Lynx Can Clinch WNBA Top Seed Friday
Lynx Can Clinch WNBA Top Seed Friday
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Key Points
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Minnesota’s title prospects are notable given the roster turnover: the Lynx lost Bridget Carleton, Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, Natisha Hiedeman and DiJonai Carrington in free agency, yet opened the season with only the league’s fifth-best championship odds.
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Rookie Olivia Miles, the No. 2 overall pick in April, averaged 20.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 6.2 assists through Minnesota’s 31-7 start, while shooting 50.1% from the field and 40.4% from three-point range.
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The Lynx have been especially strong away from home, compiling a 17-3 road record; they also went 2-1 against Las Vegas and 3-1 against Golden State during the regular season.
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Las Vegas, the defending champion, will finish the season without starting forward NaLyssa Smith, who suffered a left-leg injury and was ruled out for the year after averaging 11.7 points and 6.4 rebounds in 38 starts.
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Minnesota’s current run has drawn comparisons to its 2017 championship team: veteran Natasha Howard returned to the Lynx this season as a free agent and earned All-Star honors, 10 seasons after helping the franchise win its fourth title alongside Sylvia Fowles, Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen and Seimone Augustus.
The Minnesota Lynx can lock up the WNBA's No. 1 seed Friday against the New York Liberty with any combination of two wins and a Golden State Valkyries loss. Minnesota sits 31-9 after a three-week break for the FIBA World Cup, with Swish Appeal ranking them among the league's top contenders ahead of the September 24 regular-season finale.
Rookie Olivia Miles has emerged as a centerpiece for the Lynx, averaging 20.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 6.2 assists while shooting 50.1% from the field and 40.4% from three-point range. Despite losing five rotation players to free agency in the offseason, Minnesota opened the season as a title favorite and has compiled a dominant 17-3 road record.
Lynx Pursue Championship With Rebuilt Roster
Minnesota's success this season is notable given significant roster turnover. The Lynx lost Bridget Carleton, Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, Natisha Hiedeman and DiJonai Carrington in free agency, yet still acquired veteran Natasha Howard as a free agent. Howard earned All-Star honors and has drawn comparisons to Minnesota's 2017 championship team alongside Sylvia Fowles, Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen and Seimone Augustus.
The Lynx have shown particularly strong performances on the road with a 17-3 record away from home. Bleacher Report noted that despite preseason expectations placing them outside the favorite's circle, Minnesota has established itself as the league leader heading into the final week of play.
Golden State Remains Two Games Back in Standings
The Valkyries trail Minnesota by two games in the standings but face a favorable schedule against opponents with a combined 39-81 record. Golden State has gone 0-3 against the Lynx this season, making a late surge to catch Minnesota increasingly difficult as the regular season winds down.
Las Vegas Aces and Golden State remain the closest title challengers in sportsbook markets, according to Swish Appeal. The defending champion Aces will finish without starting forward NaLyssa Smith, who suffered a left-leg injury and was ruled out for the year after averaging 11.7 points and 6.4 rebounds.
Playoff Picture Nearly Set With Seeding Still Fluid
All eight playoff teams have already qualified for the postseason. However, seeding remains unsettled as teams jostle for position ahead of the final regular-season game. Best-of-three first-round series begin September 27, just three days after the season concludes.
Atlanta and Indiana are positioned near the top of the playoff field alongside the title contenders. The New York Liberty, meanwhile, have fallen sharply from preseason expectations and will not secure a top seed. CBS Sports covered Minnesota's recent performances as the Lynx prepare for their crucial final stretch of games.
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