Minnesota Timberwolves Adjust Preseason Schedule, Consider Lynx's Historic Run
The Minnesota Timberwolves have announced a shift in their preseason calendar, rescheduling their matchup with the Denver Nuggets to October 17th at 8 p.m. ET. This adjustment comes in light of a potential WNBA Finals game by the Minnesota Lynx on the following day, October 18th. The Timberwolves' game will not benefit from a national broadcast, keeping the focus primarily local as the sports community gears up for a significant event in women's basketball.
Timberwolves Eye Another Strong Season
While the Timberwolves recently made headlines by reaching the Western Conference finals last season, the spotlight in Minnesota now is largely on their WNBA counterparts, the Lynx. This decision to move the preseason game underscores an acknowledgment of the Lynx's critical moment and the potential overlap with their finals game.
Lynx’s Resurgence in the Spotlight
The Minnesota Lynx are making waves as they return to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2017. Their path was dramatically secured by clinching a Game 5 semifinal victory over the Connecticut Sun, setting up their finals berth. Notably, the Lynx celebrated a franchise-best season, achieving 30 wins and demonstrating formidable performance metrics throughout the regular season. They ended up fourth in offensive rating (102.8) and second in defensive rating (94.8).
Aim for a Fifth WNBA Championship
As the Lynx pursue their fifth WNBA championship, they will rely on their impressive team stats and individual performances that have defined their season. The team has been leading the league with a striking 3-point percentage of 38.0% and an extraordinary 76.4% assist percentage. These figures underscore both their shooting prowess and outstanding team coordination, pivotal in their championship quest.
Napheesa Collier's Outstanding Season
Key to their success is Napheesa Collier, a standout performer throughout the season. Collier finished as the runner-up in the MVP race and earned the Defensive Player of the Year award. Her season highlights include an impressive postseason game where she scored 42 points and maintained a consistent invasion of the stat sheet with three consecutive playoff performances of at least 25 points and 10 rebounds. As they head into the finals, her postseason average stands at a dazzling 27.1 points per game, illustrating her importance to the Lynx's ambitions.
Leadership Under Cheryl Reeve
The leadership of Cheryl Reeve has been instrumental in the Lynx's formidable run. Recognized for her exemplary guidance, Reeve has been named Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year, accolades that reflect her strategic acumen and managerial excellence. Her leadership will be crucial as the Lynx prepare to face their finals opponent, with the first game slated to commence at 8 p.m. ET at New York's Barclays Center.
With the Minnesota Timberwolves' adjustment highlighting a respectful nod to the Lynx’s achievements, the forthcoming weeks promise to be thrilling for Minnesota sports fans. As the Lynx stand on the brink of potential history, both teams have shown substantial promise, creating an atmosphere of excitement and ambition across the state's sporting landscape.