The Minnesota Lynx is a WNBA team based in Minneapolis that has been recognized as one of the leading teams in the league. Founded in 1999, the Lynx has risen to become one of the most successful franchises in the WNBA. They have clinched four WNBA titles in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017, which proves their competitiveness in the league.
Some of the key players include Maya Moore, Seimone Augustus, and Sylvia Fowles, who have been very instrumental in their successes. The Lynx has also been blessed with a very good coaching bench, headed by Cheryl Reeve, who has been with the Lynx since 2010.
READ MORE: Minnesota Lynx Finals Appearances
How many times has the Minnesota Lynx made the playoffs?
The Minnesota Lynx have qualified for the playoffs 15 times in their 26-year history. They played their first playoff in 2003 and have been a perennial contender in the WNBA, especially in the 2010s. The Lynx’s playoff performance is well illustrated by their four WNBA titles in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017.
During their playoffs, the Lynx have been characterized by their ability to fight and demonstrate team cohesion. They have made the WNBA finals 7 times, and their most successful run was from 2011 to 2017, when they made the finals in six seasons out of seven. This era was characterized by outstanding performances of players such as Maya Moore, Seimone Augustus, and Sylvia Fowles under the stewardship of head coach Cheryl Reeve.
Minnesota Lynx Playoff Record
The Minnesota Lynx have reached the playoffs 16 times and have won the WNBA championships 4 times. They started their playoff run in 2003, reaching that high for the first time since their inception in 1999, and have since then become a force to be reckoned with in the WNBA. The team was able to make the playoffs every year from 2011 to 2017, except 2014, and won the championship in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017. This period was under the guidance of the head coach, Cheryl Reeve.
| Season | Position (in Western Conference) | Regular season | Playoff results | Head coach | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | L | PCT | ||||
| 2003 | 4th | 18 | 16 | .529 | Lost Conference Semifinals (Los Angeles, 1–2) | Suzie McConnell-Serio |
| 2004 | 3rd | 18 | 16 | .529 | Lost Conference Semifinals (Seattle, 0–2) | Suzie McConnell-Serio |
| 2011 | 1st | 27 | 7 | .794 | Won Conference Semifinals (San Antonio, 2–1) Won Conference Finals (Phoenix, 2–0)Won WNBA Finals (Atlanta, 3–0) | Cheryl Reeve |
| 2012 | 1st | 27 | 7 | .794 | Won Conference Semifinals (Seattle, 2–1)Won Conference Finals (Los Angeles, 2–0)Lost WNBA Finals (Indiana, 1–3) | Cheryl Reeve |
| 2013 | 1st | 26 | 8 | .765 | Won Conference Semifinals (Seattle, 2–0)Won Conference Finals (Phoenix, 2–0)Won WNBA Finals (Atlanta, 3–0) | Cheryl Reeve |
| 2014 | 2nd | 25 | 9 | .735 | Won Conference Semifinals (San Antonio, 2–0)Lost Conference Finals (Phoenix, 1–2) | Cheryl Reeve |
| 2015 | 1st | 22 | 12 | .647 | Won Conference Semifinals (Los Angeles, 2–1)Won Conference Finals (Phoenix, 2–0)Won WNBA Finals (Indiana, 3–2) | Cheryl Reeve |
| 2016 | 1st | 28 | 6 | .824 | Won Semifinals (Phoenix, 3–0)Lost WNBA Finals (Los Angeles, 2–3) | Cheryl Reeve |
| 2017 | 1st | 27 | 7 | .794 | Won Semifinals (Washington, 3–0)Won WNBA Finals (Los Angeles, 3–2) | Cheryl Reeve |
| 2018 | 4th | 18 | 16 | .529 | Lost First Round (Los Angeles, 0–1) | Cheryl Reeve |
| 2019 | 4th | 18 | 16 | .529 | Lost First Round (Seattle, 0–1) | Cheryl Reeve |
| 2020 | 4th | 14 | 8 | .636 | Won Second Round (Phoenix 1–0)Lost Semifinals (Seattle, 0–3) | Cheryl Reeve |
| 2021 | 2nd | 22 | 10 | .688 | Lost Second Round (Chicago 0–1) | Cheryl Reeve |
| 2023 | 3rd | 19 | 21 | .475 | Lost First Round (Connecticut, 1–2) | Cheryl Reeve |
| 2024 | 1st | 30 | 10 | .750 | Won First Round (Phoenix, 2–0)Won Semifinals (Connecticut, 3–2)Lost WNBA Finals (New York, 2–3) | Cheryl Reeve |
| 2025 | 1st | 34 | 10 | .773 | Won First Round (Golden State, 2-0)TBD Semifinals | Cheryl Reeve |
Number of conference finals won
The Minnesota Lynx have won the conference finals seven times, and started their dominance in 2011, their first WNBA Finals appearance, and continued to be a regular appearance over the years till 2017, failing to reach the Finals only once in that period, in 2014. They won the Conference Finals in the years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2024.
Number of WNBA championships won
The Minnesota Lynx have established themselves as a powerhouse in the WNBA, winning four championships during their most dominant era in the 2010s. Below is a detailed account of the team’s title-winning years in the WNBA:
| Year | Head Coach | Against | Finals Score |
| 2011 | Cheryl Reeve | Atlanta Dream | 3-0 |
| 2013 | Cheryl Reeve | Atlanta Dream | 3-0 |
| 2015 | Cheryl Reeve | Indiana Fever | 3-2 |
| 2017 | Cheryl Reeve | Los Angeles Sparks | 3-2 |
Minnesota Lynx's Last Playoff Appearance
The Minnesota Lynx last participated in the playoffs in 2024. In the first round, they were up against the Phoenix Mercury and won the series 2-0. In the semifinals, they beat the Connecticut Sun by 3-2, and in the finals, they lost to the New York Liberty by 2-3.
As of September 2025, they are down 1-2 against the Phoenix Mercury in the semifinals of the 2025 season.
What is the biggest playoff series comeback in Minnesota Lynx history?
The 2017 WNBA finals saw one of the most memorable playoff comebacks in the Minnesota Lynx franchise. The Lynx were trailing 2-1 in the best-of-five series and were on the brink of elimination. But they proved their character and desire to win by winning the next two games and thus emerging as champions. In Game 4, they won a very important game on the road, and in Game 5, they won a very close game 85-76.
READ MORE: Minnesota Lynx
FAQs on Minnesota Lynx
A. The Minnesota Lynx latest appearance in the WNBA Finals was in 2024.
A. The Minnesota Lynx had a big rivalry with the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2010s as both teams were competitive in the league with Championship aspirations.
A. Yes, the Minnesota Lynx have won 4 WNBA Championship titles in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017.
