The Minnesota Lynx are heading into the 2025 WNBA Finals as the best team in the league by all metrics that count, and they've been playing at that level all season long. The team is heavily favored to win the Championship this season, and they have every tool at their disposal to make it happen — but will have to be very mindful of the same flaw that in part cost them the trophy last year: the team's size played a role in their loss, and they haven't grown since then.
The Lynx battled the New York Liberty for the Championship in 2024 and ultimately lost it in the fifth game of the Finals run. While the team disputed the last game's officiating, that loss seemed to spur the team to the level of success they've enjoyed this year.
Apart from arguments about officiating, the Lynx also had to contend with the fact that the Liberty were (and still are) a physically larger team. While it's commendable that the Lynx saw the return of every starter from last season, they've learned this year that teams with more size can cause big problems.
While the Lynx are unlikely to struggle through their first-round matches against the Golden State Valkyries, the Atlanta Dream could bring Minnesota to its knees if the two teams meet before a Finals run. Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner — who are 6'3" and 6'9" respectively — helped Atlanta beat Minnesota twice the year. The pair have also led the Dream to what could end up being a historic postseason run as well — something the Lynx can ill afford to let happen.
Of course, size is pretty much the only flaw the Lynx have to contend with, which sets them up for a pretty spectacular postseason experience if they keep playing the way they have been. Napheesa Collier is on a mission of her own as she continues to prove why she deserves to be a name in the MVP conversation, and Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, Alanna Smith, Bridget Carleton, and Natisha Hiedeman round out a depth that hasn't been easily matched by any other team.
The first round of the playoffs will kick off on Sunday, September 14, and the Lynx are set to host the Golden State Valkyries at the Target Center in Minneapolis before traveling to San Jose, California, where the second game will be played at the SAP Center.