Napheesa Collier Shines Despite Minnesota Lynx’s Narrow Loss in WNBA Finals

MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota Lynx‘s forward Napheesa Collier remains a beacon of hope and resilience for her team despite a crushing defeat against the New York Liberty in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. Held at the Target Center, the game marked a pivotal moment in the finals series, where the Lynx lost 80-77 due to a last-second 3-pointer by Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu.

Just hours after the demoralizing loss, Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve commended Collier’s unwavering spirit. “This is where you realize how consistent and steady Phee is,” Reeve noted in a post-practice discussion, highlighting Collier’s resilience as she continues to lead by example. “That’s something that’s contagious, and that’s Phee,” Reeve added.

The Lynx, now facing elimination, will rely heavily on Collier’s performance as they head into Game 4. The star forward had an outstanding season, ranking fourth in the league in scoring, and placing fourth in MVP voting, demonstrating her critical role in the team’s successes. Despite narrowly missing the MVP title, Collier set a record in the postseason by scoring a total of 249 points.

The journey to her current form has been gradual yet impactful. Collier’s career took off after she was named WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2019, followed by her selection to the All-WNBA first team. Her growth continued after an impressive comeback post-maternity leave in 2022, where she prioritized improvement during the 2023 offseason. By focusing on various skills including guard techniques and shooting, Collier has become a versatile asset for the Lynx.

During the nail-biting Game 3, Collier’s performance was pivotal. She amassed 22 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and five steals, maintaining her position as a scoring leader in the playoffs. Despite her contribution, the Lynx were unable to maintain their early advantage, succumbing to Liberty’s offensive surge in the final moments, a defeat encapsulated by Ionescu’s decisive shot.

In the game’s closing stages, Ionescu hit a 35-foot 3-pointer, settling the score just as the clock neared its end, watched by a record crowd of over 19,000 at the Target Center. Reeve acknowledged the shot, saying, “A great player made a good shot.” Her sentiments were shared by Kayla McBride, another key Lynx player, highlighting the defensive challenge posed by Ionescu.

The Lynx now find themselves with their backs against the wall, needing a victory in Game 4 to remain in contention for the championship. A win on Friday would push the series to a decisive Game 5 in Brooklyn, while a loss would hand the Liberty the title.

As the Lynx regroup, Collier’s leadership and drive remain crucial. Team members and fans alike watch eagerly to see if her postseason heroics can propel the Lynx to their first WNBA title since 2017.