The Minnesota Lynx are once again proving why they are one of the WNBA’s most consistent powerhouses. With a narrow but decisive 75–74 victory over the Golden State Valkyries in Game 2, the Lynx completed a 2–0 sweep in the first round and secured their place in the league semifinals.
A Battle to the Final Buzzer
Game 2 was anything but easy. The Valkyries, in their first playoff run as an expansion team, refused to bow quietly, pushing Minnesota until the final moments. Still, the Lynx leaned on their championship pedigree, finding enough poise to edge out the one-point win and close the series on the road.
This resilience has become a trademark of the franchise. Even when the shots were not falling, the Lynx relied on their top-ranked defense to grind down Golden State’s offensive rhythm and protect the lead when it mattered most.
Building on Last Season’s Breakthrough
For Minnesota, this postseason feels like an extension of unfinished business. Just a year ago, they surged all the way to the WNBA Finals, only to fall to the New York Liberty in a dramatic five-game series. That experience, rather than breaking them, seems to have steeled their determination.
Their 30–10 regular-season record was the best in the league, built on discipline, defensive intensity, and balanced scoring. They are not simply chasing wins; they are chasing redemption.
Napheesa Collier Leading the Charge
At the heart of this run is Napheesa Collier, whose two-way brilliance has elevated her into MVP conversations all year. Her ability to dominate on both ends of the court has made her the anchor of Cheryl Reeve’s system. Whether she is sealing the paint defensively or taking over offensively in crunch time, Collier has given Minnesota the superstar presence required to chase a championship.
But it is not just Collier. The Lynx have thrived on depth, discipline, and the kind of collective toughness that has long been associated with their dynasty years. Veterans and rising talents alike have embraced roles that make Minnesota dangerous in every phase of the game.
Eyes on the Crown
With their opening series now behind them, the Lynx turn their focus to the semifinals, where either the Liberty or the Mercury could await. Both opponents present unique challenges, but Minnesota enters the matchup with the confidence of a team that knows its identity.
The Lynx are not merely content with another deep playoff run. They want the title that eluded them last season. They want to finish what they started. And with Collier at her peak, Cheryl Reeve’s steady hand, and a roster that has already proven its championship mettle, Minnesota has every reason to believe this could be the year their pursuit comes full circle.
