The Minnesota Lynx have flipped the script on every preseason prediction, storming to the top of the WNBA standings and defying expectations with a blend of grit, teamwork, and emerging stars. Heading into their June 4, 2026, matchup against the Golden State Valkyries, the Lynx stood at 7-2, riding a five-game winning streak and boasting the league’s best defensive rating along with the third-best offensive rating. That’s not just impressive—that’s downright astonishing, especially considering the hurdles they’ve faced since the offseason began.
Let’s rewind for a moment. The Lynx’s franchise cornerstone, Napheesa Collier, was sidelined after two ankle surgeries, with her return uncertain until at least early June. Add to that the loss of key contributors—Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, Natisha Hiedeman, Bridget Carleton, and DiJonai Carrington—who either left in free agency or were snagged in the expansion draft. Most pundits figured Minnesota would be lucky to keep their heads above water. Instead, they’re not just surviving; they’re thriving. How did this happen?
First, let’s talk defense. Under head coach Cheryl Reeve, the Lynx have always prided themselves on communication and collective effort. But this year’s squad has elevated those principles to new heights. The defensive numbers don’t lie: Minnesota’s opponents are shooting a league-low 43.72 percent effective field goal percentage. That’s not the product of a single elite rim protector or a lone perimeter stopper. It’s about five players moving in sync, rotating with precision, and contesting shots at the point of release. They shrink driving lanes, force tough decisions, and rarely gamble or overcommit.
What’s even more remarkable is how quickly this defensive identity has gelled, especially considering the roster turnover. Most teams with so many new faces would need time to get on the same page. Not so for the Lynx. As the stats show, they rank fifth in opponent turnovers per 100 possessions, a testament to the pressure they apply without taking unnecessary risks. Opposing offenses are coughing up the ball, making bad passes, and generally looking flustered against Minnesota’s relentless, connected defense.
On the offensive side, the story is just as compelling. Rookie Olivia Miles, the No. 2 overall pick out of TCU, has taken the reins at point guard with a poise that belies her age. She’s not out there trying to take over as the lead scorer—instead, she reads the game beautifully, keeps her teammates in their roles, and makes the smart, simple play before defenses can react. For a team that struggled last season in crunch time, her facilitation has been a breath of fresh air.
Miles’ ability to push the pace and make quick decisions in the halfcourt has kept the Lynx’s offense humming. The team ranks among the top three in offensive rating, and Miles is the conductor making sure everyone gets to their spots. Her presence has allowed the veterans to do what they do best, and the results speak for themselves.
Who’s cashing in on those opportunities? None other than Natasha Howard, who’s arguably been the Lynx’s best player—and maybe the most valuable player in the league—through the early going. Howard’s interior scoring, passing, rebounding, and switchable defense have made her the focal point of the Lynx attack, especially in Collier’s absence. She’s able to create her own shot, set up teammates, and anchor the defense when needed. That’s a tough combination for any opponent to handle.
Then there’s Nia Coffey, who’s quietly become one of the league’s best floor spacers. She’s knocking down threes at a rate that forces defenders to respect her all the way out to the arc, opening up driving lanes and making life easier for her teammates. Even more impressive? Coffey leads the league in blocked three-pointers and has been one of the top defenders in the WNBA this season. Her ability to stretch the floor on offense and lock down on defense has made her indispensable.
Let’s not forget Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams. These two are among the league’s best shooters, and their off-ball movement is a nightmare for defenses. Opponents spend entire possessions chasing McBride around screens and tracking Williams through handoffs, which opens up opportunities for everyone else. The Lynx’s offensive shot quality is elite—they lead the league with a 50.72 percent mark, according to Second Spectrum. That means they’re not just taking shots; they’re taking the right shots, in the right spots, time and again.
Of course, no system is without its potential weaknesses. The Lynx’s offense relies heavily on ball reversals and middle-of-the-floor actions to create space and driving angles. Against teams that can clog the paint and contest those reversal catches, things could bog down. That’s something to watch as the season unfolds and the competition gets stiffer. Will playoff opponents be able to exploit this stylistic quirk? Time will tell, but for now, Minnesota’s approach is working wonders.
And what happens when Napheesa Collier returns? That’s a good problem for Cheryl Reeve to have. Integrating a superstar back into a team that’s already firing on all cylinders isn’t easy, but it’s the kind of challenge every coach dreams of. With Collier’s return on the horizon, the Lynx could get even stronger as the season progresses.
Meanwhile, the June 4 matchup against the Golden State Valkyries was billed as one of the toughest early-season tests for Minnesota. The Valkyries came in with a 6-3 record, 2-1 on the road, and plenty of confidence. The game, broadcast live on Prime Video from Target Center in Minneapolis, was a measuring-stick contest for both squads—especially with Commissioner’s Cup implications on the line. The Lynx were favored, thanks to their five-game winning streak and their status as one of the league’s early title contenders.
Fans tuning in were treated to a battle between two teams with championship aspirations. For Minnesota, each win without Collier cements their reputation as the surprise powerhouse of the 2026 season. For Golden State, it was a chance to see just how far they’ve come and how much further they need to go to reach the league’s elite.
As the season continues, the Lynx’s remarkable start is turning heads across the league. With a suffocating defense, a balanced and efficient offense, and a roster that’s bought in from top to bottom, Minnesota is making believers out of doubters—and they’re not done yet. The return of Collier looms as a potential game-changer, but for now, the Lynx are proving that teamwork, resilience, and a little bit of swagger can go a long way in the WNBA.
With their biggest test yet underway and the promise of even more firepower to come, the Minnesota Lynx have set the stage for what could be a truly special season. The rest of the league has been put on notice: this team is for real, and they’re only getting started.