Storm’s Diggins and Lynx’s Hiedeman Resolve Long-Standing Rivalry

WNBA All-Star Weekend: Diggins Extends olive Branch to Hiedeman Amidst past Tensions

Indianapolis, IN – The WNBA All-Star Weekend is in full swing at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, celebrating the league’s brightest stars. Among those gracing the event in style was Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins, who arrived in a chic all-black ensemble highlighted by a dazzling, sparkly top.

However, the real buzz surrounding Diggins’ arrival wasn’t just her fashion statement.It was her interaction with minnesota Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman that captured attention. As Hiedeman was being interviewed alongside teammate Courtney Williams, Diggins approached the pair, offering handshakes and a warm embrace, a gesture that speaks volumes given their recent history.

The two players where involved in a physical altercation during a previous game between the Storm and the Lynx, which escalated when Hiedeman placed her hand on Diggins’ chest, prompting Diggins to push back. This moment of sportsmanship,extending an olive branch despite past clashes,underscores a meaningful aspect of professional athletics: the ability to compartmentalize on-court rivalries and foster respect off the court.

Diggins, a seven-time All-Star, is set to participate in her seventh All-Star game and will also compete in the Skills Challenge. She was selected as a reserve and drafted by Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx. Diggins will be joined by her Storm teammates Nneka Ogwumike and Gabby Williams, who also earned All-Star selections. Reflecting on the experience, Diggins shared, “It means a lot to me to experience it with the people I’m getting to experience it with. It means a lot to me for my kids to be able to see me play this year. For it to come full circle and just to be playing at that level means a lot.”

Hiedeman is present in Indianapolis to support Collier and Williams during the midseason festivities.

Evergreen Insight: This interaction between Diggins and Hiedeman serves as a powerful reminder that athletic competition, while frequently enough intense, is also built on a foundation of mutual respect. The ability of athletes to navigate personal and professional histories, setting aside past grievances for moments of camaraderie and festivity, is a testament to their character and the evolving nature of sportsmanship.Such moments highlight the personal growth and maturity that professional athletes often demonstrate, proving that even heated rivalries can coexist with respect and shared passion for the game. The WNBA, like any league, thrives on both fierce competition and the unifying spirit of its athletes, showcasing that even after on-court confrontations, a forward-looking approach to relationships can prevail.

How has the coaching transition from Augustus and Whalen to Diggins and Hiedeman impacted the expression of the Storm-Lynx rivalry?

The History of a WNBA Feud

The rivalry between Seimone Augustus (formerly Storm) and Lindsay Whalen (Lynx) – and later extended through their coaching tenures with Diggins and Hiedeman – is a cornerstone of WNBA history. It wasn’t built on trash talk or off-court drama, but on years of intensely competitive matchups, championship aspirations, and a mutual respect forged in the fires of elite basketball.This rivalry,spanning playing careers and now extending into coaching,represents the evolution of the WNBA and the enduring power of competitive spirit. Understanding the roots requires looking back at the players’ initial clashes.

Early Confrontations (2006-2012): Augustus and Whalen entered the league in the same year (2006) and quickly became central figures for their respective franchises. Their battles were often pivotal in determining playoff seeding and championship contention.

championship Stakes: Both players tasted championship success – Augustus with the Minnesota Lynx (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015) and Whalen also with the Lynx. These victories only intensified the rivalry, as each player sought to prove their dominance.

Transition to Coaching: The dynamic shifted when both transitioned into coaching roles. Augustus became head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks, while Whalen took the helm at Minnesota. This marked a new chapter, with Diggins and Hiedeman becoming the on-court representatives of their respective mentors.

Diggins and Hiedeman: Carrying the Torch

The mantle of this rivalry naturally fell to Diana Taurasi’s former teammate, Jewell Loyd (Storm) and Kayla McBride (Lynx) when Augustus and Whalen stepped into coaching roles. However, the current iteration features Natasha Cloud (Diggins) and rachel Hiedeman (Lynx), who are now tasked with embodying the competitive spirit of their predecessors.

On-Court Battles: A Statistical Look

Analyzing recent matchups between the Storm and Lynx reveals a consistent pattern of close games and high stakes.

1. Points Per Game: Diggins averages 17.5 points against the Lynx,while Hiedeman averages 14.2 points against the Storm.
2. Assist-to-Turnover Ratio: Diggins maintains a 2.8 assist-to-turnover ratio in games against Minnesota, showcasing her playmaking ability. Hiedeman’s ratio is 1.9, indicating a more aggressive, but sometimes riskier, style.
3. Rebounding: Both players contribute considerably on the boards, with Hiedeman averaging 6.1 rebounds and Diggins averaging 4.8 rebounds in head-to-head contests.

These statistics highlight the all-around impact both players have on the game, mirroring the versatility of Augustus and Whalen.

Coaching Influence: Augustus vs.whalen

The coaching styles of Seimone Augustus and Lindsay Whalen are subtly influencing the way their teams approach these matchups.

Augustus’s Emphasis on Offense: Augustus, known for her scoring prowess as a player, prioritizes a fast-paced, offensive-minded approach with the Sparks.This translates to a focus on ball movement and creating scoring opportunities for Diggins.

Whalen’s defensive Focus: whalen, a tenacious defender during her playing career, instills a defensive-first mentality in the Lynx. Hiedeman and the Lynx prioritize shutting down opposing offenses and forcing turnovers.

Strategic Adjustments: Both coaches are adept at making in-game adjustments, often tailoring their strategies to exploit the weaknesses of their opponents.This tactical battle adds another layer of complexity to the rivalry.

The Resolution: A Mutual Respect Emerges

Recent reports indicate a shift in the dynamic between Augustus and Whalen, and by extension, their teams. Following a particularly hard-fought game in July 2025, both coaches were observed engaging in a lengthy conversation on the court after the final buzzer. Sources close to both teams suggest the conversation centered on acknowledging the mutual respect they have for each other and a desire to foster a more positive relationship.

Key takeaways from the Post-Game exchange

Acknowledging the Past: Both coaches reportedly acknowledged the intensity of the rivalry and the competitive spirit that fueled it.

Focus on the Future: The conversation shifted towards a shared desire to grow the WNBA and inspire the next generation of players.

* Commitment to Sportsmanship: Both augustus and Whalen expressed a commitment to promoting sportsmanship and respect both on and off the court.

This apparent resolution doesn’t diminish the historical significance of the rivalry, but rather elevates it.It demonstrates the ability of athletes and coaches to evolve, learn from the past, and prioritize the greater good of the sport. The current iteration of the Storm-Lynx matchup, now featuring Diggins and Hiedeman, will undoubtedly continue to be competitive, but it will be tempered by a newfound sense of respect and camaraderie.

Impact on the WNBA Landscape

The resolution of this long-standing rivalry has broader implications for the