Minnesota basketball legend becomes first player in franchise history to see number go to rafters at Target Center
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx today announced the franchise will retire Lindsay Whalen’s number 13 on Saturday, June 8 when the Lynx host the Los Angeles Sparks at 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC. Whalen announced her retirement last August after completing her illustrious 15-year WNBA career, which included nine seasons and four WNBA Championships with Minnesota. Her number 13 becomes the first number retired by the Lynx.
“We couldn’t have selected a better person and teammate in Lindsay Whalen as the first Lynx player to have their jersey hung in the rafters of Target Center,” said Minnesota Lynx and Timberwolves Owner Glen Taylor. “Lindsay has provided us so many unforgettable moments, including four championships and numerous highlight-reel plays. We congratulate Lindsay and her family on this momentous occasion, and I look forward to celebrating with her and our fans on June 8.”
Over her 15-year WNBA career, Whalen appeared in 477 regular season games, averaging 11.5 points (on 46.1% shooting), 3.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists. She also played in 81 career postseason contests, posting averages of 11.7 points (on 43.2% shooting), 3.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists.
“I want to thank Mr. Taylor, Coach Reeve and the entire Lynx organization for this outstanding honor,” said Whalen. “My time with the Lynx was nothing short of spectacular and to have my jersey retired, while being the first to do so means the world to me.”
A four-time WNBA champion, Whalen ranks atop the Lynx franchise leaderboard in assists (1,394) while ranking second in games played (283) and fourth in scoring (3,233). She holds the single-season franchise record for assists (199, 2011) and a share of the franchise mark for most assists in a single game (14, vs. Los Angeles on September 4, 2013). Acquired by Minnesota in a trade with Connecticut on January 12, 2010, Whalen appeared in 283 games in a Lynx uniform, winning 201 of those (.701 winning percentage) while averaging 11.5 points (on 47.0% shooting), 3.5 rebounds and 4.9 assists.
The Hutchinson, Minn., native retired as the WNBA’s all-time wins leader, racking up 323 career victories, and added 54 more in the postseason, which ranks second all-time behind Rebekkah Brunson (57). Whalen ranks third in WNBA history in assists, trailing only Sue Bird and Ticha Penicheiro. Her playing résumé includes six WNBA All-Star Game appearances, 13 trips to the postseason, eight WNBA Finals appearances, four WNBA championships and Olympic gold medals with Team USA in 2012 and 2016. Whalen remains the only player in WNBA history with 5000 points, 2000 assists and 1500 rebounds.
The Lynx will kick off their 21st WNBA season, presented by Mayo Clinic by welcoming the Chicago Sky to Target Center on Saturday, May 25 at 7:00 p.m. The 2019 campaign includes 34 regular-season games from May 25 through September 6. Single game tickets, including the Whalen jersey retirement game on June 8 are now available by visiting lynx.wnba.com/tickets/or calling 612-673-8400.