The Minnesota Lynx, boasting a strong 15-2 record, are preparing to host the Golden State Valkyries on Saturday evening in Minneapolis. Central to the Lynx’s success is Napheesa Collier, whose scoring ability has been a key factor in the team’s recent victories and will be critical in facing the Valkyries’ defense.
Collier recently scored 28 points in a game against the Washington Mystics, overcoming a slow start where she was scoreless in the first quarter before steadily finding her rhythm to rack up 10 points in the second, followed by nine points in each of the third and fourth quarters.
“I knew it was going to start dropping, … I just kept going. We knew we were going to push through that. We just kept going.”
—Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx player
Golden State Valkyries’ Defensive Strengths and Team Leaders
The Golden State Valkyries (9-7), coming off two consecutive wins and strong recent form, enter the game confident in their defensive capabilities. Head coach Natalie Nakase credits her team’s intensity and identity as defenders for their success, including limiting the Seattle Storm to only 57 points in their last outing.
“They’re really coming into their own, I think we are naturally, from one to 12, we are naturally defenders. And, like I said, our killer mentality as an identity is really showing out. So again, as long as we had that effort, we recovered. …”
—Natalie Nakase, Golden State Valkyries coach
“We want to be a No. 1 defense, so I’m hoping this pushes us a little closer.”
—Natalie Nakase, Golden State Valkyries coach
The Valkyries currently hold the No. 2 defensive ranking in the league, allowing just 77.2 points per game, behind the Lynx who lead with 74.2 points allowed on average. Golden State’s defensive discipline will be tested against a Lynx offense led by Collier.
Key contributors for the Valkyries include Kayla Thornton, averaging 15 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, and Veronica Burton, the team’s top playmaker with 5.2 assists and 10.5 points per game.
Key Offensive Players to Watch in Tonight’s Clash
Along with Collier, who leads the Lynx with 24.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, Minnesota counts on strong offensive production from Kayla McBride, who averages 15.4 points. Courtney Williams and Alanna Smith round out Minnesota’s top scorers, posting 12.8 and 10.8 points per game respectively. Off the bench, Natisha Hiedeman adds valuable scoring with an 8.0 points average over 17 games.
Upcoming Rematch Highlights Rising Rivalry
Tonight’s game marks the second meeting between these two teams this season, with the Lynx securing an 86-75 victory over the Valkyries in their first encounter on June 1 in San Francisco. With both teams displaying strong performances lately, the contest is expected to be a competitive showdown between Minnesota’s high-powered offense and Golden State’s top-tenacious defense.
The outcome of this matchup could influence defensive rankings and momentum as the league progresses, with the Golden State Valkyries looking to close the gap on the Lynx’s defensive superiority, while Minnesota aims to capitalize on their offensive firepower led by Napheesa Collier.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much is Napheesa Collier paid?
A. Napheesa Collier agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Minnesota Lynx from 2022 to 2025, worth $552,516 in total.
Each year, her average salary amounts to $184,172. In 2025, Collier’s base salary will be $214,284, which also matches the cap hit for that year.
Q. Who is Napheesa Collier’s agent?
A. Erin Kane, a sports agent for Excel Sports, manages several women’s basketball players, including Napheesa Collier, Arike Ogunbowale, NaLyssa Smith, and Maddy Siegrist.
Q. How much does Napheesa Collier get paid?
A. Based on information from Spotrac, Collier has made $696,798 in salary since joining the WNBA as the sixth overall pick in 2019. By the end of this season, her total earnings are expected to exceed $860,000. In May 2022, she agreed to a three-year extension valued at $552,516, which means she will earn about $184,172 each season.
Q. What is Napheesa Collier’s nationality?
A. Napheesa Collier, often called “Phee,” was born on September 23, 1996. She plays professional basketball for the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA.