Collier Dominates as Lynx Defeat Wings in WNBA Opener
In a thrilling season opener held in Arlington, Texas, Napheesa Collier made quite an impression by scoring an impressive 34 points, overshadowing Paige Bueckers’ debut. The Minnesota Lynx triumphed over the Dallas Wings with a final score of 99-84.
Bueckers, the No. 1 draft pick, kicked off the season for the Wings by scoring the team’s first points, contributing a total of 10 points in front of a packed crowd at the 7,000-seat arena located on the University of Texas Arlington campus.
Collier initiated a pivotal 13-1 run midway through the third quarter, helping the Lynx pull ahead after finishing last season as runners-up to the New York Liberty in the WNBA Finals.
Courtney Williams also had a solid performance, contributing 25 points along with nine assists, while Jessica Shepherd added 15 points and eight rebounds for Minnesota. On the other hand, Arike Ogunbowale led the Wings with 16 points.
Dihony Carrington, coming off an offseason trade from the Connecticut Sun, helped Dallas with 15 points as the team seeks to improve after missing the playoffs in 2024.
Bueckers started her scoring with a crafty move inside, missing her first shot but quickly getting the rebound for a putback. Her first assist followed shortly after with a three-pointer from Carrington, lifting Dallas to a 51-50 lead in the second half.
The first half was somewhat chaotic, filled with fouls, including one called on Bueckers during a defensive matchup with Collier.
She and Collier shared a brief moment of banter at the free-throw line before Collier sank both shots after a timeout, showcasing the friendly rivalry between the two UConn alums.
The half saw a total of 30 combined free throws, culminating in a 46-46 tie after Ogunbowale drained two just before halftime. Carrington then seized an opportunity, stealing the ball from Maddy Siegrist for a layup as time expired.
Bueckers faced struggles, shooting three for ten overall, along with two assists and seven rebounds during the game. Her shooting woes, particularly on three-pointers, left her without any conversions from behind the arc.
