Lynx's Carrington out for playoffs with foot sprain

The Minnesota Lynx are a professional women's basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, competing in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Founded in 1998, they began play in the 1999 season and have established themselves as one of the league's most successful franchises, capturing four WNBA championships between 2011 and 2017. The team plays its home games at the Target Center, which it shares with the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves[1]. The Lynx have been home to notable players such as Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, and Seimone Augustus, all of whom have contributed significantly to the team’s legacy and competitive success. Ownership of the team changed in 2024, with former MLB star Alex Rodriguez and entrepreneur Marc Lore taking over, marking a new chapter in the franchise’s business and organizational development[1]. In recent years, the Lynx have experienced fluctuations in performance. After finishing eighth in 2022 and missing the playoffs, they improved to fifth place in 2023 under head coach Cheryl Reeve. The 2025 season has seen a remarkable turnaround, with the Lynx leading the Western Conference with a strong 34-10 record and a .773 winning percentage. Key players include Napheesa Collier, who leads the team in points per game (22.9) and steals, Jessica Shepard leading in rebounds (7.3), and Courtney Williams leading in assists (6.2)[2][3]. The team’s colors—blue, green, and gray—were refreshed with new uniforms in 2021 to celebrate the WNBA’s 25th anniversary, reflecting both tradition and modern branding efforts. The Lynx continue to be a prominent figure not only in women’s basketball but also as a business entity adapting to evolving ownership and competitive landscapes[1][4].

Baylor University is a renowned private research institution located in Waco, Texas, known for its strong academic programs and Christian mission. Founded in 1845, Baylor has a rich history of providing high-quality education and fostering a community that integrates academic excellence with faith and service. ### Key Achievements - **R1 Research Status**: Baylor was reaffirmed as an R1 research university in 2025, solidifying its position among the nation's top research institutions. This status reflects its high research activity, with expenditures surpassing $80 million and the awarding of over 225 research doctorates annually[2][4]. - **Academic Rankings**: Baylor ranks #91 among National Universities and #47 among top private universities according to *U.S. News & World Report*. It is particularly noted for its first-year experiences, ranking #4 nationally, and its learning communities, which are top 10 in the U.S.[1][7]. - **Innovation and Entrepreneurship**: The Princeton Review ranks Baylor's Entrepreneurship program as the 5th best in the country, highlighting its success in launching start-ups[3]. ### Current Status As of Fall 2025, Baylor has a total enrollment of approximately 19,858 students, with 14,183 undergraduates and 5,675 graduate/professional students[3]. The university offers 133 undergraduate degree programs, 82 master's programs, and 50 doctoral programs, ensuring a diverse range of academic opportunities[3]. ### Notable Aspects - **Sustainability Efforts**: Baylor has been recognized for its sustainability initiatives, earning a Silver designation from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education[4]. - **Student Success**: Baylor boasts a strong track record of student success, with 92% of graduates finding employment or entering graduate school within 180 days of graduation[3]. - **Community Engagement**: The university is committed to nurturing virtuous leadership and service, providing a holistic

## Overview The Phoenix Mercury is a professional women’s basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona, competing in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) as part of the Western Conference[1][2]. As one of the league’s original eight franchises, the Mercury has been a cornerstone of women’s professional basketball in the United States since its inception in 1997[1][2]. ## History and Evolution Founded ahead of the WNBA’s inaugural season, the Mercury quickly established itself as a competitive force under the guidance of its first head coach, Cheryl Miller, a Basketball Hall of Famer[2]. The team made the playoffs in its first two seasons and reached the WNBA Finals in 1998, though it fell to the Houston Comets[1][2]. After a period of coaching changes and mixed results in the early 2000s, the Mercury’s fortunes turned around with the arrival of Diana Taurasi, the #1 overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft, who went on to become one of the league’s most iconic players[1]. ## Key Achievements The Mercury’s legacy is defined by its three WNBA championships, won in 2007, 2009, and 2014, making it one of the league’s most successful franchises[1][2]. The team has qualified for the playoffs in 18 of its 28 seasons, a testament to its consistent competitiveness[1]. Notable players who have worn the Mercury jersey include Diana Taurasi, Cappie Pondexter, Candice Dupree, Brittney Griner, and Penny Taylor[1]. These athletes have not only contributed to the team’s success but have also elevated the profile of women’s basketball globally. ## Current Status As of the 2025 season, the Mercury continues to be a playoff contender, finishing third in the Western Conference with a 27-17 record[3][

## Overview The WNBA Finals is the championship series of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), determining the league’s best team each season. It represents the culmination of the WNBA playoffs, an eight-team, single-elimination tournament that has evolved into a conference-free format, where the top eight teams by regular-season record compete regardless of geographical division[3]. The Finals is a high-profile, best-of-seven series that crowns the WNBA champion, with games broadcast nationally, reflecting the league’s growing prominence in women’s professional sports[2][6]. ## History and Format Since its inception in 1997, the WNBA Finals has undergone several format changes. Initially, it was a best-of-three series, but it expanded to best-of-five in later years. As of 2025, the Finals are a best-of-seven series using a 2-2-1-1-1 homecourt pattern, rewarding regular-season performance with home-court advantage for the higher-seeded team[3]. This structure emphasizes the importance of consistency across the 40-game regular season and introduces strategic depth to postseason play[5]. ## Key Achievements Historically, the Houston Comets dominated the early years, winning the first four championships. The Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm have since matched that record with four titles each, while the New York Liberty hold the unenviable distinction of the most Finals losses[1]. In recent years, the Las Vegas Aces have emerged as a powerhouse, securing their third title in four years by sweeping the Phoenix Mercury in the 2025 Finals[7]. This era has also seen the rise of superstar players like A’ja Wilson, who earned both regular-season MVP and Finals MVP honors in 2025[7]. ## Current Status and Notable Aspects The 2025 WNBA Finals featured a matchup between the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury, with the Aces completing a sweep to cement