made the difference—it was the collective effort of a Lynx team that refused to quit. They locked down on defense, making life difficult for the Liberty, who suddenly found themselves struggling to maintain their advantage.

As the game headed into overtime, Minnesota’s poise was unmatched. Napheesa Collier made one of multiple plays of the night with 2.6 seconds left, defending Breanna Stewart to prevent her from getting off a clean shot. The move was both brilliant and necessary, as it kept the Liberty from regaining the lead.

Historic Comeback and Victory

In overtime, the Lynx completed their comeback, finishing with a miraculous 95-93 victory. This wasn’t just a win—it tied for the largest comeback in WNBA Finals history coming back after down 18 points, an achievement that will be talked about for years to come. Minnesota’s defense, which had been the backbone of their performance all night, shined in the clutch, and their shooting efficiency (50% from the field) demonstrated their offensive control in the moments that mattered most.

Postgame Reactions

After the game, Napheesa Collier reflected on the win and her team’s mentality throughout the intense matchup.

“You can’t control what happens; you just gotta play defense, and we got it done,” Collier said. “Just keep going. This is the Finals—you can’t give up. We know we can come back and stay strong.”

Speaking on the challenge of defending Breanna Stewart, Collier added, “It’s hard. She’s one of the best players in the world—you just gotta play hard.”

She also praised her teammate Courtney Williams, whose leadership and clutch play were pivotal: “Courtney was amazing—the aggression, the way she played. That’s my point guard right there.”

Williams, equally proud of her team’s effort, spoke about the trust her teammates had in her during the game’s crucial moments.

“We are resilient. We know never to give up; we know what we can do too,” Williams said. “My teammates trust me so much, and we have such great three-point shooters. The fact that they wanted to get the ball in my hands—it means a lot.”

She also acknowledged the role luck played in such a closely contested game: “When you win games like this, it takes a little bit of luck as well.”

Heartbreak for the Liberty

For the New York Liberty, it was a gut-wrenching loss. Despite their strong start and the contributions of their star players, they couldn’t fend off the relentless Lynx. With Game 1 in the books, the Liberty now find themselves needing to regroup and refocus ahead of Game 2 if they hope to turn the series around.

Looking Ahead

The win gives Minnesota a 1-0 lead in the Finals, and their performance tonight will be etched into WNBA history. With their historic comeback fresh in their minds, they’ll be looking to build on that momentum heading into Game 2. For the Liberty, a team filled with veteran leadership, the challenge is clear: bounce back and protect home court to avoid falling further behind.

 

 

 

AP Photo/Pamela Smith

Oct 10, 2024 No Comments
The Minnesota Lynx Are WNBA Finals Bound After Defeating Connecticut (88-77)

The Minnesota Lynx Are WNBA Finals Bound After Defeating Connecticut (88-77)

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

The Minnesota Lynx came into this Game 5 after a tough loss in Connecticut knowing they were coming home to the best fans in the WNBA. The Lynx knew that if they wanted to go to the WNBA Finals it was going to take a great effort on both ends of the floor. Tonight in Game 5 they came out and set the tone from the jumpball. It just so happened to be the Kayla McBride Towel Night and McBride came out on fire as she was putting pressure on the Sun defenders. The Sun were able to slow down Napheesa Collier in the 1st quarter but with the DPOY drawing so much attention it opened things up for Kayla to get her offense going right away. Kayla McBride was hitting the 3-point shot and she was able to attack off the dribble. Kayla was able to finish the game with 19 points and her points in the 1st quarter started the scoring party. Her offense was contagious because it wasn’t too long before Napheesa Collier and Courtney Williams got it going.

 

Courtney Williams’s dad told the media pregame that she would have a big night and he didn’t lie at all. Courtney Williams was able to get the midrange jumper going early and was able to get by any defender that the Sun threw at her. When Courtney has both the playmaking and her offensive game going there’s nothing that the defense can do and the Sun realized that real quick. Courtney has been a blessing in disguise for the Lynx because her bag is extremely heavy with a lot of things that she brings to the game. Courtney was able to get her teammates involved with some amazing passes and her peskiness on the defensive end was making things tough for Burton/Carrington. Courtney Williams was able to finish the game with 24 points and 7 assists tonight. This was one of her best games in a Lynx uniform and it came right on time.

 

One of the teammates who was able to feast off of the Williams setups was Naphessa Collier. This SUPERSTAR doesn’t get enough credit for the things that she does on the court. It doesn’t matter if it’s the offensive side or the defensive end Collier is coming through for her teammates. Napheesa impacted tonight’s game in many ways with blocks, rebounds, and even steals. Napheesa has been able to use her defense to start the offense for the Lynx with her amazing awareness of deflections. Tonight against the Sun she was able to demand a lot of attention that creates opportunity for the rest of the team. Napheesa finished the game with 27 points and 11 rebounds it didn’t matter who was on her tonight she was willing the Lynx to the Finals. Napheesa has some of the best footwork in the WNBA and she had multiple defenders on the Sun looking silly at the rim. The Lynx were able to force the Sun into 18 turnovers tonight and that was started by Napheesa Collier’s blocks and disruptiveness in the passing lanes. The Lynx held the Sun to 38% from the field and that was a huge reason why the Minnesota Lynx are heading to the Finals. The Minnesota Lynx’s biggest lead was 24 points and they continued to put their foot on the gas throughout the game whenever the Sun tried to make a run.

 

The Connecticut Sun got punched in the mouth so fast from the Minnesota Lynx that it was tough to recover. The whole game the Sun were fighting to get back into the game and it was tough because McBride, Williams, and Collier were already scoring at will. The Sun did lose Marina Mabrey in the 1st half to an injury so taking away one of their best shooters in the close-out game was going to be a tall task. Dijonai Carrington was one of the bright spots for the Sun tonight against Minnesota as she was to get into those passing lanes and create her offense in transition. Carrington came out in the 2nd half and put the Sun on her back with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 steals. The Sun were just too far behind to get back into this game but it was a slugfest as both teams battled it out to Game 5. One of the mismatches that the Sun had on the Lynx was Brionna Jones in the paint she finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Jones was tough to guard but with the Lynx spacing, it made it tough for her to be effective the whole game on the defensive end. The Sun had a hell of a season and yeah it had to end tonight but they will come back better. Tonight was all about the Lynx and they will be going on to play the New York Liberty in the rematch of the Commissioners Cup.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Matt Krohn / Imagn Images

Oct 9, 2024 No Comments
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