Heritage remains firm. The Minnesota Lynx booked their seventh trip to the WNBA Finals, gliding past the veteran Connecticut Suns in their home arena. With four championship banners already a lift, the joint most for a WNBA franchise, the Lynx are making tremendous waves. A chance to make history awaits them, facing the New York Liberty, powered by Breanna Stewart and sharpshooter Sabrina Ionescu. Glen Taylor and the management have ensured that the crowd can be packed to the brim when they visit the Lynx.

According to Howard Megdal of Next Hoops, the Timberwolves’ final preseason against the Denver Nuggets will be rescheduled to accommodate Game 4 of the WNBA Finals at the Target Center. It’s among the signs of the fast progress of women’s basketball over the past few years.

In 2021, the Suns, who recently lost to the Lynx also got the same treatment. Back then, the Pheonix Suns’ preseason game against the Trail Blazers tipped off five hours earlier than the stipulated time due to the Suns’ WNBA Finals berth. Taylor though has taken greater initiatives to ensure the Minnesota Lynx have access to the best of facilities.

Prior to 2015, the team had a below-average practice facility. Below the ground level of the Target Center, the players’ locker room was placed two floors above the facility. Furthermore, as part of the Life Time Fitness Center, the arena was open to the public. Then, Taylor helped establish a greater benchmark to aid the players in their pursuit.

Their practices moved to the Mayo Clinic Center, the same as the NBA team the Minnesota Timberwolves. They now have a personal practice court and access to state-of-the-art treatment, pools, and every amenity necessary at the highest level of basketball. Silver and Laurel J. Richie took a tour of the facility when it initially opened. “I do believe that this is the gold standard across our league,” the WNBA president said.

With evolution in sight, even fans couldn’t hold back their excitement

WNBA fans react to Minnesota Lynx’s initiative

It was more than just an ordinary Finals appearance for the Lynx. Last season, the same Suns squad crushed their dreams in the first round. They successfully took revenge on their foes, and the excitement of the same is pulsating within their fans. “Minnesota is SWAG rite now. Minnesota Lynx, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Vikings. Let’s Go Lynx!” a fan wrote.

With a fifth championship possibly looming, the Lynx have the opportunity to become the most decorated WNBA franchise in history, a similar feat the Celtics achieved last season. Though the task at hand is far from convenient. The Liberty took down MVP A’ja Wilson and the defending champs’ Aces within four games and have looked solid throughout the postseason thus far.

Still, some fans are pumping with fuel due to Minnesota’s basketball success in recent years. Not only are the Lynx close to a historic title, but the Minnesota Timberwolves have made great strides in the past years. Optimism seems to be growing for both teams. A fan predicts “I have a strong feeling that the WNBA Finals will mirror this upcoming NBA Finals!!!! Minnesota Timberwolves vs MY NY KNICKS!!!”

The Timberwolves are just as strong and gritty as the Lynx. Like Napheesa Collier and Courtney Williams, a tandem that combined for 51 in the finals-sealing game against the Sun, the Wolves have a glittering roster with Anthony Edwards, touted the next face of the league at the helm.

Both franchises have displayed close harmony, especially since 2015 when they stood on equal grounds with their training facility. This season, in particular, the WNBA reached great heights in terms of viewership. Fans feel Taylor’s initiative to sideline an NBA game for the Lynx’s Finals encounter is a sign of more great things to come.

“This is the progress we are looking for !!!” an enthusiastic stan of the WNBA mentioned. As we say this, there is still uncertainty on whether Glen Taylor will retain ownership of the Lynx. He is said to clash with MLB great Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore over the ownership battle of both the league sides in an arbitration hearing soon. 

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