Minnesota Lynx fans held their breath as Napheesa Collier, the team’s MVP frontrunner and All-Star, went down with a right ankle injury during a historic blowout win. Now, with the playoffs heating up, her absence could reshape the entire WNBA postseason.
A Shocking Turn in a Record-Breaking Game
It was supposed to be a night of celebration for the Lynx. On August 3, Minnesota demolished the Las Vegas Aces by 53 points—the largest road win in league history. But late in the third quarter, with the Lynx up by 43, Collier rolled her ankle after stepping on teammate Alanna Smith’s foot while trailing a missed fastbreak layup. The star forward immediately crumpled to the floor, writhing in pain, and needed help from both teams’ players and trainers before being escorted off the court.
MRI Confirms Sprain, Timeline Uncertain
An MRI at Mayo Clinic Square confirmed a
right ankle sprain. The Lynx announced Collier will be “re-evaluated in the coming weeks,” with no firm timetable for her return. The injury comes at a critical juncture: Minnesota is leading the league with a 24-5 record and faces a packed schedule, including a Finals rematch against the New York Liberty—who are also missing star Breanna Stewart due to injury.
Why Was Collier Still in the Game?
The decision to keep Collier on the floor with such a large lead drew immediate scrutiny. At the post-game press conference, Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve defended her choice:
“It’s the third quarter of a game on someone else’s floor, I don’t think the game is over. She had a sub there, and she wasn’t gonna play in the fourth quarter. Sometimes these things happen… It’s unfortunate, and hopefully she’ll be OK.”Collier’s MVP Season Cut Short?
Collier’s injury is a gut punch for Minnesota. She’s been the engine behind the Lynx’s dominance, averaging
23.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game—all while earning Western Conference Player of the Month honors and dropping a record 36 points to win All-Star Game MVP in July. Her leadership and two-way play have made her a favorite for league MVP.
Playoff Implications: Can the Lynx Survive?
The timing couldn’t be worse. The Lynx are in the thick of the WNBA semifinals, and Collier’s absence was felt immediately. In Game 3 against the Phoenix Mercury, Minnesota fell 84-76, putting them on the brink of elimination. Coach Reeve was vocal about the physicality of the game and the referees’ handling of it, but the bigger story is how the Lynx will adapt without their superstar.
What’s Next for Collier and the Lynx?
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Collier will be re-evaluated in the coming weeks; her status for the remainder of the playoffs is uncertain.
- The Lynx face a tough road ahead, with three games this week and a shrinking margin for error in the postseason.
- Fans and analysts alike are watching closely: Can Minnesota’s depth and coaching keep their championship hopes alive, or will Collier’s injury prove too much to overcome?
Takeaway: A Season Hangs in the Balance
Napheesa Collier’s injury is more than just a setback for one player—it’s a seismic shift in the WNBA landscape. As the Lynx regroup and the league’s best battle through injuries, the 2025 playoffs are suddenly wide open. One thing’s for sure: all eyes will be on Collier’s recovery and Minnesota’s response in the days ahead.
Sources
1. Napheesa Collier Sidelined With Ankle Injury
2. WNBA: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights - Yardbarker
3. Napheesa Collier Out for a Few Weeks with Sprained Right Ankle - Fox21Online
4. Napheesa Collier Injury Update: Lynx Star Suffers Ankle Sprain vs Aces । USA TODAY NEWS
5. Napheesa Collier injured: What is Minnesota DOING?!? + WNBA to BLOCK move of Connecticut Sun?
6. Napheesa Collier WNBA Stats & News - RotoWire
7. Napheesa Collier Injury Update: Will the WNBA DPOY Play Tonight Against the LA Sparks?
8. What happened to Napheesa Collier? Colossal injury blow to Minnesota Lynx as superstar heads to locker room
9. Napheesa Collier Likely BREAKS ANKLE And Is OUT For The Playoffs...
