One For Sweet Syl
Last Sunday marked the final time that legendary Minnesota Lynx center Sylvia Fowles would step onto a WNBA floor. The Lynx needed help in order to make the playoffs, but first had to defeat the Connecticut Sun for any other game to matter. The Lynx lost 90-83, ending their season and Fowles’ great career.
By all accounts, Sylvia Fowles is one of the kindest people in the W. On air, ESPN’s Ryan Ruocco told a story about how Fowles wanted a nickname change. For years, the eight-time All-Star was known as, “Big Syl.” She, as sweetly as she is known to be, suggested that the name be changed to, “Sweet Syl.” That is who she is and will be known as from now on.
Fowles’ resume is loaded with accomplishments. Here are a few of her WNBA ones:
– 8-time WNBA All-Star
– 4-time Olympic gold medalist
– WNBA’s all-time leader in rebounds
– 4-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year
– 2-time WNBA Champion
– 2017 WNBA MVP
– WNBA 25th Anniversary team member
Sweet Syl has been a winner before becoming a pro. At LSU, her teams went to the Final Four all four years she was there. Her WNBA career is split into two halves. Fowles was drafter second overall by the Chicago Sky. She spent seven seasons there and collected three WNBA All-Star appearances. She was traded midway through the 2015 season, sitting out until her request was met. A deal was worked out
where she was sent to the Minnesota Lynx, teaming her with fellow members of the WNBA’s 25th Anniversary team Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen and Seimone Augustus. Here is where she earned five All-Star selections, two championships and the 2017 WNBA MVP.
Fowles ender her career the same way she largely played every game—a double-double. Fowles finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds. She was subbed out with 43 seconds left in the fourth quarter to a thunderous final ovation. After the game, hugs and embraces for the living legend were all around. As the truly great player she is, Fowles described her performance as, “s—-y,” despite her recording her all-time best 193rd career double-double. Fowles also grabbed her 4,000th career rebound in the second quarter of the game. Sweet Syl finished her 15th season leading the W in boards. This one is for Sweet Syl—legend, champion, all-time great.