Last Updated on August 7, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The 2000 Minnesota Lynx were led offensively by Katie Smith, whose scoring and perimeter shooting set the tone, while Betty Lennox provided consistent secondary production and all-around play. Merlakia Jones handled much of the playmaking, and the frontcourt contributed solid rebounding. Minnesota combined respectable three-point shooting and free-throw efficiency with active perimeter defense, but below-average offensive efficiency and frequent turnovers limited the team’s overall success.

HeatingUp Impact Index: Team Impact Spotlight

Player Name Role Tier MPG Usage Tier PPG RPG APG STK (SPG + BPG) Impact Index Notes Awards
Katie Smith Starter/Star [1.1] 37.3 High [1.2] 20.2 2.9 2.8 1.6 72.60 Elite scoring guard who became Minnesota’s offensive engine, Smith carried heavy creation responsibilities while combining deep shooting range with aggressive drives. Her 7.3 three-point attempts per game showed how much the offense depended on her spacing, while reporters frequently praised her toughness and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. WNBA All-Star (2001), All-WNBA Second Team (2001)
Betty Lennox Starter/Star [1.1] 30.8 High [1.2] 16.9 5.6 2.6 2.0 70.49 Dynamic wing scorer who attacked defenses with power and confidence, Lennox gave Minnesota a second major offensive threat alongside Smith. Her rebounding and defensive activity added value beyond scoring, and her reputation as an explosive competitor helped define the team’s aggressive perimeter identity. WNBA Most Improved Player (2001), WNBA All-Star (2001), WNBA Champion (2001)
Kristin Folkl Starter/Star [1.1] 26.4 Medium [1.1] 7.6 4.8 2.1 1.4 38.61 Versatile forward who filled several roles for Minnesota, Folkl contributed as a rebounder, passer, and interior defender rather than relying on scoring volume. Her ability to handle multiple assignments gave the Lynx lineup flexibility, with her athleticism allowing her to impact possessions on both ends. —
Keitha Dickerson Key Contributor [1.05] 24.7 Low [1.0] 4.4 4.4 1.8 1.3 25.20 Physical defensive forward who earned a larger role through rebounding and toughness, Dickerson provided the type of interior presence that balanced Minnesota’s perimeter-heavy attack. Her minutes reflected a player trusted with difficult matchups and energy responsibilities rather than offensive creation. —
Andrea Lloyd-Curry Key Contributor [1.05] 23.8 Low [1.0] 5.4 3.1 1.6 1.0 23.17 Veteran forward who brought experience and basketball intelligence in a reduced role, Lloyd-Curry helped stabilize lineups with spacing and passing. Her ability to make quick reads from the frontcourt remained valuable even as younger players absorbed more of the rotation workload. WNBA Champion (1998)
Grace Daley Key Contributor [1.05] 19.2 Low [1.0] 5.8 2.4 1.9 0.4 21.00 Athletic guard who supplied energy and secondary playmaking, Daley operated as a change-of-pace option capable of attacking gaps and creating movement. Her role was centered around keeping pressure on defenses and providing athleticism alongside Minnesota’s primary scorers. —
Marla Brumfield Key Contributor [1.05] 19.2 Low [1.0] 3.9 1.9 1.3 0.8 16.17 Rotation guard who contributed through efficiency and steady decision-making, Brumfield fit into Minnesota’s system as a low-maintenance offensive piece. Her shooting percentages showed a player comfortable taking available opportunities rather than forcing offense. —
Maylana Martin Bench [1.0] 15.2 Low [1.0] 4.4 2.2 0.7 1.0 16.60 Young frontcourt player who provided athletic minutes and defensive activity, Martin’s role focused on energy plays around the basket. Her combination of rebounding instincts and shot-blocking flashes gave Minnesota another versatile option in reserve units. —
Kate Paye Bench [1.0] 14.6 Low [1.0] 2.0 1.1 1.4 0.5 10.00 Backup guard who helped organize possessions and provide perimeter depth, Paye played a connective role rather than a scoring one. Her responsibilities centered on ball movement and maintaining structure when Minnesota’s primary creators rested. —
Sonja Tate Bench [1.0] 11.8 Low [1.0] 3.4 1.6 0.6 0.4 11.00 Experienced reserve forward who provided short bursts of shooting and rebounding. Tate’s limited minutes reflected a depth role, but her willingness to stretch the floor gave Minnesota another situational option off the bench. —
Shanele Stires Bench [1.0] 5.6 Low [1.0] 1.7 0.7 0.3 0.3 6.00 End-of-rotation guard who saw limited action but brought perimeter shooting ability when needed. Her small role came mainly in maintaining depth rather than carrying regular offensive responsibility. —
Angie Potthoff Bench [1.0] 2.7 Low [1.0] 0.0 0.7 0.3 0.0 2.00 Reserve forward with minimal game involvement, Potthoff’s contribution came mostly through roster depth and practice competition. The limited sample size provides little indication of a larger on-court role. —
Angela Aycock Bench [1.0] 2.0 Low [1.0] 0.0 1.0 1.3 0.0 4.60 Deep reserve guard who appeared briefly, Aycock’s opportunities were limited to spot minutes. Her role was primarily providing depth behind Minnesota’s established perimeter rotation. —
Minnesota Lynx Totals – – – 65.7 32.0 18.9 10.8 358.40 Team statistical totals based on listed player averages. Minnesota’s attack was built around Katie Smith and Betty Lennox creating offense from the perimeter, supported by versatile forwards and a rotation designed around defensive activity and lineup flexibility. WNBA Champion (2001)