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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 3: Napheesa Collier #24 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots the ball during the game against the Phoenix Mercury on September 3, 2023 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 3: Napheesa Collier #24 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots the ball during the game against the Phoenix Mercury on September 3, 2023 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
This Sunday was quite a hype for the No. 2-seeded Minnesota Lynx. Their standout, Napheesa Collier, was named the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, while Cheryl Reeve, who led Team USA to gold at the Paris Olympics, was awarded Executive and Coach of the Year. Undoubtedly, this award highlights a great run for the Lynx, who hosted the Connecticut Sun in Game 1 of their semifinal matchup. For Collier, who finished second to Aces superstar A’ja Wilson in the MVP race, it was a night to remember.
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With about 6 minutes left on the clock in the 3rd quarter, Collier successfully off-tracked DeWanna Bonner’s 21-foot two-point shot, limiting the Sun to 52 to their 50 points. Following the execution of the defense, the WNBA took to its official Twitter account to write, “DPOY vibes only 🛡️ Napheesa Collier brings the lockdown defense, snagging the stop. CON-MIN on ESPN | #WNBAPlayoffs presented by @Google” to appreciate the Lynx standout’s outstanding performance.
DPOY vibes only 🏆
Napheesa Collier brings the lockdown defense, snagging the stop
CON-MIN on ESPN | #WNBAPlayoffs presented by @Google pic.twitter.com/edvmx7PSMT
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 30, 2024
Wilson, on the other hand, despite being the league’s DPOY for the last two seasons, finished second with 26 votes. The Seattle Storm’s Ezi Magbegor followed in third place with three votes. Returning to Collier, she put together one of the best two-game stretches in WNBA playoff history, scoring 80 points combined in two wins over the Phoenix Mercury in the first round.
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Since being named DPOY, she’s been playing like one. In a semifinal game between the Lynx and the Connecticut Sun, Collier impressed with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Her defense stood out as well, with 2 steals and 1 block in 37 minutes of play. However, it wasn’t enough for the Lynx to overcome tough competition from the Connecticut Sun.
The Sun ultimately defeated the Lynx 73-70
Now, the Sun lead the semifinal playoff series 1-0, making it crucial for the Lynx to stir back the momentum. Following the team’s leading scorer were Bridget Carleton and Kayla McBride with 17 and 12 points. Though the visiting team had four of its starters posting in double digits, it was a close game.
The Lynx dominated the middle two quarters but Marina Mabrey’s 6 three-pointers, 2 30-foot from the logo for game-leading 20 points proved to the weapon for the Suns. This only built on the 2-1 regular season series lead for the Mohegan tribe-owned team. But Carleton assures they are confident about the next round.
“It’s a long series for a reason. We have all the faith in the world that we’ll perform better on Tuesday night and hopefully come out with a win,” she said via ESPN. The Lynx taken on their opponents in the home ground once again before heading to Mohegan Sun Arena for the third. By all means, they will hope for an extended stay in the same turf in hopes of making their first finals since 2017.
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Edited by
Shivatmika Manvi