Last Updated on August 2, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The Minnesota Lynx 2024 were led by Napheesa Collier, whose scoring, rebounding, and defensive impact anchored the team at both ends of the floor. Courtney Williams provided the primary playmaking, while Kayla McBride supplied consistent perimeter scoring and floor spacing. Alanna Smith and Bridget Carleton added versatile two-way production, with the statistics reflecting a balanced team that thrived through efficient offense, disciplined ball movement, strong rebounding, and active defense.
HeatingUp Impact Index: Regular Season Team Impact Spotlight
| Player Name | Role Tier | MPG | Usage Tier | PPG | RPG | APG | STK (SPG + BPG) | Impact Index | Notes | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Napheesa Collier | Starter/Star (1.1) | 34.7 | High (1.2) | 20.4 | 9.7 | 3.4 | 3.3 | 97.68 | A dominant two-way forward, Collier functioned as Minnesota’s offensive centerpiece while anchoring the defense with elite timing as a helper and rim protector. Her expanded playmaking role showed up in more decision-making responsibilities, and coverage of the season frequently emphasized her ability to impact games without needing a high-volume isolation approach. | WNBA All-Star (2024), All-WNBA Second Team (2024), All-Defensive First Team (2024), Olympic Gold Medalist (2024) |
| Kayla McBride | Starter/Star (1.1) | 31.7 | High (1.2) | 15.0 | 2.6 | 3.2 | 1.4 | 71.81 | A veteran perimeter engine, McBride gave Minnesota dependable shot creation through movement shooting, pick-and-roll spacing, and tough pull-up attempts. Her career-best three-point accuracy helped open the floor for Collier, while reporters noted her importance as a steady locker-room presence and late-clock scoring option. | WNBA All-Star (2024), WNBA Champion (2024) |
| Courtney Williams | Starter/Star (1.1) | 26.5 | Medium (1.1) | 11.1 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 1.3 | 59.40 | A crafty guard who blended scoring and playmaking, Williams became a key offensive connector for Minnesota with her handle, passing creativity, and ability to attack mismatches. Her leadership as a secondary ball-handler helped the Lynx play through multiple creators instead of relying solely on Collier. | WNBA Champion (2024) |
| Alanna Smith | Key Contributor (1.05) | 26.5 | Medium (1.1) | 10.1 | 5.6 | 3.2 | 2.9 | 59.85 | A versatile stretch big, Smith transformed Minnesota’s frontcourt spacing with her shooting range and defensive instincts. Her ability to switch onto perimeter players, protect the rim, and make quick passes from the top of the floor became one of the defining pieces of the Lynx system. | WNBA All-Defensive Second Team (2024) |
| Bridget Carleton | Key Contributor (1.05) | 29.8 | Medium (1.1) | 9.6 | 3.8 | 2.2 | 1.3 | 46.67 | A reliable two-way wing, Carleton handled difficult defensive assignments while providing efficient perimeter spacing. Her increased starting role reflected Minnesota’s trust in her ability to make the right reads, defend bigger wings, and knock down open shots within the team structure. | WNBA Champion (2024), Olympic Bronze Medalist (2024) |
| Myisha Hines-Allen | Key Contributor (1.05) | 17.7 | Low (1.0) | 7.5 | 4.2 | 2.2 | 1.0 | 31.29 | A versatile reserve forward, Hines-Allen gave Minnesota a physical presence with rebounding, passing, and interior scoring. Her minutes fluctuated, but she provided useful frontcourt depth by fitting into different lineup combinations and handling multiple offensive responsibilities. | — |
| Dorka Juhász | Key Contributor (1.05) | 16.1 | Low (1.0) | 4.8 | 3.8 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 21.53 | A developing interior contributor, Juhász helped the Lynx through hustle plays, screening, rebounding, and smart defensive positioning. Her role was less about creating offense and more about providing reliable minutes within Minnesota’s disciplined team approach. | — |
| Natisha Hiedeman | Bench (1.0) | 15.2 | Low (1.0) | 4.9 | 1.6 | 2.4 | 1.0 | 19.80 | A defensive-minded guard off the bench, Hiedeman supplied energy, ball pressure, and secondary playmaking. Her value came from disrupting opposing guards and keeping pace high when Minnesota rotated beyond its primary creators. | WNBA Champion (2024) |
| Cecilia Zandalasini | Bench (1.0) | 12.2 | Low (1.0) | 4.6 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 15.00 | A skilled international wing, Zandalasini provided spacing and offensive versatility in reserve minutes. Her shooting ability allowed Minnesota to maintain floor balance, even when her role centered more around complementary scoring opportunities. | — |
| Diamond Miller | Bench (1.0) | 10.1 | Low (1.0) | 2.9 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 11.20 | An athletic young wing working back into the rotation, Miller’s season was shaped by limited opportunities after injuries and lineup competition. Minnesota valued her defensive tools and transition ability while gradually rebuilding her consistency. | — |
| Olivia Époupa | Bench (1.0) | 6.7 | Low (1.0) | 0.8 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 8.40 | A quick defensive guard, Époupa contributed brief bursts of pressure defense and ball movement. Her role was primarily situational, focused on changing tempo and providing another handler option. | — |
| Alissa Pili | Bench (1.0) | 6.3 | Low (1.0) | 2.4 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 8.20 | A rookie scoring forward, Pili spent the season adjusting to the pace and physicality of the WNBA. Her shooting touch and offensive instincts were viewed as long-term strengths, though opportunities were limited in a veteran playoff-caliber rotation. | — |
| Sika Koné | Bench (1.0) | 3.4 | Low (1.0) | 1.2 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 4.20 | A young frontcourt prospect, Koné saw limited action but brought energy and rebounding instincts whenever she entered games. Her season was primarily developmental within a deep Minnesota roster. | — |
| Taylor Soule | Bench (1.0) | 1.5 | Low (1.0) | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.00 | A reserve guard with minimal playing time, Soule’s role came in short appearances where she provided depth and practice competition. | — |
| Team Totals | — | — | — | 90.5 | 40.1 | 25.7 | 17.2 | 464.03 | Minnesota’s 2024 regular season success was built around Collier’s two-way dominance, McBride’s perimeter shooting, and a deep supporting group that combined defensive versatility with efficient offensive roles. | WNBA Champion (2024) |
HeatingUp Impact Index: Playoff Team Impact Spotlight
| Player Name | Role Tier | MPG | Usage Tier | PPG | RPG | APG | STK (SPG + BPG) | Impact Index | Notes | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Napheesa Collier | Starter/Star (1.1) | 38.8 | High (1.2) | 23.8 | 8.9 | 3.3 | 4.0 | 105.60 | A dominant playoff centerpiece, Collier powered Minnesota through scoring versatility, elite defensive instincts, and physical control on both ends. Her ability to punish mismatches in the post, attack from the perimeter, and protect the rim made her one of the hardest players to game-plan against. Coverage of the postseason repeatedly highlighted her leadership as the Lynx’s emotional and tactical anchor. | WNBA Champion (2024), WNBA Finals MVP (2024), WNBA All-Star (2024), All-WNBA Second Team (2024), All-Defensive First Team (2024) |
| Kayla McBride | Starter/Star (1.1) | 36.5 | High (1.2) | 15.3 | 2.3 | 3.8 | 1.1 | 73.92 | A veteran shot-maker who thrived under playoff pressure, McBride gave Minnesota a reliable perimeter release valve with movement shooting and confident pull-ups. Her ability to space the floor opened driving lanes for Collier, while reporters noted how her composure and experience helped stabilize the Lynx offense during high-pressure moments. | WNBA Champion (2024), WNBA All-Star (2024) |
| Courtney Williams | Starter/Star (1.1) | 29.4 | Medium (1.1) | 13.8 | 4.1 | 5.9 | 1.5 | 63.36 | A creative lead guard in the postseason rotation, Williams brought pace, playmaking, and attacking aggression. She consistently created advantages off the dribble, especially in pick-and-roll situations, while accepting the responsibility of being Minnesota’s secondary offensive engine. Her fearless style gave the Lynx another player capable of controlling possessions. | WNBA Champion (2024) |
| Bridget Carleton | Key Contributor (1.05) | 33.8 | Medium (1.1) | 9.3 | 3.8 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 38.15 | A dependable two-way wing, Carleton handled difficult defensive assignments while providing timely perimeter shooting. Her playoff value came from doing the small things well—spacing correctly, making extra passes, and defending without needing plays called for her. Minnesota’s trust in her grew because of her consistency in structured lineups. | WNBA Champion (2024), Olympic Bronze Medalist (2024) |
| Alanna Smith | Key Contributor (1.05) | 28.4 | Low (1.0) | 8.8 | 5.3 | 2.8 | 3.0 | 41.16 | A versatile defensive big, Smith was one of Minnesota’s most important matchup pieces because she could stretch the floor while also protecting the paint. Her ability to switch onto guards, contest shots, and make quick reads from the frontcourt helped define the Lynx’s modern defensive identity. | WNBA Champion (2024), All-Defensive Second Team (2024) |
| Natisha Hiedeman | Bench (1.0) | 14.3 | Low (1.0) | 5.7 | 1.3 | 2.3 | 0.8 | 20.20 | A reserve guard providing energy and pressure defense, Hiedeman helped maintain Minnesota’s tempo when entering games. Her role focused on disrupting opposing ball handlers, moving the ball quickly, and giving the Lynx another perimeter option without requiring heavy usage. | WNBA Champion (2024) |
| Myisha Hines-Allen | Bench (1.0) | 11.2 | Low (1.0) | 3.6 | 3.0 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 16.00 | A frontcourt reserve used for physicality and versatility, Hines-Allen provided rebounding and occasional scoring in limited playoff minutes. Her ability to play multiple interior roles gave Minnesota flexibility when adjusting lineups against different opponents. | — |
| Cecilia Zandalasini | Bench (1.0) | 9.5 | Low (1.0) | 2.3 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 8.20 | A perimeter depth piece, Zandalasini offered spacing and international experience in short appearances. Her minutes were limited, but her shooting skill allowed Minnesota to maintain offensive balance when she was on the floor. | — |
| Dorka Juhász | Bench (1.0) | 5.7 | Low (1.0) | 1.0 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 6.20 | A developing interior option, Juhász contributed brief stretches of rebounding and activity. Her playoff role was reduced, but she remained a useful depth player because of her mobility and willingness to make connective plays. | — |
| Diamond Miller | Bench (1.0) | 0.7 | Low (1.0) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.00 | A young athletic wing who saw almost no postseason action, Miller’s impact came primarily from her developmental role within the roster rather than game production. | — |
| Olivia Époupa | Bench (1.0) | 0.5 | Low (1.0) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.00 | A reserve guard with limited playoff opportunities, Époupa provided depth and practice competition while Minnesota relied heavily on its established perimeter rotation. | — |
| Alissa Pili | Bench (1.0) | 0.3 | Low (1.0) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.00 | A rookie forward developing within a championship rotation, Pili received minimal postseason exposure but gained experience around a veteran group. | — |
| Team Totals | — | — | — | 84.3 | 31.2 | 21.4 | 11.9 | 413.84 | Minnesota’s 2024 playoff run was built around Collier’s elite two-way dominance, McBride’s perimeter shot creation, and a supporting cast that consistently defended, spaced the floor, and executed its role. | WNBA Champion (2024) |