Minnesota Lynx crush Paige Bueckers’ homecoming dream with third straight win

Homecoming heartbreak for Bueckers as Collier, Lynx hold strong
The crowd at Target Center was buzzing with hometown pride. Paige Bueckers, the Minnesota native who once lifted a high school state championship trophy under the same roof, was back but this time as the WNBA’s first overall draft pick, leading the Dallas Wings. But nostalgia did not sway the Minnesota Lynx.

Instead, it was Lynx forward Napheesa Collier who turned the spotlight her way, scoring 28 points and grabbing eight rebounds in a gritty 85-81 win that kept Minnesota undefeated. The Lynx, now 3-0, are off to a powerful start after last year’s WNBA Finals run, and they once again showed the resolve of a championship contender.

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Alanna Smith and Courtney Williams each contributed 13 points in the win. But it was Collier who kept the Lynx steady during critical stretches, knocking down all 12 of her free throws, including game-clinching foul shots in the final seconds.

Minnesota Lynx stay perfect behind veteran grit
Minnesota had opened its season with dominant road wins in Dallas and Los Angeles but faced a tougher battle in their home opener. Falling behind 15-5 early, the Lynx reeled off a 12-0 run and seized control of the game. Still, the Dallas Wings, desperate to avoid an 0-3 start, clawed back.

Led by Arike Ogunbowale’s 21 points, she hit five three-pointers and tied WNBA legend Diana Taurasi as the fastest player to reach 500 threes as Dallas stayed within striking distance.

Paige Bueckers, who finished with 12 points, 10 assists and three steals, gave Dallas energy and poise in just her third WNBA game. But her shooting struggles (13 for 35 through three games) continued, and the Lynx’s experience made the difference.

Minnesota’s offense stalled late, going nearly four minutes without a field goal. But Williams snapped the drought with a crucial baseline jumper, then fought for her own rebound after a missed shot, giving the Lynx the possession they needed to seal the win.

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Collier’s leadership anchors Minnesota Lynx
With ice in her veins, Collier calmly stepped to the line and buried her final free throws to end the Wings’ comeback hopes. In her, the Lynx have not only a scorer but a leader seasoned by playoff battles.

For Bueckers, the return to her childhood arena came with cheers and hope but not the victory. For the Minnesota Lynx, it was another step toward unfinished business.