In an electrifying performance that will go down in WNBA history, Napheesa Collier made headlines with an epic 42-point night, tying the WNBA single-game playoff record and leading the Minnesota Lynx to a 101-88 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday night. This incredible feat not only helped the Lynx sweep the Mercury, but it also added Collier’s name to the history books alongside Breanna Stewart and Angel McCoughtry, who also hold the 42-point record.
What makes this moment even more impressive is that Collier was incredibly efficient, missing just two free throws out of 14 attempts. In fact, she tied the record with a free throw with just 3:18 left on the clock in the fourth quarter, sending Lynx fans into a frenzy. Collier’s contribution to the game didn’t go unnoticed, as she was subbed out with 58.3 seconds remaining, earning her a well-deserved standing ovation.
This performance was particularly meaningful for Collier, who had already scored a career-high 38 points in Game 1 of the series. She became the first player in WNBA history to score more than 38 points in back-to-back playoff games. Her combined 80 points over the two games set a new WNBA record for the most points in a two-game playoff stretch, breaking barriers and setting new standards for playoff greatness. Collier had already reached 38 points in Game 2 with over five minutes left, underscoring her dominant presence on the court.
And the Minnesota Lynx? They’re not slowing down anytime soon. Their next matchup is Sunday against the Connecticut Sun, a formidable opponent that advanced to its sixth straight semifinals after a hard-fought 87-81 win over the Indiana Fever earlier on Wednesday. Lynx fans are already buzzing with anticipation for what’s sure to be a thrilling game.
Of course, basketball is a team sport, and Collier didn’t do it alone. Kayla McBride chipped in with 15 points, while Bridget Carleton and Alanna Smith each contributed 12 points. Courtney Williams also added 11 points to round out a well-balanced attack for the Lynx. It’s this kind of team effort that has propelled Minnesota through the playoffs and will likely be key in their upcoming games.
On the other side, Phoenix put up a valiant fight, but it just wasn’t enough to overcome the Collier-led Lynx. Brittney Griner, who had an outstanding game herself, led the Mercury with 24 points, while Diana Taurasi contributed 10 points before fouling out with just 2:34 left in the game. Taurasi, one of the most iconic figures in WNBA history, received a standing ovation from the Minnesota crowd when she exited the game. In a classy moment of sportsmanship, Collier took the opportunity to shake hands with Taurasi, her fellow UConn alum, at the Mercury bench.
Taurasi’s future remains uncertain, as she hasn’t officially announced if this is her final season in the WNBA. However, the Mercury paid tribute to her during their final home regular-season game, suggesting that this may indeed be her swan song. If this is Taurasi’s last season, she will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the league, and moments like her handshake with Collier serve as a reminder of the lasting legacy she has built.
Shifting the focus back to the game, Collier wasted no time getting Minnesota off to a strong start. She scored 11 of Minnesota’s 21 points in the first quarter, making five of her first six shots and setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable night. By halftime, Collier had already racked up 23 points on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting, helping the Lynx secure a narrow 49-47 lead going into the break. The rest of the Lynx team, while not as dominant as Collier, did enough to support her effort, shooting 10-of-26 from the field in the first half.
As the third quarter heated up, tensions flared on the court. A physical play involving Bridget Carleton and Phoenix guard Sophie Cunningham prompted a review by the officials, leading to a flagrant 1 foul being assessed to Cunningham. In addition, Courtney Williams received a technical foul. Once the dust settled, Kayla McBride calmly sank a wide-open 3-pointer, pushing the Lynx to a 58-53 lead, and from there, Minnesota never looked back.
Williams then gave the Lynx their first double-digit lead of the second half, sinking a bucket that made it 72-60 with just over two minutes left in the third quarter. From that point on, the Lynx maintained a comfortable lead throughout the fourth quarter, keeping Phoenix at bay and sealing the win.
With the victory, Minnesota improved to 5-1 against the Mercury this season, further cementing their dominance over Phoenix. It was an all-around team effort, but Collier’s 42-point explosion was clearly the standout moment of the night.
Remarkably, this was Collier’s third consecutive playoff game scoring at least 30 points, tying her with A’ja Wilson for the longest such streak in WNBA history. Her streak began last season when she scored 31 points in a Game 3 loss to Connecticut, but Collier has shown no signs of slowing down.
As the Lynx gear up for their semifinal showdown with Connecticut, all eyes will be on Collier to see if she can continue her historic run. With her recent performances, there’s little doubt that she’ll be the focal point of Minnesota’s offense as they chase a championship.
In conclusion, Napheesa Collier’s 42-point performance was nothing short of spectacular, putting her name in the WNBA record books and helping the Minnesota Lynx advance in the playoffs. Supported by strong contributions from her teammates, Collier has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting semifinal series against Connecticut. Whether you’re a die-hard Lynx fan or just love great basketball, this is one playoff run you won’t want to miss.
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