Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve Condemns Minnesota Political Shooting: 'It's Disgusting'
In a whirlwind of tragedy, the Minnesota Lynx triumphed over the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday, securing a 101-78 victory. Yet, amid the celebratory atmosphere, the shooting of two Democratic state legislators cast a dark shadow over the event.
Napheesa Collier shone brightly, scoring 32 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing out six assists. However, her stellar performance was eclipsed by the grim circumstances.
Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, tragically lost their lives in Minnesota's Twin Cities region. Another representative, Jon Hoffman, and his wife, Yvette, were also targeted but managed to survive. The suspected gunman, Vance Boelter, 57, is reported to have posed as a police officer. A chilling lista of approximately 70 politicians was also found in Boelter's possession[1][2][3].
As of Saturday evening, a manhunt for Boelter continues.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve understood the difficulty of carrying on with the game. Despite considering cancellation, they decided to proceed with the afternoon's contest, originally planned to celebrate Hall of Famer Seimone Augustus' induction[4].
"Today's a tough day all around," Reeve said. "Basketball is what we do. We'll go out there and do what we do. But God knows what, when our game is over, God knows what we're going to come off the court and learn what's happening.
"It's sickening."
In solidarity, both the Lynx and Minnesota Timberwolves released a joint statement, expressing their condolences and reaffirming their commitment to fostering unity and safety for public servants[5].
Other sports teams in Minnesota, including the NFL's Minnesota Vikings and MLB's Minnesota Twins, also extended their sympathies in light of the unfolding events[6].
[1] https://abcnews.go.com/US/politician-shot-home-minnesota-said-wife-name-mark/story?id=90425691[2] https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/14/us/minnesota-state-lawmaker-shot/index.html[3] https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/06/14/list-of-targets-found-gunman-minnesota-shooting/[4] https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/37295005/ap-source-minnesota-lynx-sparks-play-game-despite-shooting-democratic-state-legislators[5] https://twitter.com/PackOffCourt/status/1668087413278066688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1668087413278066688&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.twincities.com%2F2025%2F06%2F14%2Fsports%2Fminnesota-lynx-vs-los-angeles-sparks-game-on-after-shooting-of-two-democratic-legislators%2F[6] https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-son-of-slain-member-of-legislature-says-he-is-heartbroken-but-has-faith/600118331/
- In the world of NBA, the Minnesota Lynx's victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday was mere sports news, overshadowed by the tragic shooting of two Democratic state legislators.
- Despite the grim political circumstances, Napheesa Collier displayed an impressive performance, with 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in the basketball game.
- The suspected gunman, Vance Boelter, who posed as a police officer, was reported to have a chilling list of approximately 70 politicians in his possession.
- Amidst the continued manhunt for Boelter, other sports teams in Minnesota, such as the NFL's Minnesota Vikings and MLB's Minnesota Twins, also expressed their sympathies, demonstrating a shared sentiment for public safety and unity.
