The WNBA season has been nearly perfect for the Minnesota Lynx. We say ‘nearly’ because Cheryl Reeve’s team has suffered only two losses so far, holding an almost flawless record. However, devastating news struck Napheesa Collier and her teammates late in the day, as it was confirmed that one of their key players will miss the remainder of the season due to injury.
On June 29, during what turned out to be a victory for the Western Conference–leading Minnesota Lynx over the Connecticut Sun, Karlie Samuelson suffered a serious injury to her left foot. Following further evaluation, it was confirmed that she will require surgery—ruling her out for the rest of the season.
The news was confirmed by WNBA reporter Mitchell Hansen, who shared further details about this significant setback for one of the league’s top contenders via his official account on X (formerly Twitter).
“The Minnesota #Lynx announce that an MRI was done on Karlie Samuelson to further evaluate and discuss treatment options for her injured foot,” Hanses stated via @M_Hansen13.
Karlie Samuelson #44 of the Minnesota Lynx on the court in the first half against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on May 18, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
He finally added: “A decision was made for Samuelson to undergo surgery and as a result she will miss the remainder of the 2025 season.”
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What does Samuelson’s injury mean for the Lynx?
Karlie Samuelson’s season-ending left foot injury, requiring surgery, is a significant blow for the Minnesota Lynx. As a versatile veteran wing, she provided valuable depth and a consistent outside shooting threat off the bench, having started some games this season. Her absence means the Lynx lose a reliable contributor and a player capable of stepping into a larger role when needed.
To replace Samuelson, Head Coach Cheryl Reeve will likely lean on younger players to step up and absorb increased minutes. Diamond Miller is a prime candidate, having shown flashes of her potential and being a high draft pick with the size and athleticism to fill the void. The Lynx may also look to Natisha Hiedeman to see more playing time, as well as potentially adjusting other rotations to compensate for Samuelson’s absence.
The Lynx’s outstanding season
The Minnesota Lynx are having a phenomenal season, currently boasting a 15-2 record and leading the Western Conference. Their success is largely driven by the stellar performance of Napheesa Collier, who is undoubtedly their standout player. She’s consistently delivering impressive scoring, rebounding, and defensive numbers, solidifying her status as an MVP frontrunner and a key reason for the team’s dominant run.
Given their outstanding record and Collier’s leadership, the Lynx are absolutely legitimate contenders for the WNBA title. They were last year’s Finals runner-up and have kept their core intact, showcasing a strong, cohesive unit that plays elite defense and shoots the three-pointer exceptionally well.
