Minnesota Lynx was up 60-58 with less than six seconds remaining in 2024 Finals. Fans were already celebrating, ready to break the tie of four titles and finally sit alone on top with five. Confetti cannons probably had their fingers on the trigger. But then, disaster. A controversial call, two free throws, overtime, and… Liberty snatched it. Hearts were shattered. Dreams crushed. But you know that heartbreak lit a serious fire under this squad. They’re not just coming back, they’re storming back, and they’ve got a secret weapon this season no one else can match.
You see, most teams are busy piecing together new lineups. Connecticut Sun has none of the starters even returning this year. Then three’s Minnesota’s rock-solid core. Cheryl Reeve’s Lynx are rolling in with all their starting five: Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride, Alanna Smith, Bridget Carleton, and Courtney Williams.
And the players feel it too. Veteran guard Natisha Heideman, who’s gearing up for her second season with the Lynx, said it best during the training camp, “Our chemistry was so amazing last year that it’s kinda like the same vibe. Everything just feels natural and easy… We know each other, so it’s just about bringing the new people with us.” Exactly.
The Lynx aren’t starting from scratch. They’ve got almost their entire core locked in — Diamond Miller, Dorka Juhász, Natisha Heideman — all running it back. Plus, they re-signed veteran Jessica Shepard and brought in Marieme Badiane and Karlie Samuelson to beef up the roster.
Natisha Heideman on Training camp this year versus last year
“I think that our chemistry was so amazing last year that it’s kinda like the same vibe. Everything just feels natural and easy… so it’s just bringing in the new people with us”#lynxrevengetour pic.twitter.com/TdsjwQNZGf
— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) April 28, 2025
Sure, they might not have the flashiest names. But cohesion wins championships just as much as star power. It’s the same group that almost snatched the title last season. It’s the same battle-tested crew ready to finish what they started. They had a whole year for building the relationship and trust that we’ve seen translating to the court. Even Phee and Courtney Williams already built some extra offseason magic too, playing together at Unrivaled. So that vibe is stronger than ever.
Now, about the additions, Minnesota didn’t have a top pick this year. Instead of trying to force a fit, they made a very smart move. They traded their first-rounder for sole control of Chicago Sky’s pick next year — and that’s probably going to land a lot higher than No. 11. Still, they made some sneaky-good picks. At No. 15, they snagged Anastasiia Olairi Kosu, a 6’1 forward from Russia who just turned 20. She might stay overseas next season, but a “draft-and-stash” move is borderline genius for building long-term.
Then came Dalayah Daniels, a seasoned college player from Cal and Washington, who could seriously sneak onto the roster with her experience. And speaking of feel-good moments, the Lynx also drafted Aubrey Griffin near the end of the night. Sadly, Griffin didn’t make it to the training camp as she is undergoing treatment for an ACL tear, but you can bet she’ll be back strong.
Now, if you’re wondering where the Lynx stack up heading into 2025, they are one of the tops. Remember how last year the Las Vegas Aces entered the season as favorites after winning last year’s title, but it was the runner-up Liberty who dominated and eventually avenged their 2023 loss to Vegas.
That’s Minnesota this year. But they are heading after playing a much closer finals than the Liberty did against Las Vegas. But before all that, there’s a little roster business to settle.
Minnesota Lynx about to prioritize second group
With the starting five locked down, the Lynx’s next mission is shoring up their bench. It’s already looking super competitive. The next five spots are pretty much reserved for Heideman, Diamond Miller, Marieme Badiane, Karlie Samuelson, and Jessica Shepard.
But coach Reeve still hasn’t decided whether she’s rolling with an 11- or 12-player roster. Either way, the battle for the last couple of spots is on. Alissa Pili, last year’s first-round pick, is hustling hard to earn her keep. Kosu could shake things up too if she decides to join the party early.
Oh, and don’t forget about Dorka Juhász. We know that among Juhász and Shepard only one would make the cut. And then there’s Grace Berger. She’s not exactly the flashiest name, but her steady hands, ball movement, and facilitating could quietly become a huge deal for this team. “We want them to force us into a 12-player roster,” the head coach said. This is crucial especially now with Cecilia Zandalasini gone. The team lost her in Golden State expansion draft. Someone’s got to step up and fill that gap. Diamond Miller, in particular, could absolutely pop this year.
Oct 10, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Cheryl Reeve yells out instructions in the third quarter against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
After flashing star potential as a rookie (12.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists), injuries held her back in 2024. But if she’s healthy, she is the difference maker Lynx wants its bench to be.
So get ready. Minnesota’s got the heart, the chemistry, the hunger and they’re putting all the right pieces in place. Redemption’s not just a dream anymore. It’s a full-on mission. And this time, with everything clicking into place, they’re coming for that fifth title and history.
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