Lynx Coach Cheryl Reeve Shares Strong Comments on WNBA Veteran After Loss to Fever

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Robert Marvi | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 2:56 AM ET

The Minnesota Lynx looked to win their second straight WNBA Commissioner's Cup on Tuesday when they faced the Indiana Fever in the final game of the competition.

When Caitlin Clark was ruled out due to a strained quad, it looked like Minnesota had been handed a major advantage. Sure enough, it took a 13-point lead in the second quarter and held the Fever to seven points in the second quarter.

But afterward, the Lynx came apart, scoring just 32 points after halftime and losing, 74-59. Alanna Smith led them in scoring with 15 points and tried to keep them in the mix.

Coach Cheryl Reeve praised Smith for her heart and resolve.

“She embraces what we do to her. She explained it to me once this way that 'Aussies always get up'… there’s not a competitive spirit that’s maybe greater than Lans, and you know, she’ll take her hits, and she’ll get up. Aussies always get up. Lans an allstar”

Cheryl Reeve on Alanna Smiths heart

“She embraces what we do to her. She explained it to me once this way that “Aussies always get up”… there’s not a competitive spirit that’s maybe greater than Lans, and you know, she’ll take her hits, and she’ll get up. Aussies always get up.… pic.twitter.com/oe2rJjLMPU
— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) July 2, 2025

Smith, who is in her second season with the Lynx, has given them some defensive toughness in the frontcourt, as well as some 3-point shooting.

She was named to the All-Defensive Second Team last year, and she has become a fantastic shot-blocker over the last couple of years. In 2023, as a member of the Chicago Sky, she got some votes for the Most Improved Player award.

Minnesota came to the doorstep of the WNBA championship last season, only to fall in the deciding game of the finals to the New York Liberty. Right now, it has the best record in the league at 14-2, and it leads everyone in both offensive and defensive rating.

It will remain home and host the Washington Mystics, Golden State Valkyries and Chicago Sky in the coming days, which will give it the opportunity to fatten up its record even more.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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