Collier Shines as Lynx Outplay Wings in Season Opener
ARLINGTON, Texas — The anticipation was palpable as the WNBA season kicked off with a thrilling matchup between two former UConn stars, each carrying the weight of massive expectations. On one side, we had Napheesa Collier, who delivered a stunning performance with 34 points, leading the Minnesota Lynx to a 99-84 victory over the Dallas Wings. On the other, the much-anticipated WNBA debut of Paige Bueckers, who managed to score 10 points in her first professional outing.
Collier’s performance was nothing short of spectacular as she tied the Lynx record for most points in a season opener. Her teammate, Courtney Williams, also made a significant contribution with 25 points and nine assists, helping to secure the win.
As an early MVP candidate, Collier’s focus remains on the bigger picture. “I’m honestly focused on more than MVP,” she said. “I want us to win a championship this year, so that’s what I’m focused on. The awards come after that. … I want to see a championship.”
Despite the loss, Bueckers maintained a positive outlook, reflecting on her debut with a sense of optimism. She shared that she and Collier had a “good ol’ friendly UConn chat” during the game, highlighting their connection from their college days and time with USA Basketball. “It’s extremely fun to play against Phee. She’s just the ultimate competitor and she brings out the best in you because she’s one of the best in the league,” Bueckers said. “To be on the other side and want to beat each other is fun, as well. I think that’s the ultimate sign of respect.”
The game took a decisive turn in the third quarter when Collier scored 18 points, transforming a close contest into a 15-point lead for the Lynx. The Wings, struggling with fatigue, couldn’t keep up with the pace set by Collier and her team.
Bueckers, the No. 1 overall pick, emphasized the importance of building a foundation. “You’ve got to have a starting point,” she said. “You’ve got to have a foundation to build on. So we don’t want to overreact to the loss, but we also know there’s a lot of things you have to clean up and get better at.”
Looking ahead, the two stars will face off again on Wednesday when the Wings travel to Minneapolis, just a stone’s throw from Bueckers’ hometown of Hopkins. In a show of support, Hopkins temporarily renamed itself “Paige Bueckers, Minnesota” in honor of her professional debut.
- Collier’s 34 points tied the Lynx record for a season opener.
- Williams added 25 points and nine assists for the Lynx.
- Bueckers scored 10 points in her WNBA debut.
- The Lynx defeated the Wings 99-84.
As the season unfolds, fans will be eager to see how these two former UConn stars continue to shape the narrative of the WNBA. With Collier’s eyes set on a championship and Bueckers’ determination to grow and improve, the stage is set for an exciting season.
Originally Written by: Dave Wilson
