ELMONT, N.Y. — The Minnesota Lynx are prepared for a dialogue change within the WNBA.
“You bought to speak about us now, you have acquired no selection,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve mentioned after her group beat the New York Liberty 94-89 to win the Commissioner’s Cup Trophy. “We do not actually care what you assume, apart from proper now, after we get to say to you, ‘You have to discuss us.’
“We simply beat a superteam. You understand how onerous that’s to do? Since you guys love your superteams. That is all you wish to discuss. However we simply beat a superteam. Let’s discuss it.”
Final season, the WNBA narrative was dominated by dialogue of so-called superteams Las Vegas and New York. They met for the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup, gained by the Liberty, after which within the WNBA Finals, gained by the Aces.
The Lynx — whose dynasty years ran from 2011 to 2017, after they gained 4 titles and went to 2 different Finals — are able to be again within the dialog about WNBA championships. The best way they performed Tuesday proved that, as has their 13-3 begin this season.
The Commissioner’s Cup, an in-season competitors began in 2021, has grown in status among the many gamers, who compete for a $500,000 prize pool. The Cup format was modified this 12 months with every group enjoying 5 regular-season video games, reasonably than the earlier 10, to find out their place within the Cup standings. One other change was having all of the Cup video games in a two-week span after which the ultimate, all in June.
“I just like the format this 12 months. I like that it is so condensed,” mentioned Lynx ahead Napheesa Collier, who was the sport’s MVP with 21 factors and 6 rebounds. “It is simpler to comply with for the followers, and for us [players].
“And it means so much. We’re opponents, and also you wish to win each recreation you are in. The cash makes it actually enjoyable as effectively. It is an excellent group we simply beat, it is a recreation we gained and we gained some cash. So it is like a trifecta.”
That was an acceptable time period, contemplating the sport was at UBS Enviornment subsequent to horse racing’s Belmont Park. The Liberty’s higher end in Cup play gave them internet hosting rights, however their residence, Barclays Heart in Brooklyn, was unavailable Tuesday because it was being ready for Wednesday’s NBA draft.
Nonetheless, the Liberty crowd confirmed up loud and particularly cheered on Courtney Vandersloot, who returned after lacking eight video games due to her mom’s dying from most cancers, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, again after lacking three video games with a knee damage. They helped the Liberty get a 50-47 halftime lead.
However Minnesota took over within the third quarter, outscoring New York 19-10, after which held off the Liberty within the remaining quarter.
Collier is the Lynx’s star, however in addition they acquired large video games from Bridget Carleton (23 factors, 4 rebounds, 5 assists) and Cecilia Zandalasini (15 factors off the bench). The 2 mixed to shoot 13-of-16 from the sector.
Breanna Stewart (24 factors, 11 rebounds) and Sabrina Ionescu (23 factors, 10 rebounds) led New York. Like Collier, they’re on the U.S. 5-on-5 Olympic group coached by Reeve. The Liberty’s difficulty Tuesday, greater than something, was their 21 turnovers.
That and the resilience of the Lynx. Reeve is not shy about saying her group, which rose to No. 1 Monday within the ESPN Energy Rankings, has been underestimated. And though Tuesday’s recreation does not rely within the regular-season standings, the message the Lynx despatched was clear.
“We have now lots of offensive threats, however on protection, we’re so strong,” Collier mentioned. “That is why it is so onerous to play in opposition to us. Our aggressiveness, our willingness to promote out on something [because] now we have one another’s backs.
“That is essentially the most gifted, most enjoyable group I have been on since I have been right here. We wish to construct on this, we do not wish to peak right here. We wish to obtain larger issues than this on the finish of the season.”
ELMONT, N.Y. — The Minnesota Lynx are prepared for a dialogue change within the WNBA.
“You bought to speak about us now, you have acquired no selection,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve mentioned after her group beat the New York Liberty 94-89 to win the Commissioner’s Cup Trophy. “We do not actually care what you assume, apart from proper now, after we get to say to you, ‘You have to discuss us.’
“We simply beat a superteam. You understand how onerous that’s to do? Since you guys love your superteams. That is all you wish to discuss. However we simply beat a superteam. Let’s discuss it.”
Final season, the WNBA narrative was dominated by dialogue of so-called superteams Las Vegas and New York. They met for the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup, gained by the Liberty, after which within the WNBA Finals, gained by the Aces.
The Lynx — whose dynasty years ran from 2011 to 2017, after they gained 4 titles and went to 2 different Finals — are able to be again within the dialog about WNBA championships. The best way they performed Tuesday proved that, as has their 13-3 begin this season.
The Commissioner’s Cup, an in-season competitors began in 2021, has grown in status among the many gamers, who compete for a $500,000 prize pool. The Cup format was modified this 12 months with every group enjoying 5 regular-season video games, reasonably than the earlier 10, to find out their place within the Cup standings. One other change was having all of the Cup video games in a two-week span after which the ultimate, all in June.
“I just like the format this 12 months. I like that it is so condensed,” mentioned Lynx ahead Napheesa Collier, who was the sport’s MVP with 21 factors and 6 rebounds. “It is simpler to comply with for the followers, and for us [players].
“And it means so much. We’re opponents, and also you wish to win each recreation you are in. The cash makes it actually enjoyable as effectively. It is an excellent group we simply beat, it is a recreation we gained and we gained some cash. So it is like a trifecta.”
That was an acceptable time period, contemplating the sport was at UBS Enviornment subsequent to horse racing’s Belmont Park. The Liberty’s higher end in Cup play gave them internet hosting rights, however their residence, Barclays Heart in Brooklyn, was unavailable Tuesday because it was being ready for Wednesday’s NBA draft.
Nonetheless, the Liberty crowd confirmed up loud and particularly cheered on Courtney Vandersloot, who returned after lacking eight video games due to her mom’s dying from most cancers, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, again after lacking three video games with a knee damage. They helped the Liberty get a 50-47 halftime lead.
However Minnesota took over within the third quarter, outscoring New York 19-10, after which held off the Liberty within the remaining quarter.
Collier is the Lynx’s star, however in addition they acquired large video games from Bridget Carleton (23 factors, 4 rebounds, 5 assists) and Cecilia Zandalasini (15 factors off the bench). The 2 mixed to shoot 13-of-16 from the sector.
Breanna Stewart (24 factors, 11 rebounds) and Sabrina Ionescu (23 factors, 10 rebounds) led New York. Like Collier, they’re on the U.S. 5-on-5 Olympic group coached by Reeve. The Liberty’s difficulty Tuesday, greater than something, was their 21 turnovers.
That and the resilience of the Lynx. Reeve is not shy about saying her group, which rose to No. 1 Monday within the ESPN Energy Rankings, has been underestimated. And though Tuesday’s recreation does not rely within the regular-season standings, the message the Lynx despatched was clear.
“We have now lots of offensive threats, however on protection, we’re so strong,” Collier mentioned. “That is why it is so onerous to play in opposition to us. Our aggressiveness, our willingness to promote out on something [because] now we have one another’s backs.
“That is essentially the most gifted, most enjoyable group I have been on since I have been right here. We wish to construct on this, we do not wish to peak right here. We wish to obtain larger issues than this on the finish of the season.”
ELMONT, N.Y. — The Minnesota Lynx are prepared for a dialogue change within the WNBA.
“You bought to speak about us now, you have acquired no selection,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve mentioned after her group beat the New York Liberty 94-89 to win the Commissioner’s Cup Trophy. “We do not actually care what you assume, apart from proper now, after we get to say to you, ‘You have to discuss us.’
“We simply beat a superteam. You understand how onerous that’s to do? Since you guys love your superteams. That is all you wish to discuss. However we simply beat a superteam. Let’s discuss it.”
Final season, the WNBA narrative was dominated by dialogue of so-called superteams Las Vegas and New York. They met for the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup, gained by the Liberty, after which within the WNBA Finals, gained by the Aces.
The Lynx — whose dynasty years ran from 2011 to 2017, after they gained 4 titles and went to 2 different Finals — are able to be again within the dialog about WNBA championships. The best way they performed Tuesday proved that, as has their 13-3 begin this season.
The Commissioner’s Cup, an in-season competitors began in 2021, has grown in status among the many gamers, who compete for a $500,000 prize pool. The Cup format was modified this 12 months with every group enjoying 5 regular-season video games, reasonably than the earlier 10, to find out their place within the Cup standings. One other change was having all of the Cup video games in a two-week span after which the ultimate, all in June.
“I just like the format this 12 months. I like that it is so condensed,” mentioned Lynx ahead Napheesa Collier, who was the sport’s MVP with 21 factors and 6 rebounds. “It is simpler to comply with for the followers, and for us [players].
“And it means so much. We’re opponents, and also you wish to win each recreation you are in. The cash makes it actually enjoyable as effectively. It is an excellent group we simply beat, it is a recreation we gained and we gained some cash. So it is like a trifecta.”
That was an acceptable time period, contemplating the sport was at UBS Enviornment subsequent to horse racing’s Belmont Park. The Liberty’s higher end in Cup play gave them internet hosting rights, however their residence, Barclays Heart in Brooklyn, was unavailable Tuesday because it was being ready for Wednesday’s NBA draft.
Nonetheless, the Liberty crowd confirmed up loud and particularly cheered on Courtney Vandersloot, who returned after lacking eight video games due to her mom’s dying from most cancers, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, again after lacking three video games with a knee damage. They helped the Liberty get a 50-47 halftime lead.
However Minnesota took over within the third quarter, outscoring New York 19-10, after which held off the Liberty within the remaining quarter.
Collier is the Lynx’s star, however in addition they acquired large video games from Bridget Carleton (23 factors, 4 rebounds, 5 assists) and Cecilia Zandalasini (15 factors off the bench). The 2 mixed to shoot 13-of-16 from the sector.
Breanna Stewart (24 factors, 11 rebounds) and Sabrina Ionescu (23 factors, 10 rebounds) led New York. Like Collier, they’re on the U.S. 5-on-5 Olympic group coached by Reeve. The Liberty’s difficulty Tuesday, greater than something, was their 21 turnovers.
That and the resilience of the Lynx. Reeve is not shy about saying her group, which rose to No. 1 Monday within the ESPN Energy Rankings, has been underestimated. And though Tuesday’s recreation does not rely within the regular-season standings, the message the Lynx despatched was clear.
“We have now lots of offensive threats, however on protection, we’re so strong,” Collier mentioned. “That is why it is so onerous to play in opposition to us. Our aggressiveness, our willingness to promote out on something [because] now we have one another’s backs.
“That is essentially the most gifted, most enjoyable group I have been on since I have been right here. We wish to construct on this, we do not wish to peak right here. We wish to obtain larger issues than this on the finish of the season.”
ELMONT, N.Y. — The Minnesota Lynx are prepared for a dialogue change within the WNBA.
“You bought to speak about us now, you have acquired no selection,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve mentioned after her group beat the New York Liberty 94-89 to win the Commissioner’s Cup Trophy. “We do not actually care what you assume, apart from proper now, after we get to say to you, ‘You have to discuss us.’
“We simply beat a superteam. You understand how onerous that’s to do? Since you guys love your superteams. That is all you wish to discuss. However we simply beat a superteam. Let’s discuss it.”
Final season, the WNBA narrative was dominated by dialogue of so-called superteams Las Vegas and New York. They met for the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup, gained by the Liberty, after which within the WNBA Finals, gained by the Aces.
The Lynx — whose dynasty years ran from 2011 to 2017, after they gained 4 titles and went to 2 different Finals — are able to be again within the dialog about WNBA championships. The best way they performed Tuesday proved that, as has their 13-3 begin this season.
The Commissioner’s Cup, an in-season competitors began in 2021, has grown in status among the many gamers, who compete for a $500,000 prize pool. The Cup format was modified this 12 months with every group enjoying 5 regular-season video games, reasonably than the earlier 10, to find out their place within the Cup standings. One other change was having all of the Cup video games in a two-week span after which the ultimate, all in June.
“I just like the format this 12 months. I like that it is so condensed,” mentioned Lynx ahead Napheesa Collier, who was the sport’s MVP with 21 factors and 6 rebounds. “It is simpler to comply with for the followers, and for us [players].
“And it means so much. We’re opponents, and also you wish to win each recreation you are in. The cash makes it actually enjoyable as effectively. It is an excellent group we simply beat, it is a recreation we gained and we gained some cash. So it is like a trifecta.”
That was an acceptable time period, contemplating the sport was at UBS Enviornment subsequent to horse racing’s Belmont Park. The Liberty’s higher end in Cup play gave them internet hosting rights, however their residence, Barclays Heart in Brooklyn, was unavailable Tuesday because it was being ready for Wednesday’s NBA draft.
Nonetheless, the Liberty crowd confirmed up loud and particularly cheered on Courtney Vandersloot, who returned after lacking eight video games due to her mom’s dying from most cancers, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, again after lacking three video games with a knee damage. They helped the Liberty get a 50-47 halftime lead.
However Minnesota took over within the third quarter, outscoring New York 19-10, after which held off the Liberty within the remaining quarter.
Collier is the Lynx’s star, however in addition they acquired large video games from Bridget Carleton (23 factors, 4 rebounds, 5 assists) and Cecilia Zandalasini (15 factors off the bench). The 2 mixed to shoot 13-of-16 from the sector.
Breanna Stewart (24 factors, 11 rebounds) and Sabrina Ionescu (23 factors, 10 rebounds) led New York. Like Collier, they’re on the U.S. 5-on-5 Olympic group coached by Reeve. The Liberty’s difficulty Tuesday, greater than something, was their 21 turnovers.
That and the resilience of the Lynx. Reeve is not shy about saying her group, which rose to No. 1 Monday within the ESPN Energy Rankings, has been underestimated. And though Tuesday’s recreation does not rely within the regular-season standings, the message the Lynx despatched was clear.
“We have now lots of offensive threats, however on protection, we’re so strong,” Collier mentioned. “That is why it is so onerous to play in opposition to us. Our aggressiveness, our willingness to promote out on something [because] now we have one another’s backs.
“That is essentially the most gifted, most enjoyable group I have been on since I have been right here. We wish to construct on this, we do not wish to peak right here. We wish to obtain larger issues than this on the finish of the season.”
ELMONT, N.Y. — The Minnesota Lynx are prepared for a dialogue change within the WNBA.
“You bought to speak about us now, you have acquired no selection,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve mentioned after her group beat the New York Liberty 94-89 to win the Commissioner’s Cup Trophy. “We do not actually care what you assume, apart from proper now, after we get to say to you, ‘You have to discuss us.’
“We simply beat a superteam. You understand how onerous that’s to do? Since you guys love your superteams. That is all you wish to discuss. However we simply beat a superteam. Let’s discuss it.”
Final season, the WNBA narrative was dominated by dialogue of so-called superteams Las Vegas and New York. They met for the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup, gained by the Liberty, after which within the WNBA Finals, gained by the Aces.
The Lynx — whose dynasty years ran from 2011 to 2017, after they gained 4 titles and went to 2 different Finals — are able to be again within the dialog about WNBA championships. The best way they performed Tuesday proved that, as has their 13-3 begin this season.
The Commissioner’s Cup, an in-season competitors began in 2021, has grown in status among the many gamers, who compete for a $500,000 prize pool. The Cup format was modified this 12 months with every group enjoying 5 regular-season video games, reasonably than the earlier 10, to find out their place within the Cup standings. One other change was having all of the Cup video games in a two-week span after which the ultimate, all in June.
“I just like the format this 12 months. I like that it is so condensed,” mentioned Lynx ahead Napheesa Collier, who was the sport’s MVP with 21 factors and 6 rebounds. “It is simpler to comply with for the followers, and for us [players].
“And it means so much. We’re opponents, and also you wish to win each recreation you are in. The cash makes it actually enjoyable as effectively. It is an excellent group we simply beat, it is a recreation we gained and we gained some cash. So it is like a trifecta.”
That was an acceptable time period, contemplating the sport was at UBS Enviornment subsequent to horse racing’s Belmont Park. The Liberty’s higher end in Cup play gave them internet hosting rights, however their residence, Barclays Heart in Brooklyn, was unavailable Tuesday because it was being ready for Wednesday’s NBA draft.
Nonetheless, the Liberty crowd confirmed up loud and particularly cheered on Courtney Vandersloot, who returned after lacking eight video games due to her mom’s dying from most cancers, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, again after lacking three video games with a knee damage. They helped the Liberty get a 50-47 halftime lead.
However Minnesota took over within the third quarter, outscoring New York 19-10, after which held off the Liberty within the remaining quarter.
Collier is the Lynx’s star, however in addition they acquired large video games from Bridget Carleton (23 factors, 4 rebounds, 5 assists) and Cecilia Zandalasini (15 factors off the bench). The 2 mixed to shoot 13-of-16 from the sector.
Breanna Stewart (24 factors, 11 rebounds) and Sabrina Ionescu (23 factors, 10 rebounds) led New York. Like Collier, they’re on the U.S. 5-on-5 Olympic group coached by Reeve. The Liberty’s difficulty Tuesday, greater than something, was their 21 turnovers.
That and the resilience of the Lynx. Reeve is not shy about saying her group, which rose to No. 1 Monday within the ESPN Energy Rankings, has been underestimated. And though Tuesday’s recreation does not rely within the regular-season standings, the message the Lynx despatched was clear.
“We have now lots of offensive threats, however on protection, we’re so strong,” Collier mentioned. “That is why it is so onerous to play in opposition to us. Our aggressiveness, our willingness to promote out on something [because] now we have one another’s backs.
“That is essentially the most gifted, most enjoyable group I have been on since I have been right here. We wish to construct on this, we do not wish to peak right here. We wish to obtain larger issues than this on the finish of the season.”
ELMONT, N.Y. — The Minnesota Lynx are prepared for a dialogue change within the WNBA.
“You bought to speak about us now, you have acquired no selection,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve mentioned after her group beat the New York Liberty 94-89 to win the Commissioner’s Cup Trophy. “We do not actually care what you assume, apart from proper now, after we get to say to you, ‘You have to discuss us.’
“We simply beat a superteam. You understand how onerous that’s to do? Since you guys love your superteams. That is all you wish to discuss. However we simply beat a superteam. Let’s discuss it.”
Final season, the WNBA narrative was dominated by dialogue of so-called superteams Las Vegas and New York. They met for the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup, gained by the Liberty, after which within the WNBA Finals, gained by the Aces.
The Lynx — whose dynasty years ran from 2011 to 2017, after they gained 4 titles and went to 2 different Finals — are able to be again within the dialog about WNBA championships. The best way they performed Tuesday proved that, as has their 13-3 begin this season.
The Commissioner’s Cup, an in-season competitors began in 2021, has grown in status among the many gamers, who compete for a $500,000 prize pool. The Cup format was modified this 12 months with every group enjoying 5 regular-season video games, reasonably than the earlier 10, to find out their place within the Cup standings. One other change was having all of the Cup video games in a two-week span after which the ultimate, all in June.
“I just like the format this 12 months. I like that it is so condensed,” mentioned Lynx ahead Napheesa Collier, who was the sport’s MVP with 21 factors and 6 rebounds. “It is simpler to comply with for the followers, and for us [players].
“And it means so much. We’re opponents, and also you wish to win each recreation you are in. The cash makes it actually enjoyable as effectively. It is an excellent group we simply beat, it is a recreation we gained and we gained some cash. So it is like a trifecta.”
That was an acceptable time period, contemplating the sport was at UBS Enviornment subsequent to horse racing’s Belmont Park. The Liberty’s higher end in Cup play gave them internet hosting rights, however their residence, Barclays Heart in Brooklyn, was unavailable Tuesday because it was being ready for Wednesday’s NBA draft.
Nonetheless, the Liberty crowd confirmed up loud and particularly cheered on Courtney Vandersloot, who returned after lacking eight video games due to her mom’s dying from most cancers, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, again after lacking three video games with a knee damage. They helped the Liberty get a 50-47 halftime lead.
However Minnesota took over within the third quarter, outscoring New York 19-10, after which held off the Liberty within the remaining quarter.
Collier is the Lynx’s star, however in addition they acquired large video games from Bridget Carleton (23 factors, 4 rebounds, 5 assists) and Cecilia Zandalasini (15 factors off the bench). The 2 mixed to shoot 13-of-16 from the sector.
Breanna Stewart (24 factors, 11 rebounds) and Sabrina Ionescu (23 factors, 10 rebounds) led New York. Like Collier, they’re on the U.S. 5-on-5 Olympic group coached by Reeve. The Liberty’s difficulty Tuesday, greater than something, was their 21 turnovers.
That and the resilience of the Lynx. Reeve is not shy about saying her group, which rose to No. 1 Monday within the ESPN Energy Rankings, has been underestimated. And though Tuesday’s recreation does not rely within the regular-season standings, the message the Lynx despatched was clear.
“We have now lots of offensive threats, however on protection, we’re so strong,” Collier mentioned. “That is why it is so onerous to play in opposition to us. Our aggressiveness, our willingness to promote out on something [because] now we have one another’s backs.
“That is essentially the most gifted, most enjoyable group I have been on since I have been right here. We wish to construct on this, we do not wish to peak right here. We wish to obtain larger issues than this on the finish of the season.”
ELMONT, N.Y. — The Minnesota Lynx are prepared for a dialogue change within the WNBA.
“You bought to speak about us now, you have acquired no selection,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve mentioned after her group beat the New York Liberty 94-89 to win the Commissioner’s Cup Trophy. “We do not actually care what you assume, apart from proper now, after we get to say to you, ‘You have to discuss us.’
“We simply beat a superteam. You understand how onerous that’s to do? Since you guys love your superteams. That is all you wish to discuss. However we simply beat a superteam. Let’s discuss it.”
Final season, the WNBA narrative was dominated by dialogue of so-called superteams Las Vegas and New York. They met for the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup, gained by the Liberty, after which within the WNBA Finals, gained by the Aces.
The Lynx — whose dynasty years ran from 2011 to 2017, after they gained 4 titles and went to 2 different Finals — are able to be again within the dialog about WNBA championships. The best way they performed Tuesday proved that, as has their 13-3 begin this season.
The Commissioner’s Cup, an in-season competitors began in 2021, has grown in status among the many gamers, who compete for a $500,000 prize pool. The Cup format was modified this 12 months with every group enjoying 5 regular-season video games, reasonably than the earlier 10, to find out their place within the Cup standings. One other change was having all of the Cup video games in a two-week span after which the ultimate, all in June.
“I just like the format this 12 months. I like that it is so condensed,” mentioned Lynx ahead Napheesa Collier, who was the sport’s MVP with 21 factors and 6 rebounds. “It is simpler to comply with for the followers, and for us [players].
“And it means so much. We’re opponents, and also you wish to win each recreation you are in. The cash makes it actually enjoyable as effectively. It is an excellent group we simply beat, it is a recreation we gained and we gained some cash. So it is like a trifecta.”
That was an acceptable time period, contemplating the sport was at UBS Enviornment subsequent to horse racing’s Belmont Park. The Liberty’s higher end in Cup play gave them internet hosting rights, however their residence, Barclays Heart in Brooklyn, was unavailable Tuesday because it was being ready for Wednesday’s NBA draft.
Nonetheless, the Liberty crowd confirmed up loud and particularly cheered on Courtney Vandersloot, who returned after lacking eight video games due to her mom’s dying from most cancers, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, again after lacking three video games with a knee damage. They helped the Liberty get a 50-47 halftime lead.
However Minnesota took over within the third quarter, outscoring New York 19-10, after which held off the Liberty within the remaining quarter.
Collier is the Lynx’s star, however in addition they acquired large video games from Bridget Carleton (23 factors, 4 rebounds, 5 assists) and Cecilia Zandalasini (15 factors off the bench). The 2 mixed to shoot 13-of-16 from the sector.
Breanna Stewart (24 factors, 11 rebounds) and Sabrina Ionescu (23 factors, 10 rebounds) led New York. Like Collier, they’re on the U.S. 5-on-5 Olympic group coached by Reeve. The Liberty’s difficulty Tuesday, greater than something, was their 21 turnovers.
That and the resilience of the Lynx. Reeve is not shy about saying her group, which rose to No. 1 Monday within the ESPN Energy Rankings, has been underestimated. And though Tuesday’s recreation does not rely within the regular-season standings, the message the Lynx despatched was clear.
“We have now lots of offensive threats, however on protection, we’re so strong,” Collier mentioned. “That is why it is so onerous to play in opposition to us. Our aggressiveness, our willingness to promote out on something [because] now we have one another’s backs.
“That is essentially the most gifted, most enjoyable group I have been on since I have been right here. We wish to construct on this, we do not wish to peak right here. We wish to obtain larger issues than this on the finish of the season.”
ELMONT, N.Y. — The Minnesota Lynx are prepared for a dialogue change within the WNBA.
“You bought to speak about us now, you have acquired no selection,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve mentioned after her group beat the New York Liberty 94-89 to win the Commissioner’s Cup Trophy. “We do not actually care what you assume, apart from proper now, after we get to say to you, ‘You have to discuss us.’
“We simply beat a superteam. You understand how onerous that’s to do? Since you guys love your superteams. That is all you wish to discuss. However we simply beat a superteam. Let’s discuss it.”
Final season, the WNBA narrative was dominated by dialogue of so-called superteams Las Vegas and New York. They met for the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup, gained by the Liberty, after which within the WNBA Finals, gained by the Aces.
The Lynx — whose dynasty years ran from 2011 to 2017, after they gained 4 titles and went to 2 different Finals — are able to be again within the dialog about WNBA championships. The best way they performed Tuesday proved that, as has their 13-3 begin this season.
The Commissioner’s Cup, an in-season competitors began in 2021, has grown in status among the many gamers, who compete for a $500,000 prize pool. The Cup format was modified this 12 months with every group enjoying 5 regular-season video games, reasonably than the earlier 10, to find out their place within the Cup standings. One other change was having all of the Cup video games in a two-week span after which the ultimate, all in June.
“I just like the format this 12 months. I like that it is so condensed,” mentioned Lynx ahead Napheesa Collier, who was the sport’s MVP with 21 factors and 6 rebounds. “It is simpler to comply with for the followers, and for us [players].
“And it means so much. We’re opponents, and also you wish to win each recreation you are in. The cash makes it actually enjoyable as effectively. It is an excellent group we simply beat, it is a recreation we gained and we gained some cash. So it is like a trifecta.”
That was an acceptable time period, contemplating the sport was at UBS Enviornment subsequent to horse racing’s Belmont Park. The Liberty’s higher end in Cup play gave them internet hosting rights, however their residence, Barclays Heart in Brooklyn, was unavailable Tuesday because it was being ready for Wednesday’s NBA draft.
Nonetheless, the Liberty crowd confirmed up loud and particularly cheered on Courtney Vandersloot, who returned after lacking eight video games due to her mom’s dying from most cancers, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, again after lacking three video games with a knee damage. They helped the Liberty get a 50-47 halftime lead.
However Minnesota took over within the third quarter, outscoring New York 19-10, after which held off the Liberty within the remaining quarter.
Collier is the Lynx’s star, however in addition they acquired large video games from Bridget Carleton (23 factors, 4 rebounds, 5 assists) and Cecilia Zandalasini (15 factors off the bench). The 2 mixed to shoot 13-of-16 from the sector.
Breanna Stewart (24 factors, 11 rebounds) and Sabrina Ionescu (23 factors, 10 rebounds) led New York. Like Collier, they’re on the U.S. 5-on-5 Olympic group coached by Reeve. The Liberty’s difficulty Tuesday, greater than something, was their 21 turnovers.
That and the resilience of the Lynx. Reeve is not shy about saying her group, which rose to No. 1 Monday within the ESPN Energy Rankings, has been underestimated. And though Tuesday’s recreation does not rely within the regular-season standings, the message the Lynx despatched was clear.
“We have now lots of offensive threats, however on protection, we’re so strong,” Collier mentioned. “That is why it is so onerous to play in opposition to us. Our aggressiveness, our willingness to promote out on something [because] now we have one another’s backs.
“That is essentially the most gifted, most enjoyable group I have been on since I have been right here. We wish to construct on this, we do not wish to peak right here. We wish to obtain larger issues than this on the finish of the season.”