Napheesa Collier Ties WNBA Playoff Scoring Record in Victory Over Phoenix Mercury

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Napheesa Collier delivered an outstanding performance, tying a WNBA playoff record by scoring 42 points as the Minnesota Lynx triumphed over the Phoenix Mercury 101-88 on Wednesday night. This victory secured a semifinal spot for the Lynx in the ongoing playoffs.

Collier’s 42-point achievement matched the postseason scoring records set by Breanna Stewart in 2022 and Angel McCoughtry in 2010. Further bolstering her remarkable performance, Collier also recorded five rebounds and four assists. She is only the second player to achieve at least 40 points, four rebounds, and four assists in a postseason game, joining her predecessor, Maya Moore, from the Lynx.

After the game, Collier commented on her historic achievement, saying, “I just tried to be aggressive and give everything I had for our team. It’s great to share this moment with my teammates and the fans.”

Collier’s dominance extended over both games of the series with a total of 80 points, setting a new WNBA record for points scored over a two-game playoff stretch. In Game 1, she recorded a career-high of 38 points, illustrating her consistent impact on the team’s performance.

The game against Phoenix also marked a notable moment for legendary player Diana Taurasi, who scored 10 points before fouling out late in the fourth quarter. Taurasi received a standing ovation from the Minneapolis crowd, highlighting her impact on the league amid speculation regarding her retirement after this season.

Key contributions also came from Kayla McBride, who added 15 points, and Bridget Carleton and Alanna Smith, each contributing 12 points for Minnesota. On the opposing side, Brittney Griner led the Mercury with 24 points.

Regarding the game’s physical intensity, a notable incident occurred in the third quarter when officials reviewed a play involving Carleton and Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham, resulting in a Flagrant 1 foul against Cunningham. Subsequently, McBride’s crucial three-pointer extended Minnesota’s lead, which remained in double digits throughout the final quarter.

Up next for the Lynx is a face-off with the Connecticut Sun, who advanced to the semifinals after defeating the Indiana Fever earlier. The two teams will commence their semifinal series on Sunday, providing Collier another opportunity to showcase her remarkable form against one of the league’s top defenses.