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
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

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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
The Minnesota Lynx Suffer Tough Loss To Connecticut Sun (78-73)

The Minnesota Lynx Suffer Tough Loss To Connecticut Sun (78-73)

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by | Jul 4, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, WNBA

The Minnesota Lynx were coming into this game after a loss to the New York Liberty. They looked to bounce back but they had a tough challenge ahead of them with the Connecticut Sun. Every time the Sun plays the Lynx it’s always one of those back-and-forth games but you know it’s going to be competitive. This game was just that as both teams came out playing tough. The starters for the Lynx didn’t have it going on the offensive end early but that second unit came in and gave them a spark. Dorka came in and had a quick run with some great cutting to the basket that got them going. This Lynx team showed tonight that they have a lot of depth and when the starters came back in they got the offense going. Alanna Smith has fit right into this rotation like she’s been playing on Minnesota for years. The chemistry that she has with Phee and McBride has been special. Also, Alanna has been able to score against some big teams and bang with them down low. One part of her game that has been showing out is her 3-point ability because when she gets the opposing team bigs outside she makes them pay. She made some big shots tonight against the Sun but you can tell that her confidence is at an all-time high from the perimeter. Smith finished with a team-high 14 points with 4 rebounds and 2 assists against Connecticut.

 

Kayla McBride fresh off her All-Star news came into this one locked in as well hitting some big shots against the Sun. In the 3rd quarter, Napheesa Collier went down with a foot injury and didn’t return but the next man up will be KMac. This team has a true veteran leader in Kayla McBride and when Phee was ruled out she put that team responsibility on her back. Kayla was everywhere against the Sun as they couldn’t contain her. McBride was crashing boards, in the passing lanes, and was able to create space for her jumper against Connecticut. She didn’t have the outing she probably wanted but her play was infectious tonight in a huge way that will lead to success down the road for this team. Diamond is getting back in the swing of things as she made an impact in limited minutes as well. This team is loaded and special and if Napheesa misses time they will need to continue to play that winning basketball that has them as one of the best in the league.

 

Tonight the Lynx were in a battle that they didn’t win but like Kayla McBride said “We will see them again” and if they do Minnesota has to contain Alyssa Thomas. Tonight she was able to notch another triple-double finishing with 13 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds. The Sun move the way Thomas moves and they were able to play an amazing game tonight. DiJona Carrington played lights out tonight finishing with 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist but it was the championship hustle/defensive plays that stood out from her tonight. The way they played and we can’t forget Bonner’s 24-point performance was special and when the Sun play like they did tonight they will be tough to beat on any night.

 

The Minnesota Lynx will be hosting the Washington Mystics on Saturday night as they look to get back in the win column. Keep it locked with SneakerReporter.com as we will keep you posted on the news of Naphessa Collier after her early exit tonight.

 

 

Jul 4, 2024 No Comments