Who is more likely to win it all: the Lynx or the field?

Minnesota has been the most dominant team in the WNBA throughout the season and seems determined to succeed after losing to the Liberty in last year's WNBA Finals. Despite the injury to MVP candidate Napheesa Collier, the Lynx have shown no signs of slowing down in her absence. On Sunday, they secured their fifth consecutive road win against their rivals, the New York Liberty. Given their consistently high level of performance, they are rightly considered the favorites to win the championship this year. However, are there any other teams capable of hindering their path?

The best team in the WNBA has improved even further after acquiring one of the league's top defensive guards. On August 3rd, the Lynx traded for DiJonai Carrington, and she has quickly become an ideal fit for the team. In her first three games with the Lynx, Carrington has made an immediate impact on both offense and defense, averaging 13.3 points and two steals per game. Once Napheesa Collier returns from injury, I expect this already outstanding defensive team to become even stronger at full strength.

When considering which teams could realistically threaten the Lynx, the second-place Liberty should be an obvious choice. However, until Breanna Stewart returns from injury, it's difficult to gauge New York’s playoff prospects against the Lynx.

One of the hottest teams since the All-Star break has been the Atlanta Dream, who have won five consecutive games and eight of their last ten. The Dream are a well-balanced team, featuring multiple scoring options and defensive versatility. Their recent victory over the Lynx on July 27th demonstrates how well they match up against elite competition, positioning them as a significant threat.

A key factor in their success has been the offseason addition of veteran center Brittney Griner, who played a crucial role in the win against the Lynx by scoring 22 points. Additionally, the Dream's star player, Alisha Gray, is having the best season of her career and has been instrumental in their recent achievements. Given the Lynx's strong perimeter defense, having a lead guard like Gray, who can penetrate defenses, will be vital for the Dream's ongoing success.

It will take a lot to beat the Minnesota Lynx, as they not only appear to be a team of destiny this season, but they also play elite, championship-caliber defense. With the playoffs fast approaching, I expect that only two teams, at most, could realistically challenge them come playoff time. Both the Liberty and the Dream have talent, but winning a best-of-five playoff series against this exceptional Lynx team would be a significant challenge for either team. That said, I am selecting the Lynx to win the 2025 WNBA championship, as their talent and ability to execute effectively on both ends of the floor have helped distinguish them from the rest of the league.