Neal: A Lynx crowd large and loud turns out, but the festive atmosphere just couldn’t last

Lynx

Neal: A Lynx crowd large and loud turns out, but the festive atmosphere just couldn't last Another high-quality game, part of perhaps the most important season in the WNBA's history, becomes another dramatic loss for the Lynx.

By La Velle E. Neal III

The Minnesota Star Tribune October 17, 2024 at 3:40AMThe Liberty's Sabrina Ionescu falls into the crowd while chasing a loose ball Wednesday. There was plenty of crowd to catch her, a Lynx record. (Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune) A deflating loss left a locker room full of deflated players after an intense WNBA Finals game Wednesday.

The intensity came with a precedent. The Lynx hosted Game 5 of the 2016 Finals against the Los Angeles Sparks. A 24-second violation against the Sparks late in the game was not called. A desperation last-second shot by Lindsay Whalen banged off the glass, leading to a crushing, one-point loss to the Sparks and owner Magic Johnson that denied the Lynx a fourth championship. At the time.

But a crowd of 19,423 filled Target Center for that thriller. And coach Cheryl Reeve couldn't wait for more of those crowds.

"I've said this often, the L.A. Sparks and Minnesota Lynx rivalry, I thought was a look into the future of our league," Reeve said before Wednesday's Game 3 of the 2024 WNBA Finals against New York.

Later Wednesday, a Target Center record crowd of 19,521 filled the building as the Lynx and Liberty met with the series tied 1-1.

The upper bowl of Target Center was open for the first time this postseason, and the Lynx fans proved it was the right choice.

Outside, GO LYNX was painted along First Avenue. Street signs downtown were swapped out for ones including the team logo. The area has stepped up to back their team.

The Lynx's quest for a WNBA-record fifth title is taking place during the most impactful season in league history. Interest in the league is at an all-time high, and Reeve actually mentioned Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese while stating reasons for the increased interest.

about the writer La Velle E. Neal IIILa Velle E. Neal III is a sports columnist for the Star Tribune who previously covered the Twins for more than 20 years.

See More