While there were only two Lynx games this week due to WNBA All-Star break, the Minnesota news cycle was rich with content due to a much needed return to action for a star player as well as the electrifying live StudBudz stream returning for WNBA All-Star weekend. The Lynx were heavily represented at the All-Star game and it has been all smiles for their fans as they enjoyed their team and players shine bright during the in-season celebration of the leagues best players.
Week in Review
Minnesota had two games this
week before heading off to Chicago for the fun that awaited them for All-Star Weekend. It was a light travel week as they only had to worry about one team, in one state, and one arena. They played the Seattle Storm twice over a two day stretch in their barn.
The first game was a jaw-dropping, highly offensive powered performance between the duo of Olivia Miles and Kayla McBride that you had to see to believe. Though Seattle’s size gave them some trouble down the stretch, those two willed their team to victory with amazing plays. Miles scored 32 points to go along with eight assists and eight rebounds to round out her stat line, picking apart Seattle’s defense from inside the arc. McBride topped that point total with 33 of her own with most of her damage came from outside the arc. She drained six triples, and was fouled once from three-point range as well. The Storm still had a chance before the final buzzer though. A Minnesota miscommunication on the last play of the game gave a red hot Flau’jae Johnson a chance to tie the game, but she luckily missed.
The second game, a camp game in the afternoon right before the All-Star break, gave fans the much lauded return of Napheesa Collier. Any worry that it would take her some time to get back into the swing of things was quickly put to bed as she scored 24 points and added 10 rebounds, propelling Minnesota to victory. There were some hiccups throughout the game as they had to work her back into a rhythm, adjusting to her presence on the floor. But when you’re that good, it’s only a matter of time. She was a huge addition and allowed the Lynx to lean into more big lineups against the supersized Storm front court that sports Awa Fam and Dominique Malonga.
- Monday, July 20: Lynx 105, Storm 102
- Wednesday, July 22: Lynx 86, Storm 76
WEEK 11:
OFFRTG: 112.4 (3rd) ↓
DEFRTG: 102.1 (2nd) –
NETRTG: +10.3 (1st) –
eFG%: 54.0 (3rd) ↓
FTr: 26.0 (14th) –
TOV%: 16.5 (5th) –
OREB%: 33.3 (4th) –
WEEK 10:
OFFRTG: 112.1 (2nd) ↑
DEFRTG: 101.6 (2nd) –
NETRTG: +10.5 (1st) –
eFG%: 54.4 (2nd) ↑
FTr: 26.0 (14th) –
TOV%: 16.9 (5th) –
OREB%: 33.0 (4th) –
Napheesa Collier’s Return
First and foremost, the biggest storyline that has been talked about for the whole season up to this point was Phee’s return to play. The breadcrumbs started to spread after Monday nights game against the Storm, and they weren’t all that small. Multiple social media posts by the Lynx and a video dropped on YouTube talking about Collier’s return to play flooded timelines as the announcement came through that she would return to play on Wednesday. While bumps were expected and experienced in her first minutes, she announced her reunion to the court with an exclamation point. Making an impact on both ends of the floor and finding her matchups to get buckets. It was awesome to watch her back out there.
While fans can still expect it to take some time before this iteration of the team is firing on all cylinders and Phee gets back up to speed, it was great to see her back out there hooping. It should be a scary sign to the rest of the league that the best team in the W just got one of their best players back.
StudBudz at WNBA All-Star
Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman are must see TV for everyone who enjoys the WNBA. They burst on to the All-Star scene last year, streaming the whole thing on Twitch and creating moments that were hilariously enjoyable for anyone who consumed it. After Hiedeman signed with the Storm, it was great to see their reunion rocking the epic light blue hair and engaging with all of the other stars who got to participate in All-Star weekend.
While it is a bit melancholy knowing that these two are on different teams, it’s been great to see them thrive on their teams. Hiedeman has started all 29 games for the Storm averaging 15.6 points per game, a career high. Courtney Williams is firing on all cylinders being back to her natural 2 guard position next to Olivia Miles, averaging 15.3/5.4/4.2 and being an All-Star yet again. This weekend we got the best of both worlds, watching them flourish individually while seeing them bring the party to WNBA All-Star weekend.
All-Stars Hooping
The All-Star weekend was littered with Minnesota Lynx connections for fans to enjoy cheering for their squad throughout the events. Assistance coach Rebekkah Brunson and Courtney Williams took on the shooting stars competition, a pair of beloved former Lynx in Bridget Carleton and Natisha Hiedeman participated in the three point contest and Olivia Miles, Courtney Williams, Natasha Howard and Cheryl Reeve were a part of the game itself.
This produced tons of highlights for Lynx fans to enjoy, including Olivia Miles nearly dropping a triple double in the All-Star game. She was a perfect 5/5 and scored 11 points, had 12 rebounds and 8 assists to round out her balanced stat sheet. Courtney Williams added 12 points and 7 assists, Natasha Howard battled back with 8 points and 4 rebound for the other team, but in the end Coach Reeve helped get the job done and take the win.
