The Minnesota Lynx faced a troubling setback during their dominant afternoon against the Las Vegas Aces when star player Napheesa Collier sustained a severe ankle injury late in the third quarter. Although the Lynx secured a historic 111-58 victory—the largest road win in WNBA history—the celebration was overshadowed by Collier’s sudden exit due to injury, raising concerns about the team’s playoff prospects.
Details of the injury incident and immediate response
The injury occurred as the Lynx pushed on a fastbreak with a large lead in hand. After Natisha Hiedeman’s unsuccessful layup attempt, Collier stepped on Alanna Smith’s foot while running back in transition, causing her ankle to roll sharply. She collapsed on the court and showed clear signs of intense pain. The Lynx called a timeout as Collier struggled to rise, receiving support first from teammate Jessica Shepard and from A’ja Wilson of the Aces. Despite attempts to stand, Collier was forced to sit back down when the athletic trainer arrived to provide aid. With assistance, she eventually managed to hobble off the court and retreated to the locker room, not returning for the rest of the game.
Uncertainty surrounding Collier’s recovery timeline
While the exact severity and recovery timeframe remain uncertain, early indications suggest a challenging road ahead for Collier. Given the stage of the season and the magnitude of the injury, questions have been raised about why she remained in the game with such a large lead and little time remaining. Nonetheless, the Lynx must now focus on managing the fallout, hoping the injury is less serious than feared and that their key player can return before crucial playoff games.
Lynx’s solid regular season position despite injury concerns
The victory improved Minnesota’s record to 24-5, further widening their lead over the New York Liberty by six games in the bid for the top seed entering the playoffs. With only 15 games left in the regular season, the Lynx hold a comfortable cushion that likely ensures homecourt advantage throughout the postseason, even if Collier faces an extended absence. This advantage is vital for a team aiming to claim the championship after falling to the Liberty in last year’s Finals.
Implications for Collier and the Lynx as playoffs approach
The limited remaining schedule means that Collier has minimal time to recover, return to play, and regain her pre-injury form before the playoffs begin. Her full contribution is critical for the Lynx’s championship hopes, as she has been their most consistent and impactful player this season. Her absence could severely disrupt their rhythm and reduce their chances of finally overcoming their previous Finals disappointment.
Potential effects on award races and individual honors
Collier’s injury also casts a shadow over multiple personal accolades. Before the game, she was averaging 23.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game on 53.7 percent shooting, positioning her as the leading MVP candidate. Additionally, she was a top contender for Defensive Player of the Year, an award she claimed last year. Should she miss significant time, other players may capitalize on the dwindling schedule to strengthen their cases for these honors in her absence.
Looking ahead as the Lynx and league adapt to the situation
The severity of Napheesa Collier’s ankle injury introduces a critical challenge for the Minnesota Lynx as they enter the most decisive weeks of the WNBA season. Their ability to maintain dominance without their star will be key to securing favorable playoff conditions and deep postseason success. Meanwhile, the league’s award races remain wide open, with the potential for new leaders to emerge as the final rounds unfold. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as recovery updates and team adjustments emerge in the coming days.