WNBA gameday discussion: Why head coach Cheryl Reeve and the Minnesota Lynx are ultimate winners

As each WNBA season progresses, it seems the sport becomes consumed by inflated and absurd chatter that, while infringing into real world concerns, often involves developments that don’t really matter.

A question and answer from Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve’s most recent media availability, in contrast, reminds us of something real that is at stake. Reeve’s response also modeled the role of traditionally served by the WNBA, where players and coaches use their platforms to direct the attention of women’s basketball community, and beyond, to actual issues.

Reeve was asked about the implications of the escalating number of state laws banning trans youth from participating in sports, laws that have been upheld by a recent Supreme Court ruling.

Here’s what Reeve said:

Of course it weighs on me, the attacks on trans people, the attacks that they’ve gone through… it seems like it’s got way more aggressive. I’s sort of sickening when the issues they are trying to tackle are really not issues. The number of transgender athletes they are now making laws for and creating a problem, to get elected…what I’m hopeful for is that people have gotten themselves more educated and they understand that, that’s not actually a problem…

Exclusion is never the answer, separate isn’t equal, and trans lives matter. So to take away something that’s so valuable that sports brings to young people, in particular, and what it does, as I have a youngster, encourages you to be part of a team and what it gives you in terms of teamwork, leadership, competitiveness, all the things, they have every right to that as well.

Reeve, the all-time winningest coach in WNBA history who now has 383 wins on her resume, is a winner on and off the court and, in this moment overflowing with conversations about what the WNBA needs to do about this, that and the other, is an exemplar of what the league should be about.

On Saturday night, her Lynx will play an ultimately trivial basketball game, going for a fifth-straight win when they host the Portland Fire (8 p.m. ET, WNBA League Pass).

The anticipated pre-All-Star debut of Napheesa Collier is still delayed, as she remains listed as out on the injury report. Olivia Miles, however, is not on the injury report after suffering an injury scare in the Lynx’s Wednesday win over the Los Angeles Sparks.

Even as Phee’s return is on the hold, the Lynx, already, appear to be getting better, thanks to Kayla McBride.

McBride experienced a below-expectations start to the 2026 season, scoring 14 points per game as she shot below 30 percent from 3 in May before slightly perking up to 15.1 points per game and 36 percent from 3 in June.

Even with McBuckets’ relative struggles, the Lynx were still at the the top of the standings.

Since the calendar flipped to July, McBride has been a flamethrower.

She’s led the Lynx in scoring in their six July games, reaching 23 or more points in five of them. This explosion includes the 37-point outburst against Phoenix Mercury, the most points scored by a Lynx player since Maya Moore. For the month, she’s averaging almost 26 point per game on nearly 47 percent 3-point shooting, making close to four triples per game.

By season’s end, it’s probably going to seem insane that McBride not only was not an All-Star, but also was excluded from most All-Star snub conversations.

On the other side, the Fire will be without Megan Gustafson for the second-straight game. Her absence also is a reminder of the things that matter more than a basketball game. Gustafson is getting married, with the delayed release of the 2026 schedule due to the extended CBA negotiations—plus Gustafson not knowing what team she would be playing for—resulting in the conflict. (And now, everyone is anticipating Pancake wedding pictures.)

Elsewhere around the W, the Golden State Valkyries also will aim to keep streaking. Back in Ballhalla after an undefeated 5-0 road trip, the Valkyries are seeking their ninth-straight win against the Washington Mystics (8:30 p.m. ET, WNBA League Pass).

Scarily, Golden State might be reaching another gear, a level achieved not only due to the team’s on-court depth, adaptability and fluid hierarchy, but also because of top-tier off-court camaraderie, enhanced by a dinner, plus game night, recently hosted by Veronica Burton’s parents, as shared by head coach Natalie Nakase.

Of all the Valkyries who have helped them rack up nine wins in a row, the player who most embodies the combination of on and off court vibes that have elevated Golden State is Kaitlyn Chen.

The permanently-grinning backup point guard, like the aforementioned McBride, is enjoying an impactful July. Up to almost 17 minutes per game, Chen is contributing over 11 points, albeit doing the majority of her work inside the arc.

A clever scoring craft has Chen shooting over 70 percent from the field, despite being off target of late from behind the arc.

Whereas the Valkyries often succeed defensively because of schemes and strategies designed to limit opponents’ stars, opponents can’t apply a similar approach, as any Golden State player could prove to be the critical offensive piece on a given night.

In the comments, let us know if you think both the Lynx and Valkyries will extend their winning streaks, as well as if McBride and Chen will remain unstoppable for their respective squads. If not, share what you expect to happen, in addition to who you see stepping up.