July 1, 2025
Locked on Women’s Basketball: Commissioner’s Cup preview
By The Next
Howard Megdal and Kent Youngblood talk about the matchup between the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx
Host Howard Megdal talks with journalist Kent Youngblood of the Minnesota Star Tribune from inside the Lynx’s practice facility and gives an in-depth preview of the Commissioner’s Cup championship game between the Minnesota Lynx and the Indiana Fever on Tuesday. Hear from both of them on the latest episode of Locked On Women’s Basketball.
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In the first segment, Megdal and Youngblood dive into the importance of this upcoming matchup, especially for the Fever, given the status of Caitlin Clark. Clark is currently listed as questionable due to a groin injury, and her return, as Fever head coach Stephanie White stated, will be a game-time decision.
“While this is a very high-profile event, this is a 8-8 team that’s still fighting for an identity and looking for a playoff spot,” Youngblood said. “I don’t know if they would push it to get her on the court for a game that won’t matter in the standings.”
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Even if Clark does return, they discuss whether that will even matter against the Lynx, who are 14-2 right now and leading the WNBA in both offensive and defensive efficiency. In the second segment, Megdal and Youngblood break down the Lynx’s dominance this season and any areas of improvement.
“The Lynx basically ran it back with a team that made it to the Finals last year, and made no changes to their starting five,” Youngblood said. “And so, I think they had an advantage out of the gate in this League in terms of hitting the ground running…I think as the season goes on, I think you’re going to see a tightening at the top of the standings…Right now, I think they took advantage of the familiarity that they had within their roster and the continuity that they had, and now they’re going to have to reach to a higher level. And I think they can.”
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To round up the episode, they dive into Kent’s distinguished career and the role that Minnesota women’s basketball has played in it, including the special memories Youngblood has from covering the Lynx’s championship era to what it’s like for him now as he nears retirement.
“Lindsay Whalen was in there with a champagne bottle in both hands, alternating drinking from one and then the other and she goes, “Kent, this is the first time I ever drank alcohol in Williams Arena. At least that anybody knows about.”
Stay tuned for more coverage of the season, as well WNBA All-Star and more from The Next. And be sure to subscribe to Locked On Women’s Basketball so you hear it first.
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Here at The Next, in addition to the 24/7/365 written content our staff provides, we also host the daily Locked On Women’s Basketball podcast. Join us Monday through Saturday each week as we discuss all things WNBA, collegiate basketball, basketball history and much more. Listen wherever you find podcasts or watch on YouTube.
