The Minnesota Lynx look title-ready and more lessons from the first half of WNBA season

The Minnesota Lynx have emerged as the WNBA's dominant team at the season's midpoint with a 20-4 record, leading the league and positioning themselves as the clear title favorite after losing last year's finals to the New York Liberty. Led by MVP candidate Napheesa Collier and Defensive Player of the Year contender Alanna Smith, the Lynx are considered exceptionally difficult to beat in playoff scenarios.

The 2025 rookie class has made significant impacts despite less preseason hype. Washington Mystics' Kiki Iriafen (11.9 points, 8.5 rebounds) and Sonia Citron (14.1 points, 5 rebounds) have accelerated their team's rebuild into playoff contention, earning All-Star selections. Dallas Wings' Paige Bueckers stands out as the only rookie All-Star starter, averaging 18.4 points and establishing herself as a future franchise cornerstone, though her individual success hasn't translated to team wins yet. Key questions remain about Bueckers' Rookie of the Year prospects and whether the rookie-led Mystics can sustain their playoff push.

Expansion team Golden State Valkyries has defied expectations by immediately becoming competitive in the league. Their unexpected success stems from strategic roster construction—excelling in the expansion draft and signing system-fit players rather than pursuing big-name free agents—combined with head coach Natalie Nakase establishing a clear team identity and vision.