Blunt dynamic drives vital Lynx partnership between Reeve, Williams

The relationship between Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve and point guard Courtney Williams is openly contentious yet honest, serving as a key factor in the team's drive to win a record fifth WNBA title. Their dynamic allows for blunt exchanges that both can give and take without hard feelings, fostering a productive environment.

During a recent event celebrating Alanna Smith's Co-Defensive Player of the Year award, Reeve humorously highlighted Williams' inconsistent performance by joking about her lack of "standout days," which Williams laughed off. This interaction exemplifies their straightforward approach, where Reeve and Williams prioritize truthfulness in communication, as noted by associate head coach Eric Thibault.

Williams, a 31-year-old league veteran, had faced Reeve while playing for teams like Phoenix, Connecticut, Atlanta, and Chicago before joining the Lynx. Their connection deepened at a Team USA camp in 2022, where Reeve recognized their compatibility due to shared "thick skin." Reeve even nicknamed Williams "Dory" for her ability to move past missed shots and maintain offensive aggression.

After the 2023 season, the Lynx pursued Williams in free agency, and she was persuaded to join partly because of Reeve's winning reputation. Reeve tasked Williams with transitioning from shooting guard to full-time point guard, a role change that Williams embraced. She has since excelled in orchestrating plays, syncing with teammates like Napheesa Collier, and contributing to the team's playoff push.