The WNBA All-Star Game on July 19, 2025, promises an intense battle as Coach Cheryl Reeve prepares to face off against one of her own franchise’s brightest talents, Napheesa Collier. Set at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, this matchup between coach and star highlights the excitement surrounding the Napheesa Collier All-Star Showdown.

Cheryl Reeve, long-time coach of the Minnesota Lynx, will lead Team Caitlin Clark, despite Clark and Collier being the two captains of this year’s All-Star Game. Clark earned the highest fan votes with over 1.29 million, while Collier followed closely behind, securing captaincy with 1.17 million votes. The twist of having Reeve coach against her own pivotal player adds another layer of intrigue to the event.

Reeve and Collier: From Teammates to Rivals on All-Star Night

Cheryl Reeve recalls vividly the first time Napheesa Collier’s leadership stood out back in 2019, as a rookie walking into the Lynx locker room with quiet confidence. It was Collier who stepped up when a teammate faltered, demonstrating a maturity beyond her years that impressed Reeve deeply. This early interaction cemented a strong bond that has grown through their years together, making their upcoming All-Star confrontation all the more compelling.

Despite guiding the Lynx’s successful season, Reeve will helm Team Clark due to the All-Star Game format aligning the best-record coach with the top vote-getter. Meanwhile, New York Liberty’s coach Sandy Brondello will lead Team Collier. Reeve acknowledged the unusual situation with humor, saying,

“Well, there’s transacting that can happen, it’s been done before,”

and later added,

“These are first world problems and how dare I for a second think this isn’t a tremendous honor… so that’s the space I’m in and I’m excited.”

—Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota Lynx Head Coach

Reeve’s approach to this matchup blends respect for Collier’s abilities with an understanding of the honor it represents. She remains focused on the All-Star Game’s significance and the unique challenge of coaching against a player she knows intimately.

Familiar Rivalries Shape the Stakes

The dynamic between Reeve and Brondello is deeply rooted in recent competitive history. Their teams met in the Commissioner’s Cup, with the Lynx initially securing victory only for the New York Liberty to triumph in the Finals. The previous year’s All-Star Game also added tension, as Reeve coached Team USA while Clark captained Team WNBA, leading Team WNBA to a 117-109 win.

With the reserves set to be announced on July 6 and the draft scheduled for July 8, anticipation is high. Clark is expected to draft several teammates from the Indiana Fever, while Collier looks to prove her dominance after the Liberty claimed the first round of the Cup. The matchup will energize fans familiar with this budding rivalry as both captains take the reins this year on home court in Indianapolis.

Napheesa Collier Sparks Lynx’s Rebound Victory

Just days before the All-Star event, the Minnesota Lynx showcased their resilience in a 92-75 home win against the Washington Mystics. This performance highlighted Collier’s leadership and scoring ability, especially in the crucial final quarter. After trailing early due to a 14-2 run by the Mystics, the Lynx reversed momentum with a 16-6 surge in the second quarter, improving their defense and tightening ball control.

Collier’s 28 points included 11 in the fourth quarter, securing the victory for Minnesota and demonstrating how she can seize control late in games. The Lynx’s halftime lead of 43-38 grew as they launched a 12-2 run early in the second half, with Collier scoring consecutively to extend the margin to 15 points. Despite efforts by the Mystics’ bench players, Lucy Olsen and Aaliyah Edwards, the starters struggled to regain footing and momentum.

With this victory, Minnesota improved to 15-2 on the season, sending a message that their team remains a powerful force despite a recent loss in the Commissioner’s Cup. Collier’s ability to elevate her game at critical moments fortifies her status as a lynchpin and raises expectations for how she will perform in the All-Star Game under the spotlight.

What the All-Star Showdown Means for the Future

The upcoming All-Star Game sets a stage not only for individual glory but for deeper narratives within the WNBA. Cheryl Reeve vs. Napheesa Collier symbolizes the evolving mentorship-turned-competition dynamic, as veteran leaders square off against rising stars. This contest will highlight the strategic acumen of Reeve and the athletic peak of Collier, making it a definitive test for both.

For fans of the Lynx and the league at large, this game will be a chance to witness how Collier’s leadership has matured and how Reeve’s coaching adapts when facing familiar talent on opposing sides. It also underscores the growing popularity of the league, reflected in millions of fan votes deciding captains and the national attention on Indianapolis as host city.

With the reserves announcement and draft imminent, and the all-important All-Star Game rapidly approaching at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, all eyes will be on how this coach-versus-player storyline unfolds. In a league gaining momentum and stature, the Cheryl Reeve and Napheesa Collier matchup will be pivotal in defining stars and strategies for the months ahead.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Who is the boyfriend of Napheesa Collier?

A. Collier and Bazzell crossed paths while she was still a high school student. They both shared a strong love for basketball. Bazzell, who trained athletes, started working with her when she joined UConn. Over time, their bond evolved into romance, and they got engaged in 2019 during Collier’s junior year.

Q. Who is dating Napheesa Collier?

A. Alex Bazzell, the husband of Napheesa Collier from the Minnesota Lynx, shared his excitement on X after the first game of the WNBA Finals.

Q. Why is Napheesa Collier out?

A. They were playing without their key player, Napheesa Collier, who is leading the WNBA MVP race as the 2025 season progresses past one-third. On Friday, when they played against the Dream in Atlanta, Collier was uncertain to participate due to a back injury that had sidelined her for two matches.

Q. Is Napheesa Collier good?

A. Collier leads the WNBA in efficiency with a rating of 28.9. She is third in rebounds, averaging 8.5 per game. She ranks fourth in blocks with 1.5 per game. In steals, she is fifth, averaging 1.8 per game. Collier is seventh in field goal percentage, making 52.5% of her shots.