The Minnesota Lynx rejoice following their 94-89 victory over the New York Liberty to claim the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup at UBS Arena. (Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports)
Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve delivered a powerful message to her team before their first Commissioner’s Cup championship game: Win, and the basketball world will have to recognize you as serious contenders for the WNBA title.
After securing a hard-fought 94-89 victory against the New York Liberty, Reeve proudly wore a championship hat for the first time since 2017, signaling the Lynx's return to the spotlight.
This season, the Lynx started as underdogs amidst high-profile teams like New York and Las Vegas, who boasted star-studded rosters from the previous WNBA Finals. Teams like Seattle and Phoenix also made waves with major signings, while others like Indiana, Chicago, and Los Angeles gained attention with top draft picks.
However, Minnesota, once a WNBA powerhouse with four championships in seven years, found themselves fighting to prove their relevance again. Winning the Commissioner’s Cup, a victory sealed by a stellar defensive effort against New York, validated their resurgence. Historically, teams that perform well in the Cup often secure top playoff seeds—a trend the Lynx hope to continue.
"It’s a testament to our season," remarked Napheesa Collier, MVP of the Commissioner’s Cup game. "We’ve built great chemistry, and on any given night, any one of us can step up."
Collier, along with Bridget Carleton, led the charge in the championship game with impressive performances, showcasing the Lynx's depth and resilience. Carleton’s sharpshooting, including six three-pointers, was instrumental in thwarting New York’s efforts to seize momentum.
Coach Reeve highlighted her team’s unity and belief in each other, emphasizing how they responded to every challenge New York posed. Despite facing off against formidable stars like Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart, the Lynx’s collective effort on both ends of the court made the difference.
Defensively, Minnesota’s strategy paid off, despite New York’s strong three-point shooting early on. The Lynx lead the league in three-point defense and capitalized on turnovers to maintain their edge throughout the game.
Looking ahead, the Lynx aim to build on their success in the Commissioner’s Cup. With impressive victories against top teams like New York, Seattle, Phoenix, and Las Vegas, they have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the WNBA.
As the season progresses, Minnesota remains focused on maintaining their momentum and proving themselves as legitimate contenders for the WNBA championship. The Commissioner’s Cup victory serves as both a milestone and a springboard for their ambitions in the remainder of the season.
