Minnesota Lynx Defeat The Dallas Wings (85-81) To Stay Undefeated

Minnesota Lynx Defeat The Dallas Wings (85-81) To Stay Undefeated

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by | May 22, 2025 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, WNBA

The Minnesota Lynx came into the game on Wednesday night (2-0) in the early season. They were going to be matching up against the Dallas Wings, who have a new look roster including the number 1 pick Paige Bueckers. It was the 1st time that Paige was playing in the WNBA as a professional in her hometown, and she got a lot of love. The Lynx were able to keep some distance throughout the game as Napheesa Collier started getting things going offensively. Napheesa has been special as she has mastered the art of footwork around the paint, and she was a nightmare matchup for the Wings. The Wings threw Hines-Allen at Napheesa, knowing that she was familiar with her game from being on the Lynx last season, but it didn’t work. Napheesa finished with 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists on the night. Napheesa went for 20+ points in 3 straight games, and she has been able to will the team on her back. Through 3 games, Napheesa Collier’s averaging 28.3 PPG, and she’s on pace for an MVP season. The Lynx had 27 assists on the night, which has been amazing for them starting the season, but it was the Wings’ defense that made the ending of the game a lot closer than it needed to be because of the 17 turnovers.

 

One thing that was extremely impressive was the dominance in the paint on the rebounds, as Minnesota had 43 total rebounds with 12 offensive rebounds. The rebound battle starts with physicality, and Jesscia Shepard set the tone in the paint with 10 rebounds. Last season, the Lynx needed someone to help with rebounding alongside Phee and Smith, but it seems like Shepard will be that force in the paint. Jessica Shepard gave a lot of energy, and she was able to get them extra opportunities through her hustle. Courtney Williams has been able to get in her point guard bag as she was able to finish the game with 7 assists. The Lynx had 4 players in double digits, which showed a lot of balance in their attack against the Wings.

 

The Wings were swarmed by the Lynx defense in the 1st half, and they were able to limit Bueckers to 12 points. It was Arike Ogunbowale who was able to get her shot off, finishing with 21 points on 8-20 from the field. The Wings had 4 scorers in double digits as well and forced Minnesota into some turnovers, but it wasn’t enough to hold the Lynx off in their home opener.

 

May 22, 2025 No Comments
Butler Era Over in Miami, Where Does He Land?

Butler Era Over in Miami, Where Does He Land?

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by | Feb 5, 2025 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA, SR1, WNBA, WWE

Jimmy Butler has been an enigma since he entered the NBA from Maquette in 2011. From the Bulls to the Timberwolves to Philadelphia, and now his tenure in Miami, Butler has experienced success but has also brought drama to every franchise he has played for.

Since signing as a free agent in 2019, Butler, 35,  has taken the Heat to two NBA finals, coming up short in both, but also notched two all-star selections, an All-NBA Second Team selection in 2023, All-NBA Third Team selections in 2020 and 2021, and an NBA steals leader title in 2021. 

Talent has never been Butler’s issue, but he no longer has the locker room in Miami or a desire to be there. He will most certainly be dealt before Thursday’s deadline. The question is who will land him next.

Butler has used his no-trade clause to turn down a trade to join Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors in exchange for former all-star Andrew Wiggins and multiple first-round picks. If it were up to Jimmy, he would join Devin Booker on the Phoenix Suns.

This may result in a three-way trade between the Warriors, Heat, and Suns that would get Butler what he wants and send future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant back to Golden State. The main issue is former all-star Bradley Beal’s contract. With him making over $50 million as a player best suited to come off the bench, it is not feasible for any team trying to make a playoff run. Don’t be surprised if a team with a losing record is involved in taking on Beal’s contract and buying him out to facilitate the trade. 

Landing Kevin Durant would help Golden State get themselves into the playoff picture. Miami would get a better return for Butler, setting themselves up better for the future built around Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. The Suns would be interesting to watch. As they are the last team in the play-in tournament right now, how will rearranging their roster impact their playoff hopes? 

Expect to see Butler in a new city by the weekend and get ready for his trade’s impact on the entire league.

Feb 5, 2025 No Comments
Minnesota Timberwolves Dominate The Los Angeles Lakers On AE Night (109-80)

Minnesota Timberwolves Dominate The Los Angeles Lakers On AE Night (109-80)

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by | Dec 2, 2024 | Featured, Minnesota Lynx, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA, SR1, WNBA, WWE

The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a decisive victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, fueled by an exceptional performance from their bench unit. On a night dedicated to celebrating the team’s “AE Night,” the spotlight unexpectedly shifted to Anthony Edwards’ supporting cast. The Timberwolves bench significantly outscored the Lakers, (54-22), showcasing a dominant performance by Naz Reid (15 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (15 points, 4 assists), and Donte DiVincenzo (11 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists). This trio’s impactful contributions highlight the team’s potential for consistent success in the Western Conference.

While Anthony Edwards’ scoring was relatively subdued (8 points), his reduced minutes in the second half underscore the positive impact of his teammates’ elevated performance, effectively sharing the offensive burden. Rudy Gobert’s impactful presence in the paint was also a key factor in the victory. His defensive prowess translated into numerous offensive opportunities, resulting in at least six dunks and final game statistics of 17 points and 12 rebounds. The Lakers’ star players, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, struggled against the Timberwolves’ tenacious defense, shooting a combined 8-of-30 from the field.

 

The Timberwolves’ defensive intensity effectively stifled the Lakers’ offensive production, securing a significant win and extending their winning streak to two games. This performance demonstrates a promising development for the team, suggesting a balanced offensive approach and improved defensive capabilities.

 

The next home game for the Minnesota Timberwolves will be on December 19th as they take on the New York Knicks and Karl-Anthony Towns in his 1st game back in Minnesota since the trade.

 

 

Dec 2, 2024 No Comments
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