Minnesota Timberwolves Adjust Preseason Schedule Amid Minnesota Lynx Finals Push
As the Minnesota Lynx prepare to dazzle in the WNBA Finals for the first time since their 2017 championship quest, another adjustment in the Twin Cities' sports scene has taken place. The Minnesota Timberwolves have rescheduled their preseason matchup with the Denver Nuggets, moving it to October 17th. This schedule tweak comes as the Target Center braces to potentially host a WNBA Finals game on October 18th, as excitement envelops the region.
The Timberwolves, fresh off a Western Conference finals appearance last season, will host the Nuggets at 8 p.m. ET. However, fans hoping to catch this preseason showdown on a national broadcast might need to look for alternative viewing options as the game isn't set for national television.
Lynx on the Brink of Glory
The Minnesota Lynx, led by head coach Cheryl Reeve, have marched into the WNBA Finals following a gritty Game 5 semifinal victory over the Connecticut Sun. Their season has been one for the history books, marked by a franchise-best 30 wins and a desire to claim their fifth WNBA championship. The Lynx's tenacity and skill have not gone unnoticed, as they wrapped up the regular season fourth in offensive rating at 102.8 and second in defensive rating at 94.8. Commanding both ends of the court, the Lynx also led the league in 3-point percentage, shooting a remarkable 38.0%, and excelled with a 76.4% assist percentage.
Central to the Lynx's remarkable season has been the standout performances of Napheesa Collier. A key player in their championship aspirations, Collier was the runner-up for the MVP award and earned the coveted Defensive Player of the Year title. Her influence extends beyond regular achievements, having been selected for the All-Defensive First Team.
Collier has been nothing short of phenomenal in the playoffs, scoring 42 points in a postseason game and maintaining a stellar performance with at least 25 points and 10 rebounds over three consecutive playoff contests. Heading into the Finals, her postseason performance average stands at an impressive 27.1 points per game.
Accolades Amidst the Achievements
At the helm, Cheryl Reeve has solidified her legacy with another Coach of the Year accolade, further reinforced by her recognition as the Executive of the Year. Under her leadership, the Lynx have not only thrived on the court but have also become a model of consistency and excellence in the league.
With Game 1 of the WNBA Finals set to tip off at 8 p.m. ET at the Barclays Center in New York, the Lynx are poised to face formidable competition. Fueled by a hunger for triumph and bolstered by strategic excellence, they are keen to add another chapter to their storied franchise history.
This period marks a vibrant and thrilling chapter for Minnesota sports. As the Timberwolves pre-adjust for the Lynx's Finals spectacle, the city rallies behind them, hopeful for a continued legacy of success both on the hardwood and in the community. The embrace of such celebrated athleticism only strengthens Minnesota's standing in the world of sports, promising a memorable season for the Timberwolves and a potentially historic moment for the Lynx.