Courtney Williams is the X factor that the Minnesota Lynx needed. Going up against the New York Liberty for the first time in the Finals, the Cheryl Reeve-led team needed an edge to hand out multiple defeats to them in the regular season. And continue doing so in the Championship Game. Former pro Lisa Leslie thinks the Lynx already has the answer in one player and her family.

Ever since she was little, Williams has been into sports. Had she not had easy access to basketball courts, we might be seeing her in the WTA today. But tennis didn’t happen, and basketball did, thanks to constant support from her dad. Now in her eighth season in the W, Williams still gets hyped when her dad comes to cheer her on from the sidelines. As Leslie points out, “Shoutout to Courtney Williams ’cause she did excellent. 24 points, 5 assists, she was balling. And for some reason whenever her father is at her game, she like balls out.”

Don Williams can often be found at Target Center, cheering on his daughter, giving high fives to fellow fans, and even busting out some dance moves. Courtney Williams is used to it, and Cheryl Reeve wouldn’t have it any other way. “Courtney’s way with this team was exactly what was missing from our team last year,” says the Lynx head coach.

The Sun had forced them out of the playoffs in round 1 last season, but the Lynx finally had their revenge in the semifinals this year, even if it took 5 games to do it. Now, they have the star power of Don and Courtney Williams. Leslie does ask, “And I’m like, ‘So what are you doing on the days that Daddy can’t come to the game? Stop taking plays off girl!’ Like, the consistency is important here and she’s gonna need to be consistent in the Finals. And she probably will be. Can Pop make all the games or what?”

He might not go to the first two games in New York but he’ll certainly be there for Game 3, and if it comes to it, Game 4 in Minnesota. Saying that his celebrations are not a distraction to her, Williams says, “He’s been there all my life.” So the No. 10 just needs to continue doing what she’s been doing, and as Reeve says, “be aggressive.”

Cheryl Reeve knew Courtney Williams would help the Lynx to the Finals

Throughout her career, Williams has lent her skills to various WNBA teams. But none has been a more perfect fit than the Minnesota Lynx. Already with a Commissioner’s Cup (which the Lynx incidentally won after defeating the Liberty) this year, her arrival in Minneapolis was something special.

Cheryl Reeve said, “[I told her] when she’s aggressive and makes plays, we have a chance to be in the Finals. We knew she would be a big part of us winning this series.” Not only that, but Reeve also praises Williams’ personality, “I knew how real she was as a person. That’s probably why we do so well. I can say anything to Courtney, and she can say anything to me.” Additionally, the guard has been a menace for the opponents on the defense as well. And her energy-boosting personality is simply out of this world.

The father-daughter Williams duo has been in full force all season and then postseason-long. The final destination is almost in sight. While the game against the first seed will be tough, the Lynx won’t make it easy for the Liberty to finally win their first World Championship!