NFL
While it has only been four games for this new-look Minnesota Lynx team, we’ve already learned a lot about the group early in the season. There have been several positives, including the team’s depth and the emergence of a talented rookie capable of handling major minutes in key moments. However, there are also areas the Lynx must improve, particularly on the defensive end and in building chemistry with a roster featuring several new faces.
Still, despite the early growing pains, this team has the potential to develop into one of the more dangerous teams in the WNBA as the season progresses.
The Lynx Are Still Learning Each Other
One of the biggest early takeaways is that this team is still building chemistry. While that has been noticeable at times, it is understandable considering the amount of change on the roster. From drafting rookie Olivia Miles to adding hometown native Nia Coffey and veteran forward Natasha Howard, Minnesota has added several important pieces to an already experienced core.
With those additions, the Lynx are still figuring out rotations, timing, and how to execute together, especially late in games.
Veteran guard Kayla McBride mentioned following the team’s loss to the Chicago Sky that the Lynx are still working to get on the same page, particularly in crunch-time situations. Early in the season, the lack of chemistry has occasionally shown through defensive miscommunication and offensive possessions that appear out of sync.
Still, for a team integrating several new pieces, these struggles are expected — especially without superstar Napheesa Collier available while she recovers from offseason ankle surgeries. What should encourage Lynx fans is that this team does not look close to being a finished product and has already shown the ability to compete with and beat strong teams like the Atlanta Dream.
Olivia Miles Looks WNBA Ready
One of the biggest positives surrounding this new-look Lynx team has been the play of rookie guard Olivia Miles.
Through just four games, Miles has already shown how comfortable she looks at the professional level. The rookie has displayed the ability to analyze possessions, make excellent reads in the pick-and-roll, and make quick decisions beyond her years.
She is also already logging more than 30 minutes per game, including key late-game minutes with the outcome on the line. Throughout the opening stretch of the season, Miles has showcased her elite passing ability by consistently finding teammates for open shots in clutch moments while also making impactful defensive plays.
If these first four games are any indication, Minnesota may have found another cornerstone piece for the future.
The Defense Has to Improve
While there have been plenty of positives offensively, the biggest concern early in the season has been the defense.
So far, the Lynx have allowed every opponent they’ve faced to score at least 84 points. At times, the defensive rotations and transition defense have struggled badly, while opposing guards have consistently found success getting downhill against Minnesota’s defense.
Following Sunday’s loss to the Sky, head coach Cheryl Reeve pointed directly to the team’s fouling issues. Reeve mentioned postgame that fouling was an area the coaching staff emphasized before the game and ultimately believed could cost the Lynx.
That concern became evident against Chicago, as the Sky attempted 25 free throws and converted 20 of them during their comeback victory.
Clean defense has been an issue for Minnesota early in the season, with fouling becoming the team’s biggest problem defensively. Through the first four games, the Lynx are averaging 23.7 fouls per game. In Sunday’s matchup alone, three Lynx players finished with four fouls or more.
Even Reeve acknowledged the issue has been present since training camp.
“We’ve fouled since training camp,” Reeve stated following the loss.
Again, it is still very early in the season, but improving defensively remains an area that must be addressed quickly if the Lynx want to consistently compete against the league’s top teams.
The effort has been there, but the execution has not always followed. As the season progresses, Minnesota’s ability to clean up defensive lapses, foul less, and improve late-game communication could ultimately determine how high this team’s ceiling can be.
Final Thoughts
While the Minnesota Lynx are still very much a work in progress just four games into the season, there are already plenty of encouraging signs.
The chemistry is still developing and should continue improving over time. Meanwhile, the emergence of Olivia Miles and the contributions from several new additions suggest this roster may have more potential than many expected entering the season.
If the Lynx can continue building chemistry while tightening up defensively, this opening stretch may eventually be remembered as the early foundation of a dangerous team later in the season.
