The Minnesota Lynx are title contenders and are being overlooked by media and fans alike. The Lynx just defeated the 2023 finals runner ups, the New York Liberty, to win the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup Title.
The Lynx may not have the flashy players the media is drawn to, like Caitlin Clark or A’ja Wilson. However they are being snubbed by not being talked about enough based on their sheer dominance this season.
Lynx Dynasty
The Lynx are at the tail end of their rebuilding phase since the ending of the dynasty. The Lynx won four championships in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017 as well as four conference titles in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015. There was a stretch of time where the Lynx were seemingly always in the championship game and were a complete powerhouse in the W. Stars like Seimone Agustus, Maya Moore, Rebekkah Brunson, Lindsay Whalen, and Sylvia Fowles were at the core of this era.
However Fowles, the last remaining part of the core group retired in 2022. By this point the Lynx were already rebuilding and had a few down seasons playing closer to .500 ball than .800. They needed a new star.
Napheesa Collier Era
The Lynx turned to sixth overall pick in the 2019 draft, Napheesa Collier to build their franchise around. Collier has delivered since the moment she stepped into Minneapolis. A product of Geno Auriemma and UConn, Collier has started in every game she has appeared in. Excluding 2022 when she only played four games after her maternity leave, Collier has been a force in the W. And her points per game jumped up over 5 points the season after she had her baby. Collier is now averaging a double-double this year with 21.4 points and 10.4 rebounds. The Lynx found their new superstar.
In addition to Collier the Lynx have fellow veterans Bridget Carleton and Kayla McBride. The team brought in extra support this year with Natisha Hiedeman, Alanna Smith and Courtney Williams. Additionally, Diamond Miller is just coming back from an injury however had a large impact in her freshman campaign last year.
This group plays extremely unselfishly and shares the ball at a high level. Their team chemistry in addition to sheer skill and talent are hard to matchup against.
Title Contenders
The back-to-back champions, the Las Vegas Aces, have struggled with injuries and consistency this year. They are currently sitting at fifth place in the overall standings with a 9-6 record.
The Lynx have beat the second overall finishers last year, the Liberty, twice this season. They lost by one point in overtime to fellow contenders, the Connecticut Sun. They have competed against the strongest teams and proved their worth.
The Lynx have the most assists per game of any team in the WNBA. They are also at the top for 3-point percentage shooting a team 40%. The next closest team is shooting 35.9%. If they can continue this rhythm they will be unstoppable.
Combine these factors with the unselfish culture head coach, Cheryl Reeve, has created and the Lynx are on track to reclaim the top of the throne. A great example of this culture is after Napheesa Collier earned MVP for the Cup title game her teammates were chanting “M-V-Phee”. However she immediately acknowledged Bridget Carleton and said she was more deserving and tried to give the trophy to her. This leadership and unselfishness can only lead to exponential growth and success for this team.
The Minnesota Lynx are ready and hungry for their new dynasty. They hope it officially began with their win in the Commissioner’s Cup and are full steam ahead towards the WNBA Finals.
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