Minnesota Lynx Season Ends After Semifinal Loss Amid Contract Uncertainty

The Minnesota Lynx's 2025 WNBA season ended in disappointment as they were eliminated by the Phoenix Mercury in the semifinals, losing the series three games to one. Despite a strong regular season with a franchise-record 34 wins and the league's best offense and defense, the team faced significant adversity including key injuries to MVP candidate Napheesa Collier and Dijonai Carrington, as well as the suspension of head coach Cheryl Reeve. Guard Kayla McBride stepped up with a career-high 31 points in the decisive Game 4 but the Lynx were unable to hold their lead, being outscored 31-13 in the fourth quarter. The loss marked a difficult end to a season that held high championship hopes, especially after last year's narrow loss in the Finals. Moving forward, the Lynx face tough roster decisions as several veteran contracts expire amid ongoing collective bargaining negotiations, adding uncertainty to the team's future. However, players emphasized the strong team bond and camaraderie that sustained them through the challenges of the season.