MINNEAPOLIS — Just two days after a devastating loss in Game 5 of the WNBA finals, Lynx players say the sting of defeat is still there, but they are trying to focus on the great things that happened this year as their season comes to a close.
"I mean, it's hard because that last game really tarnishes it doesn't it? But I think team-wise this is my favorite team I've ever been on,” Lynx forward Napheesa Collier said. “I think the relationships and the bonds we formed is something that will stay for a long, long time.”
Lynx guard Courtney Williams said despite the tough ending, she will look back on this season fondly because the team exceeded all expectations.
“I mean, going into the season they were ranking us like 9th right? It was a great season. I think it was a season nobody expected,” Williams said
Nearly every Lynx player who spoke to the media Tuesday shared the moment they realized this team was something special.
"The Commissioner’s Cup was obviously incredible. I think it started off our season on a high,” Lynx forward Bridget Carleton said.
Lynx forward Kayla McBride agrees.
"The Commissioner's Cup was a special moment, because I think that was the first time we believed in each other that we could do something special,” McBride says.
Lynx forward Alanna Smith says her favorite moment was coming back to practice after the Olympic break.
"I just remember that being a special moment where we realized how much we meant to each other. I was like, ‘I missed you guys. I'm so happy to be here, like, I just won a bronze medal but this is sick, I love being here,’” Smith said.
Coach Cheryl Reeve agrees, the players this season share a unique bond.
That's why she is especially frustrated with the way the season ended, and one of many reasons why she plans to take a considerable amount of time to reflect before she will start making plans for next season.
“I won’t be around. I won’t be out. I need to shut down and whatever that brings I’m not going to let myself move right into 2025,” Reeve said. "I'm going to truly shut down for the first time in I don't know how long, a very, very long time."
Collier agreeed, that the wound from Sunday night will take some time to heal, but once it does, that loss will ignite a fire in her heading into next season.
"I mean, it motivates me to never have a game that close again where it can be decided whoever it was decided by,” Collier said.
A lot of the players say it will be difficult to replicate the chemistry and camaraderie they built this season, but with all five starters coming back, and a new chip on their shoulder after the way it ended this year, they are hoping to be back and better next season.