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
Recent Comments