Alanna Smith: From Adversity to WNBA Championship Contender

Championship Mindset: Alanna Smith’s Journey to the Top

As the Minnesota Lynx prepare to face off against the New York Liberty in the decisive Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, Alanna Smith is laser-focused on one thing: winning a championship. Despite nursing a painful back injury, the 28-year-old forward is determined to push through and bring home the title.

A Season of Triumph

It’s been an incredible year for Smith, who began 2024 playing in Europe before joining the Lynx and representing Australia during the Olympic break. She won a bronze medal with the Opals and has played 10 of a possible 10 semifinal and finals games. With her first year with the Lynx being one of her most enjoyable as a pro, Smith is hungry for more success.

Overcoming Adversity

Smith’s journey to the top hasn’t been without its challenges. Two years ago, she found herself out of the WNBA, waived by the Indiana Fever and back in Australia. However, she persevered and worked her way back into the league, becoming one of the most consistent and improved players in the WNBA.

A Team Effort

Smith credits her teammates and coaches for the team’s success, saying that they’ve all had a blast playing together. “We’ve all acknowledged that we’ve never been on a team quite like what we are now,” she laughs. “It’s really rare to be a part of something like this and it’s really rare to experience that and also win as well.”

The Ultimate Goal

With the championship within reach, Smith is more determined than ever to bring home the title. “We know we have the chance to win the whole thing, we just need to play our style of basketball and our best game of the season,” she says. Despite the pressure, Smith remains focused and calm, knowing that her team has the talent and chemistry to succeed.

A Legacy in the Making

Regardless of the outcome, Smith’s legacy as one of the WNBA’s top players is already cemented. With an Olympic medal and a Commissioner’s Cup under her belt, she’s proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with. Now, she’s just one game away from adding a WNBA championship to her impressive list of achievements.

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