The WNBA semifinals are heating up, and two of the league’s brightest stars are already putting on a show. Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier and Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas, both MVP finalists this season, went head-to-head in Game 1 on Sunday, Sept. 21.
Collier struck first with a fast start, but Thomas made sure to keep her in check. And in the middle of that battle, Thomas dropped a playful message on how she planned to lock Collier.
What Did Alyssa Thomas Say About Guarding Napheesa Collier?
The spotlight was firmly on the duel between Collier and Thomas. In the opening quarter, Collier looked unstoppable, piling up 10 quick points to energize the home crowd. Just as the Lynx seemed ready to ride her momentum, Thomas turned up her defensive pressure and completely shut her down in the second quarter.
When asked during a Phoenix timeout how she planned to slow Collier, Thomas kept it short, confident, and a little cheeky. “She gotta guard me too, so I’m doing the same thing. We good.”
Alyssa Thomas being asked about guarding Napheesa Collier
“She gotta guard me too. We good.” and the walk off
We got a very fun matchup on our hands folks!! pic.twitter.com/Xjl4TQ5ezu
— Tyler DeLuca (@TylerDeLuca) September 21, 2025
It was a line that summed up not just Thomas’ fearless approach but also the back-and-forth energy of the night. On one end, Collier was trying to carry Minnesota’s offense.
On the other side, Thomas was pushing back, reminding everyone that she is just as tough to contain. Her response highlighted the mutual respect between the two competitors while adding some flair to a tense playoff matchup.
The duel rolled into the second half, where Collier once again came alive. She put up eight points in the third quarter, and those baskets were crucial as the Lynx edged Phoenix 19-12 in the frame. By then, it was clear this wasn’t just a semifinal game but a battle of wills between two players determined to prove themselves.
Lynx Take Game 1 Behind Balanced Effort From Collier
While the Collier-Thomas matchup grabbed headlines, Minnesota’s overall execution stole the game. The Lynx protected their home court with an 82-69 win, fueled by a dominant second half where they outscored Phoenix by 20 points.
Collier had plenty of help along the way. Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams joined her in leading the offensive charge, with the trio combining for 62 of the team’s 82 points. Their chemistry on the floor made it difficult for the Mercury to mount a comeback, even with Thomas filling up the stat sheet.
Thomas was impressive in her own right, finishing with 18 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and three steals on 9-for-17 shooting. Just two days earlier, she had delivered her fifth career playoff triple-double, powering the Mercury past the New York Liberty in a win-or-go-home game. That momentum carried into Sunday, but this time, Minnesota had the upper hand.
The Lynx had already proven themselves against Phoenix during the regular season, winning three of their four matchups. Game 1 showed that trend might continue into the playoffs, though the Mercury remain dangerous with Thomas leading the charge.
Adding even more intrigue is the backdrop of the MVP race. Both Collier and Thomas were finalists but lost out to Los Angeles Sparks star A’ja Wilson, who secured her fourth MVP trophy. That disappointment seems to be fueling their playoff performances, as each is eager to remind the league of their value.
As the series continues, all eyes will be on this budding rivalry. Collier has shown she can get hot quickly, while Thomas has proven she can match her on both ends of the floor. And if her cheeky timeout remark is any indication, Thomas is more than ready to keep the battle entertaining.
