The Minnesota Lynx, holding an impressive 28-5 record as of August 2025, are solidly positioned to secure the No. 1 seed for the postseason. Their success has continued even after star forward Napheesa Collier was sidelined with a sprained right ankle, missing the past four games. Amid the uncertainty surrounding Collier’s health, the team has managed to sustain its momentum, highlighting the Lynx’s resilience and depth this season.
While many teams would struggle losing an MVP-level player at such a crucial point, the Lynx have won nine of their last ten games without Collier. Courtney Williams has stepped up her offensive contributions, Alanna Smith has provided stability on defense, and the bench has delivered essential scoring. However, the most consistent praise has gone to head coach Cheryl Reeve, whose leadership is increasingly recognized as a key factor in the Lynx’s ongoing success.
Cheryl Reeve’s exceptional leadership credited for Lynx’s winning streak
Cheryl Reeve, who has coached the Minnesota Lynx since 2009, already holds franchise records for total wins and winning percentage, as well as maintaining the highest winning percentage in <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/wnba/”>WNBA history. Her ability to guide the Lynx through adversity has sparked debate about her candidacy for the 2025 Coach of the Year award. Sports journalist Lolo Byke recently asked on social media whether Minnesota’s strong performance without Collier weakens the player’s MVP chances or enhances Reeve’s chances to win Coach of the Year.
Does Minnesota playing well w/o Phee hurt her MVP case or does it strengthen Cheryl’s COY chances more?
—Lolo Byke, National Reporter
The conversation highlights Reeve’s central role in keeping the Lynx competitive and focused, regardless of injuries. She remains a top contender alongside coaches Karl Smesko and Natalie Nakase for the Coach of the Year honor in 2025. Reeve’s strategic expertise and deep bench management have sustained Minnesota’s dominance.
The injury’s impact on Napheesa Collier’s MVP contention
Despite the Lynx’s strength, Collier’s absence complicates her race for the league’s Most Valuable Player award. She is currently among the clear frontrunners, along with A’ja Wilson and Alyssa Thomas. Collier’s averages of 23.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, with a 53.7% shooting accuracy, and her defensive stats of 1.8 steals and 1.6 blocks per game, underline her two-way impact on Minnesota’s top-ranked offense and defense.
Sportsbooks have estimated an 80% chance for Collier to win the MVP, taking into account her current injury risks. However, the Lynx’s ability to secure wins while she is sidelined reduces the impact of her individual contributions in the eyes of voters and observers.
The longer Collier remains sidelined, the steeper the challenge for MVP honors
Reigning MVP A’ja Wilson poses the greatest threat to Collier’s bid this season. Wilson has recorded historic performances, including a landmark 32-point, 20-rebound game with additional assists and steals on August 10. Over her last seven outings, Wilson has maintained a strong average of 22.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game, earning her a third Western Conference Player of the Week award this season.
The consistency and momentum from Wilson, combined with Collier’s absence, have narrowed the gap between the two stars. Betting markets reflect this shift, suggesting Alyssa Thomas could ascend ahead of Collier if Collier’s injury keeps her out longer, only for Wilson to surpass both as the season progresses.
Positive outlook on Collier’s recovery and return timeline
Despite the uncertainty, there is optimism surrounding Collier’s return to the court. Cheryl Reeve offered a hopeful update on her progress, stating,
The Lynx don’t have an established return to play date for Napheesa Collier yet. Collier is progressing well and remains on track to return at some point before the end of the regular season.
—Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota Lynx Head Coach
Collier missed the recent game against the New York Liberty but is expected to rejoin the lineup with approximately ten games remaining in the regular season. Her return could reinvigorate the Lynx and bolster her standing in the MVP race as the playoffs approach.
Broader implications: The significance of Reeve’s coaching and Collier’s potential comeback
Cheryl Reeve’s ability to keep the Lynx flourishing in the absence of Napheesa Collier demonstrates the depth of the team and the value of experienced leadership. This resilience serves as a testament to the Lynx’s system and teamwork, likely influencing both the Coach and Player of the Year discussions. Should Collier return healthy and perform at her peak, the MVP race may reignite with renewed intensity alongside Wilson and Thomas.
The ongoing situation also provides a glimpse into how injuries and coaching can shape awards narratives in professional sports, underlining the importance of adaptability and strength in depth. As the regular season winds down, all eyes will remain on Minnesota, Collier’s recovery timeline, and how Reeve’s coaching continues to impact the league’s top contenders.