Lynx broadcaster pinpoints Napheesa Collier & Co.’s chip-on-shoulder mentality in pursuit of major goal

The Minnesota Lynx came up short in the winner-take-all Game 5 that decided last year's WNBA championship. According to Lynx broadcaster Marney Gellner, this setback didn't break the team's will, but instead served as motivation for the team to take another crack at the league's top prize.

In an appearance on SiriusXM's "WNBA Central" this past Friday, Gellner recalled her conversations with multiple players and members of Minnesota's coaching staff on media day. According to Gellner, the players and coaches shared a similar mindset in terms of how they viewed last year's loss in the WNBA Finals.

"I went to Media Day this year and talked to 10 players and coaches who had no problem even bringing it up. 'I never want that feeling again. I have a huge chip on my shoulder...' That is fuel for the fire this season for the Lynx," Gellner said.

Gellner, who is in her 15th season covering the Lynx as a play-by-play commentator, also described the synergy within the Minnesota locker room this year.

"It's truly an unselfish, playing-for-each-other mix that is super talented on the basketball court," she said. "Styles complement each other. Personalities complement each other."

At 27-5, the Lynx are far and away the best team in the regular season. Though their MVP candidate Napheesa Collier is projected to be out for at least one more week due to an ankle injury, the impressive play of Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams has allowed the team to stay on top of the league standings.

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Aside from McBride and Williams, another player who has helped the Lynx stay on top has been newly acquired guard DiJonai Carrington, who arrived after a brief stint with the Dallas Wings.

"The things that I can bring to this team will continue to help propel them to our ultimate goal," Carrington said.

In three games with the Lynx, the former Most Improved Player has averaged 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 2.0 steals. These numbers have helped the Lynx steady the ship as Collier recuperates from her injury.