Last Updated on August 2, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The Minnesota Lynx 2008 were built around Seimone Augustus, who led the offense as the team’s primary scorer and featured prominently as a playmaker. Nicky Anosike provided consistent rebounding and interior defense, while Candice Wiggins emerged as an important secondary scorer from the backcourt. The statistics reflect a team that relied on balanced offensive contributions, solid work on the glass, and versatile perimeter play, though overall efficiency remained inconsistent.
HeatingUp Impact Index: Team Impact Spotlight
| Player Name | Role Tier | MPG | Usage Tier | PPG | RPG | APG | STK (SPG + BPG) | Impact Index | Notes | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seimone Augustus | Starter/Star [1.1] | 33.6 | High [1.2] | 19.1 | 3.9 | 2.7 | 1.4 | 69.17 | Primary scoring engine who continued to carry Minnesota’s perimeter attack with elite shot-making and efficient footwork. Augustus created offense from the mid-range, punished smaller defenders, and remained the player opponents built defensive plans around. Her ability to score without excessive turnovers gave the Lynx a reliable late-clock option. | WNBA All-Star (2008), All-WNBA Second Team (2008) |
| Candice Wiggins | Key Contributor [1.05] | 27.5 | High [1.2] | 15.7 | 3.2 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 56.42 | Dynamic scoring guard who immediately added energy and shot creation to Minnesota’s rotation. Wiggins attacked aggressively, drew fouls, and provided perimeter pressure that changed the pace of games. Her transition scoring and defensive activity quickly established her as one of the league’s most impactful young guards. | WNBA Rookie of the Year (2008), WNBA All-Rookie Team (2008) |
| Nicky Anosike | Starter/Star [1.1] | 27.1 | Medium [1.1] | 9.2 | 6.8 | 1.3 | 3.5 | 45.98 | Defensive anchor who brought toughness and interior presence from the center position. Anosike’s rebounding, shot blocking, and ability to guard physical post players gave Minnesota a foundation on defense. Her 2.2 steals and 1.3 blocks per game reflected the disruptive style that earned her early recognition as a defensive specialist. | WNBA All-Rookie Team (2008) |
| Anna DeForge | Starter/Star [1.1] | 24.9 | Medium [1.1] | 8.5 | 3.0 | 1.7 | 0.9 | 37.62 | Veteran perimeter scorer who provided spacing and composure in Minnesota’s lineup. DeForge’s willingness to take difficult jump shots and stretch defenses helped open driving lanes for younger players. Her experience gave the Lynx a steady offensive option during possessions that required patience. | — |
| Lindsey Harding | Key Contributor [1.05] | 24.6 | Medium [1.1] | 6.4 | 2.3 | 3.2 | 1.3 | 28.82 | Two-way guard who handled secondary creation duties while bringing defensive intensity on the perimeter. Harding’s quickness allowed her to pressure opposing ball handlers and create transition opportunities, although her inconsistent outside shooting limited her offensive spacing impact. | WNBA All-Star (2008) |
| Charde Houston | Key Contributor [1.05] | 17.6 | Low [1.0] | 8.8 | 3.7 | 0.8 | 1.3 | 29.33 | Mobile forward who gave Minnesota efficient interior scoring off the bench. Houston relied on strong finishing around the basket and physical play rather than perimeter shooting, making her a useful scoring changeup against second units. | — |
| Noelle Quinn | Key Contributor [1.05] | 16.7 | Low [1.0] | 3.6 | 2.2 | 2.5 | 0.8 | 19.11 | Versatile guard who filled multiple roles as a connector and secondary ball handler. Quinn helped move the offense, defended different perimeter matchups, and provided lineup flexibility without needing many scoring opportunities. | — |
| Nicole Ohlde | Key Contributor [1.05] | 16.4 | Low [1.0] | 5.8 | 3.3 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 22.97 | Experienced interior contributor who shifted into a smaller role while still providing efficient post scoring. Ohlde used positioning and touch around the rim to remain productive in limited minutes, helping stabilize the frontcourt rotation. | — |
| Vanessa Hayden | Bench [1.0] | 10.1 | Low [1.0] | 5.2 | 3.5 | 0.4 | 1.0 | 20.20 | Reserve center who supplied rebounding and interior defense in short stretches. Hayden’s size allowed her to protect the paint and compete on the glass, though her offensive responsibilities remained limited behind Minnesota’s primary frontcourt options. | — |
| Kristen Rasmussen | Bench [1.0] | 12.7 | Low [1.0] | 2.5 | 2.7 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 13.40 | Stretch forward who provided veteran depth and occasional perimeter shooting. Rasmussen’s role centered on spacing, rebounding, and defensive positioning rather than high-volume offense. | — |
| LaToya Thomas | Bench [1.0] | 11.3 | Low [1.0] | 3.6 | 1.9 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 11.80 | Frontcourt reserve who brought scoring efficiency in a limited sample. Thomas used her strength around the basket but did not receive enough minutes to become a consistent rotation piece. | — |
| Navonda Moore | Bench [1.0] | 7.8 | Low [1.0] | 3.0 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 9.40 | Depth guard who provided occasional scoring bursts while working within a crowded rotation. Moore’s minutes were mostly situational, focused on maintaining energy and perimeter coverage. | — |
| Sharnee Zoll | Bench [1.0] | 5.0 | Low [1.0] | 1.7 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 5.80 | Young reserve guard used primarily for depth. Zoll’s limited minutes focused on ball handling and gaining professional experience rather than a major offensive role. | — |
| Shay Murphy | Bench [1.0] | 2.5 | Low [1.0] | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.00 | End-of-rotation wing who received minimal playing time. Murphy’s role was developmental, with opportunities limited behind Minnesota’s established perimeter group. | — |
| Crystal Smith | Bench [1.0] | 0.0 | Low [1.0] | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.00 | Inactive reserve with no meaningful statistical contribution during the season sample. | — |
| Minnesota Lynx Totals | – | – | – | 99.1 | 39.0 | 20.8 | 14.6 | 373.96 | Team statistical totals based on listed player averages. Minnesota relied on Seimone Augustus’ elite scoring, Candice Wiggins’ explosive rookie production, and Nicky Anosike’s defensive presence to form the core of its rotation. | — |
