Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier is widely recognized for her outstanding performance on the basketball court, yet her teammate Courtney Williams revealed that trash-talking is not one of her strong suits. Despite assuming a leadership role and motivating teammates, Collier struggles to intimidate opponents verbally.
Williams shared with ESPN on Tuesday that while Collier makes an effort to engage in trash talk, she falls short in executing it effectively.
“She be talking s***, but it just ain’t good. Hell no. But we’re working on it,” Williams said.
Although mental games may not be Collier’s forte, her contributions on the court are undeniable. She currently averages 23.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while shooting an impressive 53.1%, leading the league in both scoring and field goal percentage. Her dominant play has significantly contributed to the Lynx securing the league’s top seed, with a record of 23 wins and only five losses. Minnesota sits comfortably four games ahead of the second-place New York Liberty.
With the Lynx in such strong form, led by Collier and supported by her teammates, anything less than reaching the WNBA Finals would be considered a letdown. After narrowly missing the championship last year by a single win, the team appears more poised than ever to claim the title this season.
Napheesa Collier’s Break from Basketball Following the 2024 WNBA Finals Defeat
Last season, Napheesa Collier was instrumental in nearly guiding the Minnesota Lynx to their first-ever WNBA championship. However, the Lynx fell to the New York Liberty in a closely contested five-game series. Collier stood out as the team’s top performer during the Finals, averaging 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 3.4 steals per game.
The defeat had a profound impact on Collier, leading her to take a temporary step away from basketball. When asked about her mindset after the loss, Collier told ESPN,
“I was just over it.”
Despite stepping back, Collier did not remain away for long. She soon partnered with Liberty star Breanna Stewart to launch the Unrivaled League, showing her commitment to the sport and her determination to improve. Collier returned this season with renewed focus and continues to enhance her performance, driving the Lynx’s success.
The Lynx are set to face the New York Liberty again on Wednesday as they aim to maintain their top position and continue their push toward the championship.