With the WNBA regular season nearing its end, the Minnesota Lynx sit atop the league at 32-8, securing the No. 1 seed and guaranteeing home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.
Building on last year’s 30-win campaign and Finals appearance, the Lynx have raised the bar even higher.
Their commanding 96-71 victory over the Dallas Wings not only reinforced their dominance but also established a new franchise record with 32 wins in a single season.
DiJonai Carrington’s Praise From Former Teammate
Although DiJonai Carrington exited Minnesota’s latest matchup against the Wings with a shoulder subluxation, her impact on the Lynx has been undeniable.
Coming off the bench, Carrington has provided valuable scoring, averaging 10 points per game across her 2025 stints with both Dallas and Minnesota. Her former teammate — and Rookie of the Year frontrunner — Paige Bueckers spoke warmly about Carrington, the Lynx, and the bond they formed during their short time together in Dallas.
“Basketball has such a unique way of bringing people together… DC and I grew really close. She let me be myself, even when I was annoying her, and we built a great relationship. I love competing against this Lynx team, too — I met a lot of them during All-Star,” Bueckers shared after their most recent contest.
The Duo Grew Close Over The Year
Paige Bueckers and DiJonai Carrington have often reflected on their connection as both teammates and rivals dating back to their college days.
Speaking to NewsTimes, Bueckers explained how Carrington has been instrumental in her adjustment to the pro game, noting that their bond from Dallas carried over.
“She’s been incredibly supportive, helping me figure out my place on this team and encouraging me to find my voice. She’s always building up my confidence to be aggressive and to do whatever the team needs from me. And honestly, it’s been fun to mess with her, pick on her, and get on her nerves. It really feels like a big sister-little sister relationship,” Bueckers said.
Carrington, in turn, praised Bueckers’ mentality and competitive edge: “It’s exactly what you’d expect. She gets on my nerves, I get on hers, and we’re constantly talking smack even when we were on the same team — but it’s all in good fun. There’s a strong belief we have in each other, and that’s what makes it special.”
Now with the Lynx, Carrington’s presence has been a natural fit in Cheryl Reeve’s system. Her elite defense on the wing strengthens Minnesota’s league-best defense, while her energy and toughness off the bench bring a much-needed spark. Averaging 8.1 points per game in her new role, she provides timely scoring and grit — assets that could prove crucial once the playoffs begin.
