Napheesa Collier put on an unforgettable performance on Wednesday night, tying the WNBA single-game playoff record by scoring an astounding 42 points, as the Minnesota Lynx secured a 101-88 victory over the Phoenix Mercury. This win not only completed a 2-0 series sweep but also marked another milestone in Collier’s rising WNBA career. The Lynx, boosted by Collier’s outstanding contributions, now move forward to the semifinals.
Collier’s Record-Breaking Night
Collier’s historic night placed her among elite company in WNBA history, tying the all-time playoff single-game scoring record set by Breanna Stewart and Angel McCoughtry. She achieved this milestone with a free throw late in the fourth quarter, bringing her total to 42 points. This iconic moment came with 3:18 left on the game clock when Collier was fouled, and she calmly sank one of her two free throws to match the legendary record.
What made her performance even more remarkable was her efficiency from the free-throw line. Collier only missed twice from her 14 attempts, showcasing not just her ability to score under pressure but also her composure throughout the game. In fact, her dominance was evident throughout the series as she consistently delivered high-impact plays for her team.
Back-to-Back Scoring Milestones
In addition to tying the single-game playoff record, Collier made history by becoming the first player in WNBA playoff history to score 38 or more points in back-to-back games. In Game 1 of the series against Phoenix, Collier scored a career-high 38 points, leading the Lynx to a critical victory that set the stage for their series sweep. This scoring streak put her in uncharted territory, as no player before her had accomplished such a feat.
Collier reached 38 points in Game 2 by the 5:55 mark of the fourth quarter, and her performance continued to electrify the crowd. By the time she finished with 42 points, she had also set a new WNBA record for the most points in a two-game playoff stretch, with an eye-popping total of 80 points between both games.
Lynx Advance to Face Connecticut Sun in Semifinals
The win propels Minnesota to the semifinals, where they will face the Connecticut Sun, one of the WNBA’s most consistent and formidable teams. The Sun earned their place in the semifinals earlier that day with an 87-81 victory over the Indiana Fever. This will mark Connecticut’s sixth consecutive semifinals appearance, solidifying their reputation as one of the top teams in the league.
For Minnesota, the upcoming matchup against Connecticut is certain to be a challenging one, as the Sun are known for their defensive toughness and team chemistry. The Lynx, however, will enter the semifinals with considerable momentum, thanks to Collier’s heroic performances and strong support from her teammates.
Key Contributions from Lynx Players
While Collier’s performance dominated the headlines, it was a true team effort that helped the Lynx secure the series sweep. Veteran guard Kayla McBride stepped up with 15 points, providing key offensive support when Collier faced heavy defensive pressure. McBride’s ability to knock down crucial shots, especially from beyond the arc, kept Minnesota’s offense fluid throughout the game.
Other notable contributors included Bridget Carleton and Alanna Smith, both of whom scored 12 points each. Their efforts on both ends of the court were critical in keeping Phoenix from mounting a comeback. Carleton’s energy on defense and Smith’s presence in the paint helped Minnesota control the game in key moments, particularly during the second half when Phoenix attempted to rally.
Courtney Williams added 11 points, and her contributions included some timely baskets that stretched Minnesota’s lead. Williams, known for her aggressive play, was also pivotal in controlling the pace of the game, pushing the ball in transition and keeping the Mercury on their heels.
Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi Fight Until the End for Phoenix
On the other side, Brittney Griner led the Phoenix Mercury with 24 points, continuing to be a dominant force despite the team’s overall struggles. Griner, a seven-time WNBA All-Star, played with her usual intensity, scoring from both the low post and mid-range while also contributing defensively with blocks and rebounds. However, it wasn’t enough to stop the Lynx’s relentless attack.
Diana Taurasi, the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer, finished the game with 10 points but fouled out with 2:34 left in the game. The Minnesota crowd, recognizing Taurasi’s legendary career, gave her a standing ovation as she exited the game. In a poignant moment, Collier, who had once played with Taurasi at UConn, went over to the Mercury bench to shake hands with her mentor and fellow Huskies alum. This brief exchange was a powerful reminder of the respect shared between two of the league’s greatest players.
Though Taurasi has yet to officially announce whether she will retire after this season, the Mercury honored her in their final home game of the regular season, further fueling speculation that her remarkable career might be coming to an end.
Collier Leads Early and Consistently
Collier set the tone for the game right from the opening quarter, scoring 11 of the Lynx’s 21 points in the first 10 minutes. Her efficient shooting (making five of six shots in the quarter) helped Minnesota establish an early rhythm. By halftime, Collier had racked up 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting, helping her team to a narrow 49-47 lead at the break.
The rest of the Lynx were shooting a combined 10-of-26 at halftime, meaning Collier’s offensive production was critical in keeping the Lynx ahead. Her leadership on the court, both as a scorer and defender, gave Minnesota the spark they needed to stay ahead of the Mercury’s persistent offense.
Tensions Flare in the Third Quarter
The game took an intense turn in the third quarter when a physical altercation between Phoenix guard Sophie Cunningham and Bridget Carleton led to a review by the officials. Cunningham was assessed a flagrant 1 foul after the review, which heightened the emotions on the court. Additionally, Courtney Williams was called for a technical foul during the same sequence, adding to the drama.
Once the situation was settled, Kayla McBride took advantage of the disarray by knocking down an open three-pointer, extending Minnesota’s lead to 58-53. This shot, coming after the physical confrontation, shifted momentum firmly in Minnesota’s favor and energized the Lynx bench.
Minnesota’s Strong Finish
Minnesota pulled away in the second half, with Courtney Williams scoring a layup to give the Lynx their first double-digit lead of the night at 72-60 late in the third quarter. From that point on, Minnesota controlled the pace, leading by double digits for the entire fourth quarter.
The Lynx’s defense, combined with continued offensive efficiency, ensured that Phoenix had no chance to make a comeback. Collier’s late-game dominance kept Minnesota ahead, and the Lynx closed out the game with a comfortable victory.
Minnesota’s Dominance Against Phoenix This Season
The Lynx’s win improved their record against the Mercury to 5-1 this season, showcasing their ability to perform consistently against Phoenix. Collier’s incredible stretch of playoff performances also continued, as she became the second player in WNBA history to record three straight playoff games with 30 or more points. She tied A’ja Wilson’s record for consecutive 30-point playoff games, further cementing her status as one of the league’s elite scorers.
Looking Ahead to the Semifinals
With this impressive win, the Minnesota Lynx will now focus on preparing for their semifinal matchup against the Connecticut Sun. The Sun are one of the most experienced teams in the WNBA playoffs and will pose a significant challenge for Minnesota.
However, with Collier playing at a record-breaking level and strong contributions from key players like McBride, Carleton, and Williams, the Lynx are poised to make a deep playoff run. As the WNBA postseason continues, all eyes will be on Napheesa Collier and whether she can continue her historic run into the semifinals and beyond.
The Information is Collected from ESPN and Yahoo.
