Lynx first team to clinch WNBA playoff spot

AI-assisted summary
• The Minnesota Lynx clinched a WNBA playoff berth, their 14th in 15 seasons.
• Minnesota currently holds a six-game lead in the league standings despite star Napheesa Collier’s absence due to injury.
• The Lynx are on a five-game winning streak and have won nine of their last 10 games.

The Minnesota Lynx hold a six-game lead in the WNBA standings and, even though they weren’t in action Tuesday night, they became the first in the league to clinch a playoff spot.

With the Indiana Fever’s 81-80 loss to the Dallas Wings, the Lynx nabbed their 14th playoff bid in the past 15 seasons. They have won four titles, the last coming in 2017.

Lynx All-Star Napheesa Collier, the favorite for MVP, hasn’t played since Aug. 2 because of an ankle injury. Despite that, Minnesota is on a five-game winning streak and 9-1 in its past 10 games.

The Lynx made the Finals in 2024, losing to the New York Liberty. Minnesota’s next two games are against the Liberty, on Aug. 16 and 19.