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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Photo by AARON LAVINSKY, STAR TRIBUNE

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

Minnesota Lynx Secure 81-76 Win Against Los Angeles Sparks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images

Jun 15, 2024 No Comments
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 MĂşhl now available to play for Storm.

 

PHOTO BY JEFF WHEELER, STAR TRIBUNE

Jun 3, 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 JuhĂĄsz, 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? JuhĂĄsz 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. JuhĂĄsz 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 JuhĂĄsz.

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 JuhĂĄsz, 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