The biggest story in basketball right now isn’t just winning games—it’s rewriting the script of an entire season.  

Following an absolute 88-68 blowout win against the Seattle Storm at a packed Target Center, the Minnesota Lynx have extended their blistering winning streak to seven games. Sitting with a stellar 9-2 record, Minnesota officially claims the #1 spot in the WNBA standings.  

What makes this run historic isn’t just how they are winning, but who is doing the heavy lifting.  

Dominating Through Adversity

When superstar cornerstone Napheesa Collier went down with an injury, pundits across the league expected the Lynx to drop out of the elite tier. Losing an MVP-caliber player is usually a death sentence for a championship contender.  

Instead, head coach Cheryl Reeve’s squad hasn't skipped a single beat. They are playing a fearless brand of basketball, leaning into their depth, and relying on an electric mix of veteran poise and rookie magic.  

The Dynamic Duo Taking Over

With Collier sidelined, the keys to the franchise have been handed over to two players who are completely tearing up the league:  

1. Olivia Miles: The Rookie Sensation

Selected No. 2 overall in the WNBA Draft, rookie point guard Olivia Miles has quickly turned the Rookie of the Year race into a one-woman show.  

• The Engine of the Offense: Miles has been a absolute virtuoso on the floor, dictating pace and showing veteran-like poise in the pick-and-roll.  
• Filling the Stat Sheet: In the blowout victory over the Storm, Miles put up a spectacular 19 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds.  
• Cool, Calm, and Collected: Sporting her signature protective goggles and showcasing jaw-dropping no-look passes, Miles is proving to be the most exciting young playmaker the league has seen in years.  

2. Natasha Howard: The Veteran Anchor

While the rookie runs the perimeter, veteran forward Natasha Howard is holding down the paint with dominant, All-Star level play.  

• Howard completely neutralized Seattle's frontcourt in their latest matchup, dropping a game-high 27 points to anchor both the offense and the defense.  
• Her championship DNA and vocal leadership have given the younger players the confidence to play free and fast.

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Photo Source: MPR News