The Minnesota Lynx secured their fourth consecutive regular-season win by defeating the Connecticut Sun 76–70 on Friday night, highlighted by Napheesa Collier’s exceptional effort. Collier’s historic WNBA performance Friday featured an impressive stat line that included 33 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and three blocks, making her the standout player of the game.
Collier Joins Exclusive Group with Rare Statistical Feat
Collier’s dominant display placed her among a select group of WNBA players. She became only the fifth player in league history to record at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, and three blocks in a single game. This accomplishment ties her with iconic figures such as A’ja Wilson, Lisa Leslie, Sylvia Fowles, and Tari Phillips. The Minnesota Lynx recognized this milestone on their official X account, emphasizing Collier’s remarkable achievement.
Key Moments Fueling the Comeback
During the game, Connecticut built a 15-point lead, but Collier’s decisive three-pointer narrowed the gap to twelve points. As the game intensified, her accurate free throws tied the score at 68-68 with just 90 seconds remaining, setting the stage for Minnesota’s late surge. Her defensive tenacity was instrumental in the final moments, helping secure the win.
Collier Reflects on Team Resilience and Supportive Crowd
Discussing the closing stages, Collier highlighted the team’s defensive focus and composure.
“We started relying on our defense. We were really pressuring, we had a lot of deflections and steals, just really pressuring them and just staying calm,”
she said. She also praised the Lynx’s resilience:
“I think we’ve always been really resilient, even when we’re down. We were down with five minutes left. That’s not an easy thing to overcome, but I never felt like we were going to lose.”
Collier expressed gratitude for the fans at Target Center, describing their energy as a crucial boost:
“It was so fun…so loud. They were like our sixth man out there. They were behind us the whole time.”
She added,
“It’s so fun to play in an environment like that and Lynx are famous for that.”
Implications of Collier’s Performance for the Lynx
This standout game by Napheesa Collier not only elevates her status among WNBA greats but also strengthens the Minnesota Lynx’s position in the league. Her ability to contribute significantly on both ends of the court signals the team’s championship potential. With Collier leading the charge, the Lynx are poised to continue their winning streak as the season progresses.