Skidding into the FIBA World Cup break on simply its second shedding streak of the season left the WNBA-leading Minnesota Lynx barely on edge.
Or does “ravenously on guard” sound extra optimistic?
Both approach, “once we get again to work, we’ve bought issues to work on,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve mentioned.
That’s as a result of this uncommon Minnesota slide has coincided with a surge from the Golden State Valkyries, who denied the Lynx an opportunity to clinch home-court benefit all through the playoffs with a gutty, 77-66 victory on Aug. 24.
Golden State’s first win in opposition to Minnesota in 10 tries since becoming a member of the “W” in 2025 actually infused intrigue into the ultimate 4 video games of the 2026 marketing campaign.
Regardless of the droop, the break may very well be coming at an agreeable time for Minnesota, whilst numerous gamers put together to signify the USA, Australia, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Spain.
As soon as play resumes on Sept. 17, the Lynx want any mixture of two wins or Valkyries losses to earn home-court for the postseason. Final week’s loss to Golden State and Sunday’s highway defeat in Atlanta confirmed that Minnesota have to be mightier when issues get bodily, although.
“We’re being guarded in a approach that ought to be unlawful,” Reeve mentioned, “however we’re not placing the referees able to make them see it, so you’ll be able to’t fade away.”
As a large phase of the roster heads abroad, a world competitors solely can sharpen gamers’ focus whereas reinforcing the urgency of the stretch run.
Whereas she doesn’t lack seasoning, Lynx star Napheesa Collier, who missed a lot of the season recovering from surgical procedure on each ankles, figures to profit from enjoying for Workforce USA.
“I’m nonetheless coming again, however I have to do higher, too,” Collier mentioned. “It’s going to be bodily. It’s going to be bodily within the playoffs.”
The common season isn’t at all times a picnic, both, and presents a welcome shot of respite for some Lynx not within the event.
Minnesota rookie level guard Olivia Miles has navigated numerous accidents in latest weeks and collided with a cameraman late in Sunday’s recreation in Atlanta. She went down on the baseline and finally walked again underneath her personal energy.
Courtney Williams returned after lacking the showdown with the Valkyries with a midfoot sprain and will get the prospect for added relaxation.
However Golden State will recharge, too, and is sending simply 4 gamers to the World Cup. What’s extra, the Valkyries’ remaining opponents – Portland twice, Los Angeles and Seattle – every have been eradicated from playoff rivalry and convey a collective .325 successful share (39-81) into the break.
Minnesota has a go to to 10-win Connecticut on the docket however in any other case will face foes jockeying for residence court docket within the first spherical. The Lynx host the New York Liberty popping out of the break earlier than ending with a home-and-home in opposition to the Indiana Fever.
Talking after Sunday’s win at Portland that capped a 4-1 highway journey, Golden State ahead Kayla Thornton mentioned: “We simply talked about that within the locker room, ensuring (we) don’t go on this break and do nothing, however be sure you do what you want.
“We’ve bought to come back again as a result of, you already know, these subsequent 4 video games after World Cup are very important heading into playoffs.”
The Lynx aren’t able to disagree. They know what they need to do to maintain their perch. Now comes almost three weeks to replicate – and work.
