Minnesota Lynx standout Napheesa Collier suffered a right ankle sprain during the game against the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday, August 2. She will undergo evaluation in the upcoming days, but initial reports indicate she is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks. This injury comes as a major setback, given Collier’s status as the frontrunner for the MVP award this season.
Collier, who won the Defensive Player of the Year last season, has been delivering one of the best performances of her career. She averaged more than 23 points, seven rebounds, and three assists per game, along with nearly two steals. Before her injury, she held -300 odds on the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/wnba/”>WNBA website to secure the MVP, underscoring her dominance this season.
The Lynx’s Strengths Beyond Their Star Player
Despite the injury to their top player, the Lynx remain in a strong position. Their league-best record of 27-5 speaks to their depth and balance. While Collier is a central figure, significant contributions from role players like Alanna Smith, Kayla McBride, and Courtney Williams have been critical to the team’s success.
Defense is a hallmark of the Lynx this season, with five regular starters ranking among the top 20 in defensive win shares, a key statistic demonstrating defensive value to team outcomes. This defensive prowess provides a steady foundation regardless of Collier’s availability.
Another key to the team’s ongoing success is their chemistry. Most impactful players have spent multiple seasons with Minnesota, fostering strong cohesion. Newer members such as Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman have also built strong connections, aided by activities like their popular Twitch channel, Stud Budz, which helps enhance camaraderie.
The Lynx’s unity is more than a cliché of “Power of Friendship” often joked about by sports fans; it reflects a genuine enjoyment of playing together, an environment nurtured by head coach Cheryl Reeve.
Key Players Who Need to Elevate Their Games
The Lynx added strength to their roster earlier this year by trading for guard DiJonai Carrington from the Dallas Wings. Carrington, named the 2024 Most Improved Player and an All-Defensive First Team member, had limited opportunities in Dallas behind starters Arike Ogunbowale and rookie Paige Bueckers. However, since joining Minnesota, Carrington has become a vital offensive and defensive asset off the bench.
OFFICIAL: The Dallas Wings have traded guard DiJonai Carrington to the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for Diamond Miller, Karlie Samuelson and Minnesota’s 2027 second round pick. pic.twitter.com/7jxBKLymhr
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) August 3, 2025
In her first three contests with the Lynx, Carrington consistently scored in double digits, providing steady production and defense critical for the team’s late-season push.
DiJonai Carrington’s first three games with the Lynx:
15 PTS, 6 REB, 3 AST, 2 STL, 6-10 FG12 PTS, 2 REB, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 4-7 FG13 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL, 5-7 FG
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) August 10, 2025
Alanna Smith has also played a major role alongside center Jessica Shepard. Smith’s consistent performance—averaging close to 10 points and over five rebounds per game—combined with stout defense, earned her All-Defensive Second Team recognition last season. In Collier’s absence, Smith stepped up with a 25-point effort in a close win over the Washington Mystics, highlighting her importance for the Lynx.
Veteran guard Courtney Williams remains a steady presence, providing reliable scorer’s production and facilitating plays with an average of six assists per game. Her experience will be especially valuable with Collier out of the lineup. Similarly, Kayla McBride’s reputation as one of the league’s premier three-point shooters will be crucial in spacing the floor and generating offense.
Though role players like Karlie Samuelson and Jessica Shepard may not headline the team, their contributions on defense and timely scoring help maintain the Lynx’s competitive edge during critical stretches.
The Team’s Outlook Following Collier’s Setback
While losing a player of Napheesa Collier’s caliber is difficult for any team, the Lynx are well-prepared to remain contenders. Their depth, defense, and cohesion set them apart as a resilient squad capable of absorbing this blow.
In the three games played without Collier, Minnesota has gone undefeated, defeating competitive teams such as the Seattle Storm, Washington Mystics, and New York Liberty. If the supporting cast continues to elevate its performance, the Lynx are on track to secure the top seed entering the playoffs and maintain status as title favorites, especially as they seek redemption after last season’s finals loss to the Liberty.