Napheesa Collier Out for Lynx’s Must-Win Game 4

PHOENIX, Arizona — The Minnesota Lynx will play without star forward Napheesa Collier in their crucial Game 4 against the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday. This decision comes after Collier sustained a left ankle injury during the final moments of Game 3 on Friday, which the Lynx lost 84-76.

Collier, who was a runner-up for the WNBA MVP award, was injured with 21.8 seconds left in the game. While attempting to dribble near the three-point line, she collided with Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas, who was trying for a steal. The resulting contact caused Collier’s knee to buckle, leading to the ankle injury.

After the incident, Collier limped to the bench with visible distress. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve indicated that there was a possibility of a fracture, but did not provide further details. The Lynx have not released a timeline for her recovery.

The absence of Collier is a significant blow to the Lynx, who trail 2-1 in the best-of-five semifinal series. She averaged 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and had consistently been a key player for the team throughout the season.

In addition to Collier’s injury issues, the Lynx will also be without coach Cheryl Reeve. She was suspended for one game following her ejection during Game 3 after reacting to the incident that led to Collier’s injury. Reeve criticized the officiating in her post-game remarks, calling it “malpractice.”

Reeve’s suspension further complicates the Lynx’s challenge as they seek to avoid elimination against the Mercury. The team will need to rally together in this critical situation, facing a win-or-go-home scenario without two of their main figures.

Collier had previously missed seven games earlier in the season due to a right ankle sprain, during which the Lynx managed to go 5-2. As she recovers from this latest injury, her team fights to keep their playoff hopes alive.