Minnesota Timberwolves Reschedule, with an Eye on the Lynx's Historic WNBA Finals Run
The Minnesota Timberwolves have made a strategic decision to reschedule their preseason matchup against the Denver Nuggets, moving it to October 17th at 8 p.m. ET. The adjustment is a nod to the potential impact of the Minnesota Lynx, who may be hosting a WNBA Finals game on October 18th.
This schedule change illustrates the strong interconnection between Minnesota's basketball teams, as the Timberwolves' alteration not only supports the Lynx but also signifies a respect for the monumental achievements of the women's team this season. Despite the Timberwolves' own impressive run to the Western Conference finals last season, their shift in schedule acknowledges a key moment in the Lynx's history.
Lynx's Path to the Finals
The Minnesota Lynx are in the spotlight once again, having reached the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2017. Their journey was sealed with a gripping Game 5 semifinal victory against the Connecticut Sun, propelling them to another chance at capturing the WNBA championship title, which would mark their fifth.
With 30 wins recorded during the season—matching their franchise-best—it's not just about reaching the finals. The Lynx have demonstrated dominance on both ends of the court, finishing fourth in offensive rating with a 102.8 and second in defensive rating at 94.8 during the regular season. Their prowess from beyond the arc is undeniable, leading the league with a 3-point percentage of 38.0%, and surpassing expectations with a league-topping assist percentage of 76.4%.
Napheesa Collier: A Defensive and Offensive Powerhouse
Central to the Lynx's success is Napheesa Collier, whose exceptional performances have cemented her place as one of the league's brightest stars. As the runner-up for MVP, Collier also earned recognition as the Defensive Player of the Year and a spot on the All-Defensive First Team—a testament to her excellence on the court.
Collier's consistency has been a significant factor in the postseason, where she scored a remarkable 42 points in one outing and maintained an average of 27.1 points per game entering the finals. Her streak of delivering at least 25 points and 10 rebounds in three consecutive playoff games underscores her critical role in the Lynx's championship campaign.
Cheryl Reeve: A Leader on All Fronts
Head coach Cheryl Reeve has been instrumental in steering the Lynx to success, a fact that hasn’t gone unnoticed. Reeve was deservedly awarded Coach of the Year, coupled with the Executive of the Year honor. Under her leadership, the Lynx have not only been a force on the court but have also demonstrated strategic acumen and resilience. Her ability to draw the best from her players has been pivotal to their standout season.
As the Lynx prepare to face their finals challenge, Game 1 is scheduled to tip-off at 8 p.m. ET at New York's Barclays Center. The team will be focusing on bringing the championship home and further cementing their legacy in the WNBA hierarchy.
Shared Spotlight and Support
The Timberwolves' decision to shift their preseason game is a reminder of the communal sports culture in Minnesota, where achievements are shared and celebrated across both men’s and women’s teams. Although the Timberwolves had a remarkable postseason themselves, they are aligned with the city's enthusiasm and support for the Lynx's potential historic win.
This mutual respect and shared pursuit of excellence paint a vibrant picture of Minnesota's basketball scene—one that prioritizes success beyond individual accolades and embraces the collective triumphs of its teams.