Season In Review: Minnesota Lynx


As the end of 2021 draws near, WNBA.com is wrapping up this 25th season by recapping each team’s season. Take a look back at notable contributors and season highlights with the 2021 Season In Review. Next up is the Minnesota Lynx.

Overview:

After missing the Finals last season, Head Coach and General Manager Cheryl Reeve searched for players in free agency that could get her team over the hump. The last time the Lynx were in the Finals was when they won the Championship in 2017. Reeve strengthened her roster by signing Natalie Achonwa, Kayla McBride, and Aerial Powers this off-season.

However, the team’s chemistry did not come as quickly as Reeve’s hoped. The team opened the season quite rocky: going on a four-game losing streak. Additionally, the team dealt with many injuries, including Achonwa and Powers, both sitting out for a significant portion of the season.

However, one positive that came out of the situation was signing 2017 All-Star Layshia Clarendon to fill a much-needed guard role. Clarendon became a major spark for the Lynx. Their addition with another efficient season from Napheesa Collier and a monster season from Lynx’s centerpiece Sylvia Fowles kick-started the Lynx’s success. The Lynx finished third in paint points and ranked fourth in defensive rating.  Sylvia Fowles, who led the Lynx on the defensive end, was named the Defensive Player of the Year. With the team’s chemistry flowing, the Lynx went on an 8-game win streak and finished the season winning 9 out of 10 games to finish with a 22-10 record. Minnesota secured the No.3 seed and a bye heading into the Playoffs.

In the second round of the Playoffs, the Lynx were defeated by the soon-to-be WNBA Champions, the Chicago Sky, 89-76.

This off-season will be busy for the Lynx and Reeve. Collier will miss at least some of the season due to pregnancy. Additionally, with a few core members projected as free agents, Reeve will look to make big moves as the search for another title continues.

Top Contributors:

Sylvia Fowles

In her 14th season, Sylvia Fowles had one of the best seasons in her career, ranking second in the WNBA in both steals (1.81 SPG) and blocked shots (1.81 BPG) and finished third in defensive rebounds (8.0 DRPG).  The 6-6 center averaged 16.0 points and 10.1 rebounds and shot a WNBA-high 64.0% from the field. Fowles, as always, dominated the paint and was the engine for an injury-stricken team, helping the Lynx hold opponents to 32.8 points per game in the paint. Fowles was awarded Defensive Player of the Year (4th DPOTY award) for her efforts. On Aug 24th vs. Seattle, Fowles had a monster performance dropping 29 points and 20 rebounds.

Napheesa Collier

In just her third season, Napheesa Collier led the Lynx in scoring with 16.2 points. The Lynx’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the contributions of the 6-1 forward, who ranked 13th in the WNBA in points, 16th in rebounds, and 9th in blocks. On July 11th, Collier tied her career-high of 27 points to go with seven rebounds to lead the Lynx’s to their seventh straight win.

Layshia Clarendon

Layshia Clarendon’s season did not start the way they had expected. After being waved by the New York Liberty, Clarendon was picked up by the Lynx, who desperately needed another guard with Powers out. It did not take long for the 2017 All-Star to impact the Lynx, averaging 10.4 points and 5.7 assists per game. They were a major spark for the Lynx and showed the team why they signed them. On June 25th while facing the Las Vegas Aces, Clarendon dropped a season-high 20 points.

Season Highlights:

Sylvia Fowles Named Defensive Player of the Year

Sylvia Fowles was named the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year for the fourth time in her career.

Lynx 8-Game Win Streak

After a disappointing start to the season, the Lynx bounced back winning 8 games in a row against the Dream, Wings, Sparks, and the Aces, and the Mercury twice. Their longest win streak since 2006.

Sylvia Fowles Named to the W25

4x Champion and 2017 MVP, Sylvia Fowles was named to the W25, a list celebrating the 25 greatest players in WNBA history. Assistant Coach, Katie Smith was also honored on the list.

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