The 2024 WNBA Finals were a heartbreak for the Minnesota Lynx. In a tense Game 5, they lost in overtime to the New York Liberty. Coach Cheryl Reeve called it a game “stolen” from them. A controversial foul on Alanna Smith sent Breanna Stewart to the line. Stewart’s free throws tied the game and gave New York the edge. The loss, of course, stung, especially after Collier’s standout performance. It left a bitter taste that wouldn’t fade.
Collier, who led all scorers with 22 points in that deciding Game 5, had been the engine behind Minnesota’s offense. But the officiating decisions poured cold water all over her efforts. The emotional toll was clear when she admitted that the loss was one she’d “never get over.” It wasn’t just about the game; it was the feeling of being denied a fair shot at the title they had fought so hard for.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Lynx are back in training camp, their memories of the painful 2024 season still fresh. Collier’s motivation is palpable. As practice kicked off, she spoke with fire, determined to use that heartache as fuel: “No one is going to feel sorry for us. We don’t feel sorry for ourselves… it’s just a feeling you don’t wanna feel again.”
Phee was asked about Game 5 of the ‘24 Finals again:
“No one is going to feel sorry for us. We don’t feel sorry for ourselves… it’s just a feeling you don’t wanna feel again, so making sure we’re coming in every day, starting today, with good energy.. The coaches were telling… pic.twitter.com/b2aGpLMPnr
— Vanshay Murdock (@VanshayM) April 28, 2025
Earlier, even Coach Cheryl Reeve echoed this sentiment with fierce determination, refusing to let the injustices of the past define her team’s future. “All the headlines will be, ‘Reeve cries foul.’ Bring it on,” she said, boldly confronting the controversy surrounding the officiating. She made it clear that despite everything, she and her team weren’t backing off. “These guys shot 30% [from the floor]. Shot 30%,” Reeve said, calling out the discrepancy in free throws and fouls. “The difference was in the foul line.”
Reeve continued, reinforcing her belief that the Lynx did things the right way and deserved better. “We gave hope to those teams that aren’t willing to circumvent the cap or fly illegally or all the stuff that’s happened over the last five years,”
Maybe it stung even more because it was the second time. Late in a tight game 5 of the 2016 WNBA finals, the LA Sparks scored after the shot clock expired. The bucket was counted, with the officials refusing to review it then. While they later did admit, it didn’t matter anymore—the damage was done. The Lynx were left with the bitter taste of what could have been. So, yes, as per many, the team should ideally have six titles.
But as Collier explained, the Lynx have always used these painful losses as fuel. “The coaches were telling us… about how they lost in a heartbreaker in 2016 and they used that to fuel them for 2017. That’s the story that we want to have for this year,” she said. That mentality — to use pain and disappointment as motivation for future success — has been the foundation of their resilience.
In 2017, the Lynx bounced back from the heartbreaking 2016 Finals loss to win their fourth WNBA title. Coach Reeve had predicted that a five-game series against the Sparks would be key, and she was spot on. Sylvia Fowles earned Finals MVP honors, while Rebekkah Brunson set the record for most championships in WNBA history. The 2017 victory proved that the Lynx could rise stronger after tough luck. Now, Collier and her teammates are determined to repeat the story of vengeance.
As the 2025 season approaches, that sense of unfairness — coupled with the lessons learned from past defeats — will undoubtedly drive the Lynx forward. They’re determined to make this year their story, and that has already begun with their training camp.
Napheesa Collier’s Coach Gears Up for a Stronger W Season
“Our starting point is different,” Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said on the first day of her training camp. And that’s true. While the ultimate expectation remains the same, their success won’t be defined by it. And that’s why her grand plan excludes just focusing on the grand championship. With a core group returning and new talent added, the Lynx are not starting from scratch—they’re building on the momentum of the previous season’s success.
Where she wants to start is where they left off in terms of confidence last season. “They believed in what they did together,” Reeve said. “So now, this year, that’s our starting place. Instead of trying to figure it out, that’s our starting place. Expectations, for sure. Our starting place is ahead of last year.”
As training camp opens, the competition for roster spots is fierce. Up to 10 spots are likely secured, but players like first-round pick Alissa Pili and versatile guard Grace Berger will be fighting for a place. However, Reeve has challenged her team to “force us into a 12-player roster.” Who do you think will pass with flying colors?
The post Napheesa Collier Buried Past Yet Did Not Forget It Completely as She Makes Bold Admission Ahead of WNBA Season appeared first on EssentiallySports.
