The Minnesota Lynx had a strong showing at the 2026 WNBA All-Star weekend in Chicago.
Three current Lynx — Olivia Miles, Courtney Williams and Natasha Howard — played in Saturday’s game. Former Minnesota players Natisha Hiedeman, Bridget Carlton and Jessica Shepard also made their presence felt. In a tight game, Team Spoon defeated Team Coop 129-122.
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Three Current Lynx Shined in the All-Star Game
The Lynx selected Miles No. 2 overall in the 2026 Draft. She was a third-round pick to Team Spoon during the July 15 All-Star draft. This season, Miles is averaging 19.3 points, 5.9 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game. She is likely on her way to an All-WNBA team and the Rookie of the Year award.
Miles joined Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Caitlin Clark and teammate Courtney Williams as Team Spoon’s guards. She played 24 minutes, the most of any player on the team.
Miles was not only one of the best players for Team Spoon, but one of the best in the entire game. As a starter, she scored 11 points on perfect shooting from the field, and finished two assists shy of a triple-double. She would have continued the streak of All-Star Game triple-doubles, as Skylar Diggins recorded that stat line in last year’s game.
Miles has earned her spot in the limelight this season. Williams, meanwhile, has been as good as ever in her third year with the team. Playing alongside Miles has allowed Williams to return to her natural shooting guard role. In 28 games, she is averaging 15.3 PPG, 4.2 APG and 5.4 RPG.
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Her time in Minnesota has potentially been the most successful of her career. She and Napheesa Collier have become a formidable duo, operating the midrange especially well.
In the game, Williams played 17 minutes and scored 12 points with seven assists, earning an A- performance grade according to ESPN.
Natasha Howard was the third Lynx selected. She is having arguably her most productive season since winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2019. This is Howard’s second stint with Minnesota, as she played for the Lynx in 2016 and 2017 before leaving for an elevated role with the Storm.
Howard played 23 minutes, scoring eight points with four rebounds. Of the three Lynx, Howard struggled the most, shooting 3-of-10 from the field and 2-of-7 from three. Howard’s weak performance is not cause for concern, but the return of Collier after missing the first 27 games of the season due to ankle surgery is sure to impact her season stats as the back-half approaches.
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Former Lynx Made Their Presence Felt All Weekend
There are also some former Lynx who either played in Saturday’s game or partook in the weekend’s other events, including Natisha Hiedeman, Jessica Shepard, and Bridget Carlton.
All players left the Lynx last season either by way of free agency or expansion draft, and have gone on to excel in their new roles.
Hiedeman, who participated in the State Farm three-point contest, has started all 29 games for Seattle this season, and has been a top player on a disappointing team. She is averaging 15.6 PPG and 4.6 APG on 45% from the field and 34% from three. Hiedeman’s performance in the contest left something to be desired, as she recorded 17 points and was eliminated in the first round.
However, former Lynx Carlton performed much better in the contest, making it to the final round with the Wings’ Azzi Fudd. While she ended up losing the contest to the rookie, her strong performance is another feather in the cap of her breakout season.
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Portland selected Carlton No. 1 in the expansion draft. She has since doubled her PPG total from her final season in Minnesota. In 26 games started, Carlton is averaging 13.7 PPG and 3.8 RPG on 40% from the field and 37% from three.
The only other former Lynx to play in the All-Star Game, Shepard scored a quiet seven points, and tacked on five rebounds and assists in her 18 minutes of play.
Dallas signed Shepard in free agency this past season. She has broken out into a star, averaging 14.9 PPG — nearly seven more than her final year in Minnesota. She, alongside Team Coop captain Paige Bueckers, are the main catalysts behind the Wings’ quick turnaround.
Minnesota’s Player Development Was on Full Display
Minnesota’s player development was the weekend’s defining theme. Current and former Lynx alike showcased the franchise’s ability to develop talent.
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With Miles as the focal point, and former Lynx Shepard and Carlton turning into all-stars, Minnesota had a firm grasp on this entire weekend. With Collier and Williams still in their prime as well, that likely won’t change in the future.
The post The Lynx’s Influence Was All Over the WNBA All-Star Weekend appeared first on The Lead.
