Minnesota Lynx face semifinals elimination amid key injuries, officiating disputes

The Minnesota Lynx's 2025 WNBA season ended in disappointment as they were eliminated in the semifinals by the Phoenix Mercury, continuing a pattern of near-misses following last year's Finals loss. Their chances were severely hampered by the loss of star forward Napheesa Collier to a left ankle injury and the suspension of head coach Cheryl Reeve after her public criticism of the officiating, which she described as "malpractice" and "awful." The Lynx entered the postseason as the top seed with a franchise-best record and strong individual talent, but struggled to close out games, particularly after Collier's injury. Analysts and insiders noted the controversial and inconsistent officiating in the WNBA playoffs, highlighting differences from the NBA and increased physicality allowed, but emphasized that Minnesota’s lack of matching Phoenix’s intensity was a critical factor in their losses. Despite adversity, players like Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, and Maria Kliundikova showed potential, and the team maintained a resilient mindset, underscoring their focus on bouncing back and fighting in every game. Ultimately, the Lynx's season was defined by injury setbacks, coaching suspension, and a physical, competitive series that ended their championship aspirations once again.