The 2020 season for the WNBA has looked much different due to COVID-19 regulations that keep players and coaches safe during the pandemic. Protocols included shortening the WNBA’s already brief season from 34 games to 22 games while also maintaining the bubble, with all games and practices taking place in Bradenton, Florida. Teams also undergo regular testing to keep players safe. The season began in early July, and it’s about to wrap up with semifinals currently taking place.
The Lynx look much different now than two seasons ago. Lynx fans had to say goodbye to legendary Minnesota coach Lindsay Whalen in her retirement as well as coach Rebekkah Brunson, who holds the franchise all-time rebounding record. Esteemed guard Maya Moore has been inactive since 2018 to focus on her social justice work, recently helping free Johnathon Irons from being wrongfully incarcerated for two decades. In 2019, free agent Seimone Augustus left the Lynx to join the Los Angeles Sparks, leaving center Sylvia Fowles as the only returning starting player.
With big shoes to fill, the 2020 Lynx team delivered amidst coaching changes and new players all while in the middle of a pandemic. The Lynx’s regular season included 14 wins and 8 losses, a record that guaranteed a spot in the second round of the playoffs avoiding single elimination. The Lynx then secured a spot in the semifinals after a close battle with the Phoenix Mercury, winning 80-79. After a close second round, Minnesota was unable to score a win and was swept by the Seattle Storm in the semifinals. However, this season’s Lynx team set a record of ten consecutive playoff appearances.
While their 2020 season is over, the Lynx still managed to walk away with the Coach of the Year award for head coach Cheryl Reeve and the Rookie of the Year award going to Crystal Dangerfield. These awards can be added to the Lynx’s impressive repertoire of championship trophies from 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017. These championships make the Minnesota Lynx the winningest team amongst all professional Minnesota teams.
With many young and upcoming players on the Lynx and a semifinal appearance in 2020 under their belt, the upcoming 2021 season will be an exciting season to watch and will hopefully add another championship title to the Lynx dynasty.
asplun1@stolaf.edu
