Despite being without their offensive talisman, Napheesa Collier, the Minnesota Lynx got off to a scintillating start to the WNBA season. And on her return, the Lynx looked unstoppable as Olivia Miles continued to devastate any opponent who stood in their way. However, the championship is a marathon and not a sprint; now, after three consecutive losses, head coach Cheryl Reeve must find a way to halt the slide before the postseason begins.
From afar, all appears well in Minnesota. The franchise sits at the summit of the WNBA standings with 31 wins and 10 defeats. Olivia Miles' sensational first year in the league has made her the standalone candidate for Rookie of the Year, while Napheesa Collier seems unfazed by the double ankle surgery she underwent just a few months ago.
Nevertheless, recent results would suggest that there is more to be concerned about for Cheryl Reeve. Three consecutive defeats have the potential to shake the sturdy foundations the Lynx had built in the opening months of the 2026 season.
Lynx can't afford to continue this worrying trend
A regular-season record means nothing come the postseason. There is no denying that clinching the top overall seed puts a team in good stead for the playoffs, but a championship run requires more than this. Both luck and momentum are essential for a team to win top honours; Minnesota desperately needs both.
With just three fixtures remaining in the regular season, the Lynx don't have much time to correct the mistakes they are currently making. While the Connecticut Sun should present a good opportunity to regain some poise, another off-night could instill fear in the hearts of the players, leaving the roster in a tough position.
After the Sun, Minnesota must match up with an Indiana Fever team for the two remaining games on the schedule. This is a fixture that has no guarantees of a much-needed victory. Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell have had fantastic seasons in their own right, and believe their clinical partnership can propel the Fever to a championship.
Back-to-back meetings with Indiana could hold the key to the Lynx's entire season. Two victories would instill a swagger in the team that they possess more than enough quality to sweep aside fellow contenders. On the other hand, two defeats could derail everything they have impressively built over the course of the year.
If anybody can put the Lynx back on track, it is the legendary Cheryl Reeve. However, momentum is significant in the playoffs; if Minnesota fails to rekindle the magic that put them in pole position in the WNBA standings, their season could already be over.
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