Lynx’s Trust in Coach Fuels Title Hunt After Game 2 Loss

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The Minnesota Lynx maintain high hopes for a league-record fifth WNBA title, driven by the honest and sometimes contentious relationship between head coach Cheryl Reeve and point guard Courtney Williams. This dynamic is crucial as they prepare to bounce back from a tough Game 2 loss in the WNBA semifinals against the Phoenix Mercury.

Last week, Reeve and Alanna Smith reflected on their experiences during a celebration at Target Center, marking the expansion of their competitive roster. Reeve acknowledged the importance of players stepping up, highlighting a notable moment involving Williams. “We’re still working on standout days,” she said with a smile, teasing the veteran.

The straightforward connection between Williams and Reeve is a key factor in their postseason success and teamwork. “We both are straight shooters,” Williams stated. “She’s going to tell me the truth, I’m going to tell her the truth. So it works.”

Williams, 31, has played for several teams before joining the Lynx but formed a strong rapport with Reeve while at a Team USA camp in 2022. This connection blossomed into trust, allowing Reeve to coach Williams candidly. “She’s called me Dory because I keep forgetting missed shots and keep shooting,” Williams remarked.

The Lynx pursued Williams during free agency, and she embraced Reeve’s challenge to step into the role of point guard, showcasing her adaptability during preseason scrimmages. “Right place, right time,” commented assistant coach Eric Thibault. “Maybe it was the right time in her career to make the switch.”

Despite a solid performance in Game 2, where Williams scored 20 points with nine assists, turnovers plagued the team, contributing to their downfall. Reeve was direct in addressing these mistakes postgame. “I can show you four turnovers right now that had nothing to do with Phoenix,” she stated.

Miami’s star Napheesa Collier noted the team’s frustration but remains optimistic, stressing the importance of moving forward. “We need to go to Phoenix and take care of business,” Collier said. The Lynx now face a significant challenge against the Mercury, aiming to regain momentum in the series.

As the Lynx prepare for Game 3, they hold immense potential for a comeback, leveraging their veteran experience and Reeve’s coaching. With everything at stake, the team knows they must rise to the occasion to keep their championship dream alive.