Skidding into the FIBA World Cup break on just its second losing streak of the season left the WNBA-leading Minnesota Lynx slightly on edge.
Or does “ravenously on guard” sound more optimistic?
Either way, “when we get back to work, we’ve got things to work on,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said.
That’s because this rare Minnesota slide has coincided with a surge from the Golden State Valkyries, who denied the Lynx a chance to clinch home-court advantage throughout the playoffs with a gutty, 77-66 victory on Aug. 24.
Golden State’s first win against Minnesota in 10 tries since joining the “W” in 2025 certainly infused intrigue into the final four games of the 2026 campaign.
Despite the slump, the break could be coming at an agreeable time for Minnesota, even as various players prepare to represent the United States, Australia, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Spain.
Once play resumes on Sept. 17, the Lynx need any combination of two wins or Valkyries losses to earn home-court for the postseason. Last week’s loss to Golden State and Sunday’s road defeat in Atlanta showed that Minnesota must be mightier when things get physical, though.
“We’re being guarded in a way that should be illegal,” Reeve said, “but we’re not putting the referees in a position to make them see it, so you can’t fade away.”
As a sizable segment of the roster heads overseas, an international competition only can sharpen players’ focus while reinforcing the urgency of the stretch run.
While she doesn’t lack seasoning, Lynx star Napheesa Collier, who missed much of the season recovering from surgery on both ankles, figures to benefit from playing for Team USA.
“I am still coming back, but I need to do better, too,” Collier said. “It’s going to be physical. It’s going to be physical in the playoffs.”
The regular season isn’t always a picnic, either, and offers a welcome shot of respite for some Lynx not in the tournament.
Minnesota rookie point guard Olivia Miles has navigated various injuries in recent weeks and collided with a cameraman late in Sunday’s game in Atlanta. She went down at the baseline and eventually walked back under her own power.
Courtney Williams returned after missing the showdown with the Valkyries with a midfoot sprain and gets the chance for additional rest.
But Golden State will recharge, too, and is sending just four players to the World Cup. What’s more, the Valkyries’ remaining opponents – Portland twice, Los Angeles and Seattle – each have been eliminated from playoff contention and bring a collective .325 winning percentage (39-81) into the break.
Minnesota has a visit to 10-win Connecticut on the docket but otherwise will face foes jockeying for home court in the first round. The Lynx host the New York Liberty coming out of the break before finishing with a home-and-home against the Indiana Fever.
Speaking after Sunday’s win at Portland that capped a 4-1 road trip, Golden State forward Kayla Thornton said: “We just talked about that in the locker room, making sure (we) don’t go on this break and do nothing, but make sure you do what you need.
“We’ve got to come back because, you know, these next four games after World Cup are very vital heading into playoffs.”
The Lynx aren’t in a position to disagree. They know what they must do to keep their perch. Now comes nearly three weeks to reflect – and work.
