The Lynx Are Not Here to Play, They’re Here to WIN!

What. Just. Happened? If Game 1 of the WNBA Finals is any indication of what's to come, you might want to hold on tight because this series is going to be a wild ride. The Minnesota Lynx pulled off the unthinkable last night, erasing an 18-point deficit, and a 15-point gap with just five minutes left, to snatch victory from the New York Liberty in a 95-93 overtime thriller.

Seriously, how do you blow a 99.2% win probability? (Yes, ESPN Analytics actually said that.) But here we are, with the Lynx flexing their way out of Barclays Center like they own the place. Courtney Williams was out there shouting, “Two more!” as she left the court, looking like she just walked off a WWE stage instead of a basketball game.

The history books got a little more crowded too, as this epic comeback tied the largest in Finals history. If you had told me before the game that a team would come back from 18 down, I would’ve said, “Yeah, and pigs will fly.” But the Lynx defied all odds, going 4-1 against the top-seeded Liberty this year and showing the world that they’re not just here to participate, they’re here to collect hardware.

Could they really clinch their first title since 2017? With two more wins, they’ll make it happen.

Big Changes Coming to the WNBA Playoffs

Next season’s WNBA Finals are about to get a whole lot more intense. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced some exciting changes before Game 1. The biggest? The WNBA Finals are moving to a best-of-seven series! No more stopping at five, you’re going to need to outlast your opponent through seven or less, if you're really dominant.

The league is also throwing a bone to all playoff teams with a new 1-1-1 format in the first round. And that means everyone gets a home game now, no more feeling left out.

The regular season is also getting bumped up from 40 to 44 games. The Finals format will now follow a 2-2-1-1-1 setup, with the higher seed getting that sweet home-court advantage for Game 1, 2, 5, and 7.

More basketball, more intensity, what’s not to love? Bring it on, 2025!

A New Chapter for Nakase and the Valkyries

Some dreams take time, but when they happen, they’re worth the wait. Natalie Nakase knows that better than anyone. Since watching the Golden State Warriors lift their first NBA championship in 2015, she’s had one goal in mind, work for the Warriors. Fast forward nine years, and not only did she land that dream job, but she's also making history as the first head coach of the newly-formed WNBA expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries.

Nakase isn't just here for participation ribbons though, she has been tasked with bringing the same championship expectations that owner Joe Lacob set for the Warriors. Winning a championship in five years might sound like a tall order, but Nakase's resume says otherwise. With 16 years of professional coaching experience under her belt, including two WNBA titles with the Las Vegas Aces and a decade-long stint with the LA Clippers, she’s no stranger to the grind.

Ty Lue, who worked alongside Nakase with the Clippers said, "The Valkyries made the right hire." And if you’re wondering how she’s going to manage a brand-new team in a city that breathes basketball, just remember, this woman has seen greatness up close. Twice.

Klay in New Colors

After spending 13 seasons in nothing but Warriors blue and gold, Thompson finally suited up for a different squad, the Dallas Mavericks, and it wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. The butterflies were doing laps in his stomach leading up to the game, something he hadn’t felt since Game 1 of the 2015 NBA Finals.

Thompson took to the floor in the Mavs' preseason game against the Utah Jazz and dropped 10 points in 18 minutes. Not too shabby for a guy who's been part of one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history.

"It felt so good just to go out there and play and work those jitters out. It was a new experience, and it's a natural feeling when you've been somewhere so long and to be somewhere new in a new environment. To finally put the uniform on, it felt amazing." Thompson said after the game.

The Splash Brother legacy may have taken a different turn, but don’t count Klay out just because he’s switched teams. The Mavericks snagged a seasoned shooter who knows how to win, and if Klay’s feeling good after shaking off those first-game nerves, watch out for him this season.

Clippers in Limbo

The LA Clippers are playing a waiting game with their star forward, Kawhi Leonard, as the start of the 2024-25 NBA season rapidly approaches. Kawhi has been seen at practices, but don’t get too excited yet, he’s mostly just been spotted walking around and avoiding the court. Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue was refreshingly honest when asked if Leonard would be ready for the team's season opener against the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 23.

"I’m not sure." He said.

That doesn’t exactly scream confidence. Leonard, who’s been dealing with knee inflammation, hasn’t participated in any practice drills so far, leaving his status for the regular season up in the air. Clippers fans have become all too familiar with this rollercoaster, the wait-and-see approach is starting to feel like the norm.

Fingers crossed, but don’t hold your breath, Clippers Nation. It might be a while before we see Kawhi back in full action.

A 3-Time Champ Bids Farewell

Another NBA vet is saying goodbye, but this one is walking off the court with his head held high. Danny Green, after 15 seasons in the league, announced his retirement on his podcast Thursday. And what a career it’s been! Green joins an elite group of only four players who have won NBA titles with three different teams: the Spurs, Raptors, and Lakers.

Known for his 3-point sharpshooting (a career 40% from deep) and leadership on and off the court, Green leaves behind quite the legacy. He was more than just a shooter, he was a key piece of championship-winning teams and even snagged a spot on the All-Defensive Team in 2016-17.

Green’s journey started with the Cavaliers in 2009, but it was with the Spurs that he truly found his groove. His career-high season came in 2014-15 when he averaged 11.7 points for San Antonio. From his three-point dagger shots to his locker room presence, Green has left a lasting impact on the NBA.

As Green himself put it, "I'm at peace with it." And after 832 games, multiple championships, and a host of unforgettable moments, he’s earned that peace.

Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson Eyes January Return

It’s been a tough stretch for New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, but the light at the end of the tunnel is finally in sight. After undergoing not one, but two ankle procedures over the past year, Robinson is targeting a return to the floor in January.

Robinson’s last season was cut short as he played in just 31 games, with injuries piling up, including a tough ankle blow during the playoffs. Even though Robinson’s absence was felt, the Knicks are planning to take a cautious approach to ensure he comes back fully healthy this time around.

In Robinson’s absence, Karl-Anthony Towns and Jericho Sims will be holding down the center spot for New York. With Isaiah Hartenstein signing a big-money deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Knicks needed reinforcements, and they’ve got them. Towns will be stepping into the role, bringing his scoring and versatility to complement Robinson’s shot-blocking abilities once he's back.

That’s all for today, thanks for reading.

We’ll see you on Monday!

— The Players Unlimited Team