Natisha

Hiedeman

In the same way that Hiedeman finished the regular season, she dazzled as a scorer on Friday in Game 3 of the second round matchup with the Mercury. The veteran guard was particularly productive in the second and third quarters, where she combined to score 15 of her points on the night. Hiedeman’s scoring total set a new personal best for this 2025 postseason, which came on the heels of a zero-point outing in Minnesota’s Game 2 loss. The Lynx would benefit from a repeat performance on Sunday from Hiedeman in their attempt to keep their season alive, especially given Napheesa Collier’s injury sustained at the end of Game 3.

The Lynx didn’t shoot their best from three-point range, but McBride carried them with her shot making beyond and inside the arc. She was the most efficient Lynx player who shot 53.3% from the field on her 15 total shots. McBride’s most productive quarters came in the second and the fourth where she scored 8 and 7 of her points, respectively. When the Mercury ran McBride off the three-point line, she was able to get downhill and into the paint both as a driver and moving off the ball on passes from Jessica Shepard and Natisha Hiedeman.

Injured during Thursday’s Game 2 victory over the Valkyries, Carrington has been diagnosed with a significant mid-foot sprain and will not play again this season. This injury is a major blow for the Lynx to take ahead of their semifinal matchup with the Mercury. Not only did Carrington provide offensive production off the bench since being acquired from the Wings, but she was also a valuable defender who gave Minnesota the lineup versatility that it lacked before the trade. Starter Kayla McBride will need to do more defensively, with Natisha Hiedeman needing to continue offering consistent offensive production off the bench.

Hiedeman began the postseason as well as she ended the regular season. Her efforts off the bench in Game 1 resulted in the second-most points by a Lynx player on Sunday while tying a team-high in assists. Hiedeman didn’t dominate any quarter as a scorer. Rather, she chipped in with efficient shooting throughout and helped pace the Lynx to a lopsided Game 1 victory. She’ll look to stay productive on Wednesday in Game 2 of the first-round series.

In her first game after seeing her three-game streak of 20 or more points end, Hiedeman found her way to the 20-point mark, yet again. As was the case during the streak, the reserve guard utilized efficient shooting and high production from beyond the arc to rack up the points. The bulk of her scoring came after halftime, where the veteran guard notched 16 points, including a dominant 11-point fourth quarter that extended Minnesota’s lead from six points up to as many as 20. Hiedeman has performed at a high level in recent weeks, which is great news for the Lynx as the playoffs begin on Sunday.

Carrington remains sidelined for a third straight game due to a left shoulder injury. Her absence has resulted in more minutes for fellow reserve Natisha Hiedeman, but the Lynx will need a healthy Carrington in the rotation for the postseason. The injury also impacts starter Kayla McBride, who takes on more defensive responsibilities on the perimeter.

Hiedeman had another outstanding performance on Saturday, following back-to-back 20-point games with another against the Valkyries. Each of the reserve guard’s shot attempts and made field goals came from beyond the arc en route to a new season-high in made threes. She also stayed active on the defensive end, collecting at least three steals for the second straight game. Hiedeman’s offensive explosion down the stretch of the season has come at a critical time for those fantasy managers who roster her and are still alive in the fantasy playoffs.

Carrington will miss her second straight game after leaving Monday’s game against the Wings. Head coach Cheryl Reeve explained after the Lynx’s win on Monday night that Carrington has been dealing with a flex shoulder(partial dislocation) during the season. With Carrington out, Natisha Hiedeman will be expected to step up off the bench. She played 28 minutes against the Aces on Thursday and 30 minutes against the Wings on Monday. The last time Hiedeman logged this many minutes was the first week of the season when startling point guard Courtney Williams struggled early on. Kayla McBride’s responsibilities will also have to increase on defense especially when it comes to containing most improved player front runner Veronica Burton.

With DiJonai Carrington (shoulder) sidelined, Hiedeman’s production took on added importance for the Lynx on Thursday. She was up to the task, leading the team in scoring while shooting 80 percent from the field. The overall stat line was one of Hiedeman’s best, and she’s scored 20 points or more in consecutive games for the first time this season. In fact, Monday’s win over Dallas was the guard’s first 20-point game. Even after Carrington returns from her injury, Hiedeman’s production will be crucial as the Lynx look to win their first NBA title since 2017.

Carrington was injured during Monday’s win over the Wings and will not be available for Thursday’s showdown. Kayla McBride’s return after sitting out that victory for rest reasons will help Minnesota compensate for Carrington’s absence. It also means Natisha Hiedeman’s playing time will decrease somewhat after logging 30 minutes on Monday.