Smith's Lynx spoil Wings Paige Bueckers' party

• Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier put on a 34-point show in Minnesota's first win of the season
• No1 WNBA draft pick Paige Bueckers had 10 points in 30 minutes
• Arike Ogunbowale led the Wings with 16 points in 28 minutes

Even without star Australian centre Alanna Smith, the Minnesota Lynx (1-0) spoiled the WNBA debut of 2025 No1 draft pick Paige Bueckers, rolling the the Dallas Wings (0-1) 99-84 in Dallas on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier's dominant 34-point performance powered the Lynx to their first win of the season in their 2025 opener.

Key Details

• Result: Minnesota Lynx 99 def. Dallas Wings 84
• When: May 17, 2025
• Where: Dallas
• Standings: Minnesota Lynx (#1) | Dallas Wings (#12)

By the Numbers

• Napheesa Collier (Minnesota) starred with 34 points, four rebounds, four assists in 32 minutes.
• Courtney Williams (Minnesota) scored 25 points, had four rebounds, nine assists in 28 minutes.
• Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas) scored 16 points, had two rebounds, four assists, one steal in 28 minutes.

What Happened

Smith, 28, wasn't on the bench and Lynx have not revealed why she didn't suit up but she is listed as day-to-day and a game time decision.

The Wings began the game with a slight edge, leading 21-19 after the first quarter as they looked to establish home-court dominance. However, Minnesota quickly found their rhythm in the second period, outscoring Dallas 27-25 to level the game at 46-46 heading into halftime.

The third quarter proved decisive as the Lynx exploded with a game-changing 35-20 run. Collier took control during this stretch, showcasing her elite scoring ability while Courtney Williams orchestrated the offense with precision. This dominant period gave Minnesota a commanding 81-66 lead heading into the final frame.

Both teams scored 18 points in the fourth quarter as the Lynx maintained their advantage to secure a comfortable 15-point victory. Minnesota's balanced attack and efficient shooting proved too much for the Wings to overcome, despite a valiant effort from Arike Ogunbowale and DiJonai Carrington.

The Lynx demonstrated exceptional shooting efficiency, converting 35-from-66 attempts (53 per cent) compared to Dallas' 30-from-66 (45.5 per cent). Minnesota's ball movement was superior throughout, generating 27 assists to Dallas' 15, creating better scoring opportunities and limiting the Wings' defensive effectiveness.

Minnesota's dynamic duo of Collier and Williams combined for 59 points on 22-from-36 shooting. Collier was particularly impressive, going 12-from-21 from the field, including 2-from-3 from beyond the arc and a perfect 8-from-8 from the free-throw line. Jessica Shepard added 15 points and eight rebounds, while Diamond Miller contributed 13 points off the bench.