Hopkins once threw a parade for Paige Bueckers, renamed the town after her, and toasted her name in local brews. Fast forward to her WNBA debut — that same hometown girl walked in as the potential villain, set to spoil Minnesota’s party. Facing Lynx superstar (and UConn big sister) Napheesa Collier, the rookie found herself on the other side of the cheers. Collier’s playful text — “Don’t do too much against us” — couldn’t stop the inevitable: the moment Bueckers squared up, the internet erupted. This wasn’t just a debut. This was Minnesota vs. Minnesota, Uconn vs. UConnnn, a love story flipped on its head.
And as we speak, the drama’s still unfolding. The Wings and Lynx are locked in a 46-46 battle at halftime. Collier leads the charge with 14 points, while Bueckers has quietly clocked 6 points in 16 minutes — but the story’s far from over.
Halftime: The Lynx and Wings are TIED at 46
Napheesa Collier leads all scorers with 14 PTS, 3 REB, closely followed by Arike Ogunbowale with 12 PTS, 2 REB, and 3 AST!
Watch 2H action LIVE on ION.
WNBA Tip-Off Test Drive presented by @Carmax pic.twitter.com/sc2QGD9TdY
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 17, 2025
The fans know it and they have already flooded social media with their opinions
More to follow….
The post Paige Bueckers vs. Napheesa Collier Showdown Stuns WNBA Fans as Wings Star’s Defense Steals Spotlight appeared first on EssentiallySports.
