24
Oct
4 min read
Minnesota Lynx WNBA Profile: Five things you need to know
- 4 WNBA Championships in 7 years (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017)
- 7 Western Conference titles between 2011-2024
- First WNBA team with all 5 starters scoring 14+ points, 4+ rebounds, and 1+ 3-pointers in a single game (2024)
The Minnesota Lynx are one of the most successful franchises in WNBA history, dominating the league with four championships and seven conference titles between 2011-2024.
Overview
The Minnesota Lynx emerged as a WNBA powerhouse in the 2010s, establishing themselves as one of the greatest dynasties in league history. Led by a core group of stars including Maya Moore, Seimone Augustus, Lindsay Whalen, and Sylvia Fowles, the Lynx captured four championships in a seven-year span from 2011 to 2017.
Their sustained excellence and team-first culture set the standard for success in the WNBA.
Australians who have played for the Minnesota Lynx
Alanna Smith: Born in Hobart, Tasmania, Smith signed a two-year deal with the Lynx in February 2024. Known for her versatility as a forward/centre, she has been a significant contributor to the team's success. Smith also represented Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics, showcasing her international experience.
Team History
Founded in 1999 as an expansion team, the Lynx struggled in their early years before breaking through in 2011. The addition of Maya Moore as the #1 overall draft pick that year propelled Minnesota to new heights. Under head coach Cheryl Reeve, the Lynx built a juggernaut around Moore, Augustus, Whalen, and Rebekkah Brunson.
The Lynx won their first WNBA title in 2011, defeating the Atlanta Dream. They would go on to win championships in 2013, 2015, and 2017 as well. During this dominant run, the Lynx made the WNBA Finals six times in seven years from 2011-2017. Their four titles tied the now-defunct Houston Comets for the most in WNBA history.
The Lynx dynasty of the 2010s was the powerhouse in the WNBA. Their unselfish, balanced style of play and defensive intensity set them apart. The Lynx showed how a true team-first approach could consistently triumph over individual star power. They also demonstrated remarkable consistency, making the playoffs for eight straight seasons from 2011-2018.
Beyond their on-court success, the Lynx were trailblazers off the court as well. They used their platform to advocate for social justice causes, setting an example for athlete activism. The team's sustained excellence and positive culture helped grow the WNBA's popularity and respect nationwide.
The Minnesota Lynx earn their place among the greatest teams in WNBA history through their dynastic run of four championships in seven years. Their combination of individual talent and team chemistry was unmatched. The Lynx's core group of Moore, Augustus, Whalen, and Fowles formed one of the most formidable lineups the league has ever seen.
What sets the Lynx apart is not just their titles, but how they won them. Their team-first mentality and balanced attack made them incredibly difficult to game-plan against. On any given night, a different Lynx player could take over the game. This unselfish approach allowed Minnesota to sustain their success even as other teams rose and fell around them.The Lynx's impact extended beyond just wins and losses. They helped elevate the level of play across the entire WNBA, forcing other teams to improve to keep pace. Their style of play and team culture became the gold standard that other franchises sought to emulate.
Five Fast Facts
- The Lynx won 4 WNBA championships in a 7-year span from 2011-2017
- Minnesota made the WNBA Finals 6 times in 7 years from 2011-2017
- The Lynx set a WNBA record with a 37-0 scoring run against Indiana in 2017
- Four Lynx players (Moore, Augustus, Whalen, Brunson) made the 2011 All-Star team
- The Lynx won the 2024 Commissioner's Cup championship
Team Highlights Timeline
2011: Win first WNBA championship, defeating Atlanta Dream
2013: Capture second WNBA title, again over Atlanta
2015: Win third championship in five years, beating Indiana Fever
2017: Claim fourth title, tying Houston Comets' WNBA record
2018: Make playoffs for eighth consecutive season
2024: Win first Commissioner's Cup championship
2024: Lose to the New York Liberty in the WNBA Finals 3-2
The Minnesota Lynx's incredible run of success in the 2010s cements their legacy as one of the greatest dynasties in WNBA history. Their four championships, seven conference titles, and consistent excellence make them a model franchise whose impact on women's basketball will be felt for years to come. From Maya Moore's brilliance to Lindsay Whalen's leadership, the Lynx embodied team basketball at its finest.
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