Consistency is the key to success, and the Lynx proved the proverb right, securing a place in the playoffs with nearly 25% of their schedule still due. The team’s early schedule and winning run benefitted them to stay on the top right from the start. But now the side faced it first back-to-back defeats, which raised a few eyebrows.
Seen ‘immortal’ in the 2025 season, Cheryl Reeve’s lost to their arch rivals, the New York Liberty, on August 19 and two days later, the second-placed Atlanta Dream shocked them with a 75-73 win at the Gateway Center.
Minnesota Lynx Losses Consecutive Games
Following the defeat in the 2024 WNBA finals, Napheesa Collier and the Lynx were on a mission to shut down every opponent in the way for the franchise’s record-setting fifth title. Their impressive run from the start put them as front-runners for the title, and impressively, the side didn’t lose back-to-back games in the first 33 games.
While strong MVP candidate Napheesa Collier got injured, the team collectively filled in for their leader and grabbed victories. But midway into the August schedule, Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu, Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard gave them a reality check with some outstanding offensive gameplay.
In the recent game, Gray powered the Atlanta side to a fourth-quarter comeback over the Lynx. She scored 27 points while Howard added 16 points for an incredible 75-73 win at home.
Earlier in the week, the Lynx’s arch rivals and defending champions, the Liberty, snapped their two-game losing streak against the Lynx with an 85-75 hammering at home. Sabrina Ionescu and Jones recorded double-double stats to remind the northern side about their capabilities.
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Minnesota Lynx vs Atlanta Dream
— Chaz Bailey (@my_man_Zo) August 22, 2025
8/21/2025
ATL hands Lynx 1st back to back lost of the season & 1 of 2 to beat then twice this year 👀…#WNBATwitter pic.twitter.com/XC2SiNt5Vr
Though these losses hardly affect the team’s standing, they surely are a reminder for Reeve’s side about the challengers for their title dream.
Minnesota Lynx Losses Sound Alarm For Cheryl Reeve
One thing that gives HC a slight relief would be that both losses came against the top teams and without the team’s top player Napheesa Collier. Yet, it certainly is an alarming sign for Cheryl Reeve. Former national coach heavily relied on her starting lineup, with Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams and Alanna Smith clocking around 30 minutes per game.
With the postseason games, Reeves could expect some tougher challenges. A daunting series against the Atlanta Dream or the York Liberty would be on the cards if they reach the finals. Tired legs and fatigue could play a massive role in the team’s performance in those high-stakes games, which the 58-year-old coach would love to avoid.
With the runners-up finish still fresh in their minds, the Lynx would look to freshen things up a bit for the title run.