The Minnesota Lynx have been nearly flawless since the start of the season. Their 4–0 run puts them right alongside the defending champions, the New York Liberty, at the top of the standings. But while it may look like smooth sailing from the outside, their success hasn’t come easy– the Lynx have been missing a key piece of their puzzle since day one.

Kayla McBride, one of the W’s most efficient perimeter shooters, averaging nearly 2.7 threes per game, has been sidelined due to personal reasons. Fans especially felt her absence when the Lynx trailed the Connecticut Sun for the majority of the game, or rather, throughout the game, save for the final minute. Now, as the team prepares to face the Seattle Storm—with Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins both in top form—is there some hopeful news for the Lynx?

Will Kayla McBride suit up against the Seattle Storm?

After a fantastic stint at Unrivaled, where she finished as the league’s leading scorer with 24.7 points per game, McBride was expected to carry that same impact into the WNBA season. So, when she sat out the entire preseason, it came as a surprise to many. But she offered clarity in her own words: “Sometimes that means listening to my body and taking the time I need to be ready for the grind.” The wait has been long since then. But finally, there’s a reason to believe that is almost over.

McBride made her much-anticipated return to practice this Saturday, reuniting with her teammates and bringing a steadying presence to the squad. It’s a much-needed boost as the Lynx continue to build rhythm and chemistry early in the year. And if you think her value is limited to scoring, think again. With 11 years of league experience, McBride adds veteran leadership that extends well beyond the court.

“I don’t know if the mood changes, but we’re happy to see her, no question about it,” said head coach Cheryl Reeve following her return. “We have a good group whose mood is always in this really good space. K-Mac adds to it for sure.” After Saturday’s session, McBride participated in most of Monday’s full practice, spending time with the starting lineup—which strongly indicates she could make her season debut Tuesday night. According to ESPN’s injury report, she’s currently listed as probable.

Still, with or without McBride, the Lynx face a serious test in Seattle. The Storm have won three straight after an opening loss, including a dominant 20-point win over the two-time WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces—on their home court, no less. So, yes—it’s going to be a battle. But with McBride possibly suiting up, the Lynx just might have the firepower to match Seattle punch for punch.

Despite a perfect record, Cheryl Reeves raises concerns for Lynx

The Minnesota Lynx’s run in the 2025 season has been impressive so far. They kicked things off by outscoring the Dallas Wings 53–38 in the second half, to secure a 99–84 win. Then, they faced the Los Angeles Sparks and clamped down defensively once again, holding L.A. under 30% shooting in the second half to earn an 89–75 victory. Next came a rematch with Dallas, this time on the Wings’ home court. And, once again, the Lynx defense delivered—holding Dallas to just 40% shooting in the second half and walking away with an 85–81 win. But the most impressive performance came against the Connecticut Sun. With 5:20 left in the game, Cheryl Reeve’s squad was staring at a 15-point deficit. It looked like their first loss of the season was inevitable.

Then came the spark. The Lynx went on a stunning 23–2 run to close out the game, sealing a 76–70 win. And just like that, the Lynx improved to 4–0. But if you ask Head Coach Cheryl Reeve about it, she won’t sugarcoat anything. “There will be a time when someone will have a terrible closeout,” she said. “And all of a sudden, we’re in a bad spot. It’s more about identifying those moments, both offensively and defensively, where we’re making it more challenging for ourselves and trying to limit those.”

Reeve knows exactly how much Kayla McBride brings to the team. And while she wasn’t in the lineup for those early wins, the rest of the squad stepped up with full effort. Now, the challenge only gets tougher. Up next, the Lynx are set to face Nneka Ogwumike, who’s averaging a double-double with 20.5 points and 10.3 rebounds per game this season. And backing her up is Skylar Diggins—an equally impactful force. But no worries. Reeve already has a strategy in mind.

“We have to play offense in a way that is not going to fuel them. But it’s easier said than done,” she admitted. The real anticipation lies in how well the Lynx can execute that game plan. Will McBride be able to make her mark on her return?