After missing the start of the regular season for personal rest and recovery, Kayla McBride returned to Minnesota Lynx practice on Saturday, reuniting with teammates and signaling a potential turning point for a team still searching for consistency early in the year.
McBride’s return will boost the Lynx’s offense and add a veteran presence to the locker room. Her return comes when Minnesota emphasizes internal development and rotation clarity, particularly in the backcourt.
“I don’t know if the mood changes, but we’re happy to see her, no question about it,” said head coach Cheryl Reeve about McBride’s return to practice. “We have a good group whose mood is always in this really good space. K-Mac adds to it for sure.”
Kayla McBride Brings Veteran Stability and Shooting Return
McBride, entering her fourth season with Minnesota, averaged 15.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 39 games last year. She was one of the WNBA’s most efficient perimeter shooters, knocking down 40.7% from deep, averaging 2.7 made threes per game, and shooting 89.3% at the free-throw line. Despite her absence, Minnesota has still gone 4-0 to begin the season. However, her presence takes pressure off Napheesa Collier, which will only enhance the Lynx’s offensive attack.
“I know what I bring to this team, and I want to be at my best for my teammates,” McBride said during preseason interviews. “Sometimes that means listening to my body and taking the time I need to be ready for the grind.”
While no official update has been given on her game availability, her participation in practice strongly indicates that she could be active in the upcoming stretch.
Minnesota Lynx Focus on Growth and Integration
Reeve said the current emphasis is on identifying patterns and improving execution as players return and the group continues to evolve.
“I see a team that’s still evolving,” Reeve said. “I see a team that’s learning a lot about themselves, and that’s what today was probably more of—identifying the moments that put us in the challenges that we’re finding in the game.”
Karlie Samuelson echoed that focus, emphasizing the team’s ongoing effort to refine its defensive identity.
“I think every game we fix something, and then we find another little hole maybe, and then we fix that,” Samuelson said. “So it’s just about improving… I think it’s coming along.”
Looking Ahead to Kayla McBride’s Return
In McBride’s absence, the Lynx have relied on a mix of young guards and role players, and while the group has held steady, her return is expected to bring structure to the rotation and much-needed perimeter firepower.
With Minnesota’s offense looking to find its rhythm and team chemistry continuing to build, McBride’s return comes at a timely juncture. Reeve said, “When she’s ready, we’ll be ready for her.”
It remains to be seen when McBride will make her season debut, but rejoining the team is a significant sign of progress. The Lynx face the Seattle Storm on Tuesday, May 27, at Target Center to end a three-game home stretch.
