The postseason version of the Drive for Five is off to a roaring start for the Minnesota Lynx.

Aiming to win the franchise’s fifth WNBA championship and its first since 2017, the Lynx began the postseason with a 101-72 romp over Golden State on Sunday at Target Center in the first game of the best-of-three first-round series.

Minnesota is the top seed, Golden State the eight, and the Lynx have won all five meetings this season by an average of 15.2 points.

Still, Napheesa Collier, who led five Lynx players in double figures with 20 points and six rebounds, said her squad will not be complacent for Wednesday’s Game 2.

“No one on this team thinks it’s going to be an easy game by any means. We know it’s going to be a fight. They all work really, really hard. That’s been a staple of their team this entire season. … We need to make sure we come with our A game, especially on defense.”

Settling in defensively was the key in Game 1 and a hallmark of this year’s Lynx squad that finished with the WNBA’s best defensive rating.

Outscoring Golden State by a combined 28 points in the middle two quarters and 36 through the final three didn’t hurt. And paint domination to the tune of 44-18 was pretty good, too.

Minnesota was nearly flawless in the second quarter in limiting the Valkyries to 12 points on 29.4% shooting, including 1 for 7 from deep, and taking a 47-40 lead into intermission.

It was a stark difference from the first quarter, when Golden State shot 50% in the frame, including five makes from outside the arc, for an early double-digit lead that fell to 28-21 by quarter’s end.

The Valkyries finished at 33.9%, nearly 18% worse than the Lynx, and made just four 3-pointers in the final three quarters.

Minnesota waking up from its early slumber coincided with Natisha Hiedeman entering the game with 3:42 to play in the first quarter.

A strong candidate for the league’s Sixth Player of the Year award, Hiedeman again provided a spark that propelled Minnesota to outscoring Golden State 38-22 in the rest of the first half. She finished a team-best plus-32, the second-highest mark in Lynx playoff history.

“She changed the game today,” said coach Cheryl Reeve.

Hiedeman is averaging 18.5 points and 4.3 assists in her past six games.

Said Kayla McBride: “She’s on a heater. … Throughout the season we’ve continued to see her evolve. And now when we need the most she’s showing up and showing out, having a lot of fun and playing with a lot of confidence in that second group.”

McBride netted 17 points before joining Collier on the bench for the fourth quarter.

Center Alanna Smith finished at plus-31 with nine points, six rebounds and four steals.

“I think she’s the defensive player of the year the way she’s able to guard post players, guards. She didn’t have any blocks today, but she does blocks almost every game,” Collier said. “… She is the anchor. We rely on her so heavily on that end of the floor, especially.”

Minnesota reserves outscored the Valkyries non-starters 42-17, led by 16 points from Hiedeman. Jessica Shepard continued to be a handful down low with 12 points and team-high eight rebounds in just 17 minutes.

“Our team is deep. It’s about we,” Courtney Williams said in a postgame in-arena interview. She finished with 11 points.

The Valkyries scored the first basket of the second half, but the Lynx countered with a Collier fadeaway and a 3-pointer from Smith. Williams then made a steal in the defensive end, scored on a fast-break layup and added the free throw to make it 55-42 and reinvigorate the boisterous 8,821 towel-waving fans that filled Target Center’s lower bowl.

DiJonai Carrington, in her first game back after missing four with a shoulder injury, and Williams had triples in the final 69 seconds of the third quarter to make it 79-58.

“You get frustrated with the things we didn’t execute on, but it’s a series for a reason. It’s 1-0, they were supposed to win at home. They’re the one seed, and it’s a home game. So they did what they’re supposed to do. Now, it’s our turn to do that at home,” said Veronica Burton, who tied with a team-high 14 points for Golden State on 3-of-13 shooting. She had seven of Golden State’s 16 turnovers.

Jessica Shepard #15 of the Minnesota Lynx defends the ball against Iliana Rupert #12 of the Golden State Valkyries and Kate Martin #20 during the fourth quarter in game one of the first round of the WNBA Playoffs at Target Center on Sept. 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matt Krohn/Getty Images)

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By ANDREW DALTON, Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) — “The Studio” looks like a runaway hit, the innies and outies of “Severance” could solidify a spot among the prestige TV elite, and Noah Wyle could finally have his big awards moment as the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards arrive.

Comic Nate Bargatze will be a first-time host Sunday night when the ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles airs on CBS Sunday night.

Seating placards are pictured during the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards red carpet rollout on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Apple TV+ is poised to have a breakout Emmy year with the two most nominated shows, “Severance” and “The Studio,” which are the favorites to win the two biggest awards.

How to watch and stream the Emmys and its red carpet

The Emmys air live on CBS at 8 p.m. Eastern and 5 p.m. Pacific time.

Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers may stream the show live. Standard Paramount+ subscribers can stream it Monday through Sept. 21.

Several outlets will have live red carpet coverage, including E! beginning at 6 p.m. Eastern and “Entertainment Tonight” at 7 p.m. Eastern. People magazine and Entertainment Weekly will also have a live red carpet show on their social platforms. The Associated Press will present a slightly delayed feed of celebrity arrivals and interviews on YouTube, beginning at 5 p.m. Eastern.

How the competition is shaping up at Sunday’s Emmys

“The Studio,” with co-creator Seth Rogen starring as the new head of a movie studio, comes into the evening with blockbuster buzz for its breakout first season.

It tied a record for a comedy with 23 nominations, and with nine Emmys already won at last weekend’s Creative Arts ceremony. It would be a major surprise if it did not break the record of 11 Emmy wins in a season by a comedy.

This image released by Apple TV+ shows Ike Barinholtz, from left, Kathryn Hahn, Chase Sui Wonders and Seth Rogen in a scene from “The Studio.” (Apple TV+ via AP)

It could win as many as 15, and Rogen himself could win four times, as an actor, a writer a director and an executive producer.

“The Bear” and “Hacks” which have dominated the comedy Emmys in recent years, are both again up for best comedy series but suddenly find themselves underdogs.

“Severance,” the Orwellian office drama about people who surgically split their psyches into workplace “innies” and home “outies,” was the top overall nominee with 27 nominations for its second season. It won six at the Creative Arts ceremony.

Along with best drama — which would be a first for Apple — it’s nominated in all four dramatic acting categories, with stars Adam Scott and Britt Lower each looking for their first Emmys.

This image released by Apple TV+ shows Adam Scott in a scene from “Severance.” (Jon Pack/Apple TV+ via AP)

Its top competition for best drama could be “The Pitt,” HBO’s acclaimed drama about one shift in the life of an emergency room.

Its star Noah Wyle could be both the sentimental favorite and the actual favorite for best actor. He was nominated five times without a win for playing a young doctor on “ER” in the 1990s, and now could finally take his trophy for what is in many ways a reprise of the role.

HBO’s prestige resort soap “The White Lotus” could also be in the mix for best drama its Thailand-set third season and has three nominees apiece in each of the drama supporting acting categories.

Older women could shine in actress categories

It could be an unprecedented night of Hollywood recognition for older women in an industry known for discarding female actors.

Oscar-winner Kathy Bates at 78 could become the oldest winner ever in the best actress in a drama category for playing the title role in CBS’ “Matlock.” She’d be the first woman from a network series to win the award in a decade.

An Emmy statuette is pictured during the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards red carpet rollout on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

And Jean Smart at 73 could extend her own record for oldest winner of best actress in a comedy if she wins for “Hacks” as she has for all three previous seasons of the show.

‘Adolescence’ and ‘The Penguin’ headline limited series

Netflix’s “Adolescence,” the story of a 13-year-old in Britain accused of a killing whose four episodes each take place in one continuous shot, may be the year’s most acclaimed show and is the consensus favorite for best limited series. Fifteen-year-old Owen Cooper could become the youngest Emmy winner in more than 40 years for playing the accused.

This image released by Netflix shows Mark Stanley, from left, Owen Cooper and Stephen Graham in a scene from “Adolescence.” (Netflix via AP)

But HBO’s dark Batman universe show “The Penguin” got the biggest number of limited series nominations and won eight times at the Creative Arts ceremony.

Colin Farrell is nominated for lead actor playing the title character, and Cristin Milioti is nominated for actress for playing his nemesis. Both are considered strong contenders.

A send-off for Stephen Colbert

Not all of the CBS attention Sunday night may be positive.

Voters could give “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” the Emmy for best talk series for the first time as a sort of protest vote and tribute to its host, weeks after its cancellation by the network.

This image released by CBS shows Stephen Colbert during a taping of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on Monday, July 21, 2025, in New York. (Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via AP)

Many perceived the end of the show as punishment of Colbert and placation of President Donald Trump after Colbert was harshly critical of a legal settlement between the president and Paramount, which needed administration approval for a sale to Skydance Media. Executives called the decision strictly financial.

ARTS

Judy Hawkinson

Northern Clay Center, a Minneapolis art gallery and studio focused on ceramic crafts, announced the appointment of Judy Hawkinson as executive director. She succeeds Kyle Rudy-Kohlhepp. Hawkinson has served organizations across the Twin Cities, including Rethos: Places Reimagined, the American Craft Council, Macalester College and the American Cancer Society.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Cedar Cultural Center, a Minneapolis performance venue, announced the appointment of James Taylor as program director. Taylor previously was on the booking team First Avenue, which runs several convert venues in the Twin Cities.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Piper Sandler Cos., a Minneapolis-based national investment bank, announced the hiring of Toby AuWerter as a managing director in the merchant banking group. AuWerter previously served as investment director at Endeavour Vision, was a consultant at McKinsey & Co. and worked in operating roles for St. Jude Medical and Juventas Therapeutics. … First Independence Bank, Minnesota’s first and only Black-owned bank, announced the pending opening this fall of a branch at 627 University Ave. W. in St. Paul. Damon Jenkins is senior vice president and Twin Cities regional market president. The company is headquartered in Detroit. … Bridgewater Bancshares, the St. Louis Park-based parent company of Bridgewater Bank, announced the following executive leadership changes: Chief Strategy Officer Mary Jayne Crocker will retire Feb. 15, 2026, and join the board of directors; Chief Credit Officer Jeff Shellberg transitions to deputy chief credit officer on Sept. 15 and will retire Oct. 9, 2026, and remain on the board; Deputy Chief Credit Officer Katie Morrell succeeds Shellberg as chief credit officer; Senior Vice President of Marketing Jessica Stejskal transitions to chief experience officer, a new role; Chief Accounting Officer Laura Espeseth transitions to chief administrative officer, a new position. … KLC Financial, a Minnetonka-based provider of equipment lease and purchase financing for business, announced the promotion of Brett Sorensen to chief revenue officer. Sorensen joined KLC in 2022 and most recently was vice president of sales and marketing.

GOVERNMENT

The city of St. Cloud announced it has appointed Luke Langner as public service director, advancing from his role as assistant city engineer. Langner succeeds Tracy Hodel, who now serves as the city administrator.

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Medtronic plc announced the appointments of John Groetelaars and Bill Jellison as independent directors. Groetelaars most recently served as interim CEO for Dentsply Sirona; Jellison served as vice president, chief financial officer of Stryker Corp. from 2013 to 2016. Medtronic is a Dublin, Ireland-based maker of electronic heart devices and spine treatments with executive offices in Fridley. The board appointments come in conjunction with the purchase of a large stake in Medtronic by Elliott Investment Management. … Nucleus RadioPharma, a Rochester, Minn.-based developer and provider of radiopharmaceutical imaging, announced the appointment of Dr. Stephen M. Hahn as chief executive officer. Hahn previously served as CEO-partner of Flagship Pioneering and CEO of Harbinger Health since 2021. He also served as U.S. Food and Drug Administration commissioner from 2019 to 2021, overseeing both COVID and non-COVID regulatory affairs.

NONPROFITS

The Minneapolis Parks Foundation announced Martin Wera as the organization’s executive director, effective Sept. 8. Wera has served as development director at Trellis, and as a major gift officer at St. Catherine University; he also was senior director of community relations for Ameriprise Financial.

POLITICS

The Republican Party of Wisconsin announced it has named Stephen Mueller as executive director. Mueller previously served as the Republican National Committee state director and RNC election integrity director in Iowa.

SERVICES

DHL, an international express shipping service, announced the opening of company-owned and -operated retail shipping locations at 721 S. 10th St., Minneapolis, and 811 W. University Ave., St. Paul.

SPONSORSHIPS

Ameriprise Financial, Minneapolis, announced its support of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games as a bronze sponsor with a $100,000 commitment. The 2026 USA Games will be held in Minnesota from June 20-26, 2026.

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EMAIL ITEMS to businessnews@pioneerpress.com.

BERKELEY, Calif. — Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck usually begins his postgame news conferences with an encompassing opening statement, win or a loss. But after Minnesota’s 27-14 defeat to California on Saturday, Fleck began with an open-ended question.

“Where do you want me to begin?” he said.

In each game, Fleck uses a thick black pen to write down coaching points in a yellow notebook. He had the scribble-covered pages with him at the table inside Memorial Stadium in the wee hours Saturday, but he spoke extemporaneously for a few minutes about a slew of self-inflicted issues that resulted in Minnesota ending nonconference play at 2-1.

Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey (5) throws a pass against the California Golden Bears in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Berkeley, Calif., on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group via AP)

Losing the turnover margin 2-0 was a big reason for the Gophers’ loss; the second, Koi Perich’s muffed punt, led directly to a Cal touchdown that turned a three-point divot a 10-point crater, 24-14, midway through the fourth quarter.

“It’s not Koi’s fault, right? It’s my fault,” Fleck said. “But it’s our team’s responsibility to win football games, not Koi’s, not (quarterback Drake Lindsey’s and not linebacker Maverick Baranowski’s). We’re a team and we didn’t do enough on special teams, offense and defense to win that football game in every area. That’s what it’s going to look like. Now, the great thing is it’s all correctable.”

That muffed punt wasn’t the only play Perich will want back. In the first quarter, his fair catch on a punt inside the five-yard line gave the Golden Bears better field position for its opening touchdown. On that ensuing TD, Perich was slow to cover Jacob de Jesus out of the backfield, and he caught an easy 3-yard scoring pass from Jaron-Keawe Sagapoluteleon.

In the second quarter, Perich caught a 19-yard out route to put Minnesota in better position to tie the game. But on a double-pass trick play, Perich felt pressure as he went to throw and ate a 9-yard loss. The Gophers punted two plays later.

Coming off a true freshman season that included all-Big Ten and All-America honors, Perich was ballyhooed for the impact he could make on offense on top of the work he did on defense and special teams in 2024. Knee-jerk comparisons to last year’s Heisman Trophy winner, Colorado’s Travis Hunter, might have saddled him with unrealistic expectations going into his sophomore season.

The Esko, Minn., native has yet to make a similar splash through three games this season and might be too eager to make an impact in all three phases of the game. It sometimes seems as if he’s looking to hit two home runs in each at-bat and losing focus in the process.

“All great players go through adversity,” Fleck said. “This is probably his first piece of adversity in the 15 months he’s been here.”

“Adversity strengthens you, if you use it properly,” Fleck added. “You swallow the pill of adversity, and you take accountability and responsibility for it. We all do. It’s going to make him better.”

The muffed punt might be the most glaring example of how the sophomore is trying to do too much because he didn’t follow the coaching standard of getting away from a bouncing ball.

Trailing 17-14, the Gophers’ defense forced Cal to punt from its 47-yard line with eight minutes left. The ball hopped inside the 20 and was rolling at the 8-yard line when Perich went to grab it but it bounced off his hands and right foot. Cal recovered and quickly scored a TD.

“Casual creates causalities,” Fleck said.

After the turnover, Perich put his helmet in his hands as fellow special-teams members tried to console him. Postgame, at least one member of the support staff patted him on the back as Perich slowly sipped a drink in the locker room as they quickly packed up for a long overnight trip back to Minneapolis.

Lindsey is one of Perich’s best friends on the team and wouldn’t put the loss solely on his shoulders.

“That’s my brother,” said Lindsey, who threw one touchdown pass and one interception. “(It’s) something that we’ve got to talk about and make sure everybody is aligned on. We can’t be casual all across the board. It started with me; we were casual (Saturday). I’ve got to be a better leader and get us in the right type of spots.”

Minnesota linebacker Maverick Baranowski (6) and defensive back Darius Green (12) converge on Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele in the first half of the Gophers late game Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Berkeley, Calif. (Gophers Athletics)

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