Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve set a new WNBA record for career regular-season wins as her team defeated the Connecticut Sun 86-80 on Monday night. With the victory at Connecticut’s home court, Reeve earned her 380th regular-season win, surpassing the previous record of 379 held by Mike Thibault. Notably, Eric Thibault, Mike’s son, serves as Minnesota’s associate head coach.

Reeve, a four-time WNBA Coach of the Year, has been at the helm of the Lynx since 2010, guiding them to four league championships. This achievement ties Minnesota with the Houston Comets and the Seattle Storm for the most championships in WNBA history. Reflecting on the milestone, Reeve acknowledged the influence of Mike Thibault on her career and expressed her openness to future coaches eventually surpassing her record.

Minnesota faced adversity leading up to the record-setting win, having lost two consecutive games for the first time this season. The Lynx fell to New York on Friday before a narrow 90-89 loss to the Sun in their previous home outing. Monday’s win allowed Minnesota to move a half-game ahead of the defending champion Las Vegas Aces atop the standings, with a current record of 16-6.

Kayla McBride led the Lynx offensively with 23 points, while Natasha Howard contributed a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. On Connecticut’s side, Leila Lacan scored 15 points and added six assists and six rebounds, and Olivia Nelson-Ododa contributed 14 points. The Sun’s Saniya Rivers suffered a left ankle sprain during the game and was taken off the court in a wheelchair; she did not return.

Injuries continued to affect both teams. Minnesota rookie Olivia Miles, the second overall pick in the WNBA draft and a recent All-Star selection, missed her second straight game due to a calf strain. Connecticut was also without key players Brittney Griner, sidelined with a left quadriceps strain, and Aneesah Morrow, who missed due to personal reasons.

With Reeve reaching the milestone, the Lynx look to maintain their strong position as the regular season progresses, aiming to extend their lead in the competitive standings.