The Minnesota Lynx continued their strong start to the 2025 WNBA season with an 85-81 victory over the Dallas Wings on May 21, 2025, spoiling rookie Paige Bueckers’ emotional homecoming in Minneapolis. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the game, including key performances, betting insights, and how to watch details.
Game Recap
- Final Score: Lynx 85, Wings 81 .
- Series Lead: Minnesota now leads the regular-season series 2-0 after defeating Dallas twice in five days.
- Key Moment: The Lynx overcame an early 15-5 deficit with a 12-0 run in the first quarter and held off a late Wings rally. Courtney Williams’ clutch baseline jumper with 2:47 remaining and Napheesa Collier’s perfect 12-for-12 free-throw shooting sealed the win .
Key Performances
- Napheesa Collier (Lynx): Dominated with 28 points, 8 rebounds, and critical free throws in the final seconds .
- Courtney Williams (Lynx): Added 13 points, including pivotal baskets late in the game. She also stepped up in the absence of Kayla McBride, increasing her offensive role .
- Arike Ogunbowale (Wings): Led Dallas with 21 points, hitting 5 three-pointers to tie Diana Taurasi as the fastest player to 500 career threes (198 games) .
- Paige Bueckers (Wings): In her first Minnesota homecoming, the No. 1 draft pick tallied 12 points, 10 assists, and 3 steals but struggled with efficiency (13/35 shooting in her first three WNBA games) .
How to Watch Details
- Date/Time: May 21, 2025 • 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT .
- Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis .
- TV/Streaming:
- National: FanDuel Sports Network, NBATV .
- Local: KFAA29 (Dallas-Fort Worth) .
- Streaming: WNBA League Pass, Fubo .
- Attendance: 12,772 .
Betting Insights
- Spread: Lynx -11.5 (did not cover) .
- Over/Under: 168.5 (total points: 166 – Under) .
- Player Props:
- Courtney Williams Over 13.5 Points (-130): Hit with 13 points, leveraging her expanded role due to Alanna Smith’s quad injury .
- Paige Bueckers: Despite her double-double, her scoring line (12 points) fell short of expectations, reflecting her adjustment to the WNBA .
Paige Bueckers’ Homecoming
- Emotional Return: The Edina, Minnesota, native played her first professional game in her home state, with family, former teammates, and high school coaches in attendance .
- Legacy Connection: Bueckers grew up idolizing Lynx legends like Maya Moore and Lindsay Whalen. She acknowledged the surreal experience of competing against her childhood team .
- Postgame Reflection: “Having [my family’s] support means everything,” Bueckers said, emphasizing her focus on improving team chemistry for the Wings (0-3) .
What’s Next?
- Lynx (3-0): Continue their unbeaten streak with a deep roster led by Collier and Williams. Their next game is against the Los Angeles Sparks .
- Wings (0-3): Seek their first win amid roster adjustments. Coach Chris Koclanes emphasized tightening defense and leveraging Bueckers’ playmaking .
Final Thoughts
The Lynx showcased their championship pedigree, while the Wings highlighted potential through Bueckers’ flashes of brilliance. Minnesota’s ability to close tight games and Dallas’ growing pains set the stage for an intriguing rematch later this season.
For full highlights and postgame analysis, visit ESPN or the WNBA app .
