What Happened
On August 2, 2025, Napheesa Collier, a key player for the Minnesota Lynx and a frontrunner for the WNBA MVP award, exited a game against the Las Vegas Aces due to a right ankle injury. The incident occurred late in the third quarter during a fastbreak play when Collier collided with teammate Alanna Smith while attempting to secure an offensive rebound. As a result, she rolled her ankle severely and fell to the court, requiring assistance to leave the game. Despite the injury, the Lynx went on to win decisively, with a final score of 111-58, marking the largest road victory in WNBA history.
Following the game, Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve indicated that it was too early to assess the severity of Collier’s injury, stating that she would undergo further testing and imaging in the coming days. Collier had been performing well prior to her injury, contributing 18 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds in 26 minutes of play. The Lynx’s victory improved their record to 24-5, solidifying their position as a leading contender for the top seed in the playoffs.
Key Details
- Injury Incident: The injury occurred with less than a minute remaining in the third quarter when Collier collided with teammate Alanna Smith. She was seen limping off the court with assistance from the team’s athletic trainer.
- Game Outcome: The Lynx defeated the Aces 111-58, achieving a 53-point margin of victory, which is the second-largest in WNBA history and the largest for a road game.
- Collier’s Performance: Before her injury, Collier scored 18 points and contributed significantly to the Lynx’s offensive output.
- Coach’s Comments: Reeve expressed concern for Collier but also emphasized that she did not regret having her in the game at that time, citing the competitive nature of the match.
- Upcoming Tests: Collier is scheduled for imaging and testing to determine the extent of her injury, with no immediate timeline for her return.
Multiple Perspectives
The incident has sparked discussions regarding player safety and the decision-making process of coaches during games. Some analysts and fans have questioned the rationale behind keeping a star player like Collier in the game while leading by a significant margin. Coach Reeve defended her decision, stating, “I didn’t think the game was over,” and emphasized the unpredictable nature of sports where injuries can occur at any moment.
Conversely, some commentators argue that with such a commanding lead, it may have been prudent to rest key players to avoid potential injuries. Kayla McBride, a teammate, expressed concern for Collier, highlighting the emotional impact of seeing a teammate injured, especially one who is considered an MVP candidate.
Context & Background
Napheesa Collier has been a standout player in the WNBA, leading the league in scoring with an average of 23.8 points per game prior to her injury. Her performance has not only positioned her as a frontrunner for the MVP award but also as a critical component of the Lynx’s strategy as they aim for a championship following a narrow loss in the finals the previous season.
The Lynx’s recent success, including their record-setting win against the Aces, has been attributed to a strong team dynamic and effective offensive strategies. However, Collier’s potential absence raises concerns about the team’s depth and ability to maintain their performance without one of their star players.
What We Don’t Know Yet
As of now, the full extent of Collier’s injury remains uncertain. The results of her upcoming imaging and testing will be crucial in determining how long she may be sidelined. Additionally, it is unclear whether she will travel with the team for their next game against the Seattle Storm or return to Minnesota for further evaluation. The implications of her injury extend beyond her immediate health, potentially affecting her candidacy for the MVP award and the Lynx’s playoff positioning as the regular season approaches its conclusion.
In summary, while the Lynx celebrated a historic victory, the shadow of Collier’s injury looms large, prompting questions about player safety, team strategy, and the future of the Lynx as they pursue a championship title.
