WNBA: Could Courtney Williams be the X factor for the Minnesota Lynx?

After a challenging five-game semifinal series with the Connecticut Sun, the Minnesota Lynx have advanced to the WNBA Finals, where they will face the formidable New York Liberty.

It’s no secret that New York was hoping to avoid a matchup with the Lynx. Minnesota is the only team to leave a memorable mark on this historic Liberty season, and having secured their spot in the Finals, they have an opportunity to do it once again. Minnesota not only defeated New York in the regular season series, but they are also the only team that handed the Liberty multiple losses this season.

The Lynx have a 3-1 record against New York this year, which includes a significant victory in the Commissioner’s Cup Championship. While Napheesa Collier is the face of Minnesota, veteran Courtney Williams may be the key player to lead the Lynx to victory.

Holding Court

Failing to establish a long-term connection with one team in a negative manner is commonly perceived. Despite playing for five different WNBA teams in her nine-year career, with only one stint in Connecticut lasting more than two seasons, Williams has consistently delivered. Every. Single. Time. Often not the primary scoring option, Williams has managed to maintain double-digit scoring averages for eight consecutive seasons.

Williams not only contributes offensively for Minnesota but also excels in other aspects of the game. Standing at only 5-foot-8, she ranks third on the team in rebounding. Her 36.2 assist percentage places her third in the league, reflecting her ability to facilitate scoring opportunities for her teammates. Furthermore, she is averaging the second-highest assists per game of her career (5.5). Surprisingly, Williams even received votes for Defensive Player of the Year this season.

While Williams’ shooting may be considered a weakness in her backcourt skills, her performance in the playoffs has been exceptional. Despite shooting 33.3 percent from beyond the arc during the regular season, Williams has improved significantly in the playoffs, shooting an impressive 72.7 percent from three-point range on nearly two attempts per game.

A match made in Minneapolis

In the previous season, the Lynx struggled with a 19-21 record, barely making it to the playoffs before being eliminated by Connecticut. Their championship pedigree seemed to be fading.

In January of 2024, the Lynx signed Williams to a two-year guaranteed contract. Williams, who played a crucial role in the Sun’s 2019 WNBA Finals journey, brought the necessary experience to Minnesota. She possessed the talent, determination, and mindset needed by the team.

Drawing from her successful seasons with Jonquel Jones and the Sun, Williams has shown her ability to elevate superstar post players, complementing Collier’s impressive performances. Together, they have lifted Minnesota’s potential to new heights. Williams understands how to support Collier’s scoring efforts and lead the team when needed.

The semifinals highlighted Williams’ importance to the Lynx, with head coach Cheryl Reeve emphasizing the desire for Williams to play her natural game. Rather than being seen as a sidekick to Collier, Williams is viewed as a superhero in her own right by the coaching staff. While Collier scored 27 points in Game 5, it was Williams’ 24 points that secured the victory. Reeve expressed her thoughts on Williams following their Finals berth:

I don’t know if I knew what we were really getting [with Courtney]. The basketball player, for sure, I watched for years. I had a little bit of interaction when we were at USA Basketball. But I don’t know if I knew exactly what we were getting in terms of the person and the coachability….When she’s aggressive and she playmakes, we have a chance to be in the Finals. We knew that.

As the Lynx approach the Finals, Williams has been tasked with a crucial role in their quest for the championship. If she can replicate her standout performances from the semifinals, Minnesota stands a chance to end their six-year title drought.