The Minnesota Lynx have started this season on a mission, chasing a league record fifth title. After losing the decisive Game 5 in the WNBA Finals last October, it’s clear Minnesota is ready to return. Already tied for the most successful franchise in league history, a fifth championship banner would put them in a class above the rest. So far, their journey has been unobstructed, a perfect 8-0 start to the season. So, how did they get here?
Lynx Star Napheesa Collier Wins Award as Team Closes in on League Record
M-V-Phee?
They are led by Napheesa Collier, a four-time All-Star and the 2024 MVP runner-up. After Caitlin Clark went down earlier this season with an injury, Collier jumped to the top of the odds for MVP. She leads the league in scoring at 25.1 points per game, ranks fourth in steals, and ninth in blocks. Her combination of scoring skill and defensive prowess (she won Defensive Player of the Year last season) makes her a two-way talent that is only rivaled by fellow forward A’ja Wilson. Collier’s domination, paired with Minnesota’s perfect record, earned her the title of Western Conference Player of the Month. She has staked her claim as the best player in the world. It’s hard to see anyone who could challenge her.
🏀 @Kia Players of the Month 🏀
Allisha Gray: Eastern Conference
21.4 PPG, 5.1 RPG, and 4.6 APG (Team Record: 5-2)Napheesa Collier: Western Conference
26.8 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3.0 APG (Team Record: 6-0)#KiaPOTM | #WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/ftM1leR5yQ— WNBA (@WNBA) June 4, 2025
Collier’s Teammates Stepping Up
Although ‘Phee’ is leading the charge, Minnesota’s roster is full of overachievers. Alanna Smith is having a breakout season, shooting a career high 50% from deep, and trailing only Wilson for most blocks per game. Veteran guard and emotional leader Courtney Williams has been on fire, averaging a career-best 6.3 assists per game while chipping in nearly 14 points as well. Kayla McBride, the Lynx’s second-best player last season, missed the first four games this year due to personal reasons, but has returned with a vengeance. Her 16 points per game rank second on the team, and she has knocked down 52.4% of her triples. The team’s chances to return to the WNBA Finals look promising. This time, they hope to take home the crown. It’s been eight years since Minnesota won a ring, and this prestigious franchise doesn’t want to wait any longer. You couldn’t script a better first month of the season. But it’s a long season, and other contenders see this as their year too. Collier has to continue to lead from the front. If she can do that, the Lynx might just return to glory and set a new record for franchise titles.
Lynx Look to Break Own Record
Two teams are currently undefeated, both of last season’s finalists. Minnesota’s 8-0 start has been nearly matched by the New York Liberty, who have won all seven of their contests. Both have a chance at setting a WNBA record for wins to start a season, set in 2016 by the Lynx. That team won 13 straight games to kick off their title defense, but came up short in the playoffs. If Minnesota wants to equal or best its own record, it won’t be easy. Amongst some games against inferior opponents sits a battle with Wilson and the Aces. That marquee matchup is going to be a big test for Minnesota. If they want to set themselves apart from the rest of the league, games against teams like Las Vegas will help them determine where they could improve even further.
Featured image: © Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
