Alanna Smith has established herself as a crucial part of the Minnesota Lynx by securing a clear role as a versatile defensive forward, blending her skills seamlessly in a championship-winning environment. Since joining the Lynx ahead of the 2024 season, Smith has thrived through strong support from the coaching staff and the camaraderie of a tight-knit team atmosphere.
Smith Embraces a Supportive Atmosphere and Defined Team Role
Signing a fully guaranteed two-year contract before the 2024 season, Smith has transitioned from an adaptable role player to a dependable two-way forward for Minnesota. She credits the Lynx organization for giving her a sense of belonging.
“It just felt like coming back home to family,”
Smith shared.
“Playing with people that care about you as a player on and off the court. And that you genuinely get along with, too. Every single person involved with the Lynx is great. I’ve had no issues, and I genuinely enjoy being around the team and staff. And it’s great basketball as well—you can’t really ask for much more.”
—Alanna Smith, Minnesota Lynx forward
Her growth was recognized with All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2024, as she played a pivotal role in helping Minnesota secure a spot in the WNBA Finals. Smith’s evolution continued into the 2025 season, where her offensive production and defensive impact have both reached new heights.
Offensive Expansion Fuels Lynx’s Scoring Threat
Starting the 2025 campaign, Smith is averaging 13.6 points, along with 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game, while shooting an impressive 59.6% from the floor and 47.8% beyond the three-point arc. Her increase to 4.6 attempted three-pointers per game—from 3.0 last year—underscores her growing confidence and efficiency as a shooter.
Smith explained the encouragement from the coaching staff:
“Cheryl told me at the start of the year she wanted me to shoot more threes,”
she said.
“And a player never doesn’t want to hear that.”
—Alanna Smith
This expanded shooting range complements the dominant presence of All-WNBA forward Napheesa Collier, who is posting MVP-caliber numbers with an average of 26.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. Their on-court chemistry has been key for the Lynx’s offensive rhythm.
Smith noted the dynamic with Collier:
“When you’re playing with someone like Phee, she’s the reason you’re able to get open shots,”
Smith remarked.
“Everyone’s so focused on her… But she’s unselfish too. She’ll give it up and pitch it out, which is what we need as a team.”
—Alanna Smith
Defensive Leadership Central to Lynx’s Identity
On defense, Smith anchors the team’s scheme with her versatility to guard multiple positions and provide reliable help defense. Whether switching onto quicker guards or protecting the paint, she delivers consistent, high-level defensive contributions vital to Minnesota’s success.
Smith described her defensive role, saying,
“There’s a couple of us that are the anchors of our defense, especially in help-side,”
she explained.
“That’s usually me. We’re a team that helps a lot, and being able to provide that every single game without fail is what’s most important.”
—Alanna Smith
Emerging as a Core Piece for a Championship-Caliber Team
Following a strong 30–10 record and a Finals appearance in 2024, the Lynx are well positioned for another serious postseason run. Smith has elevated her game steadily, improving her scoring and efficiency, while also continuing to be a defensive cornerstone.
Currently in her second season with Minnesota, Smith is showcasing the most efficient basketball of her career and appears set to remain with the team well into the future. With unrestricted free agency approaching in 2026, her established role and team chemistry suggest the Lynx will prioritize retaining her services.
Reflecting on her career progress, Smith added,
“As a player, you always want to be in a position where your game speaks for itself,”
she said.
“That’s all I’ve tried to do.”
—Alanna Smith
From protecting the rim to knocking down critical perimeter shots and providing veteran leadership, Smith delivers quietly and consistently. Her presence reinforces the Lynx’s trust-based culture and strengthens a roster built to contend for the WNBA title.