The Minnesota Lynx had a bittersweet end to their blowout 111-58 win against the Las Vegas Aces.
Napheesa Collier — following an unfortunate fall in the third quarter with seconds left on the clock — was ruled out of the game with a possible injury.
Averaging 23.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, the Lynx veteran has been a frontrunner to win the WNBA MVP award this season. An extended absence will not only harm the Lynx’s outlook, but also dampen Collier’s chances of winning her very first MVP honor.
Earlier in 2025, Collier has already won both the WNBA All-Star Game MVP (for Team Collier) and the Unrivaled MVP.
Minnesota Lynx Icon Napheesa Collier Sat Out Final Quarter vs. Las Vegas Aces With an Injury
While running down the court with seconds remaining in the third quarter, Collier ran into teammate and forward Alanna Smith. The two players were trying to haul in an offensive rebound, with Collier rolling her left foot in the process.
Napheesa Collier walked off the court with assistance after suffering an apparent foot injury. pic.twitter.com/S3ua6d0RUf
— ESPN (@espn) August 2, 2025
Collier was visibly in pain, and she remained seated on the court before walking off with assistance.
Postgame, Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve revealed that Collier will undergo ‘testing and imaging’ in the upcoming days. However, it was too early to come to any conclusion.
“We’ll worry until we know more,” Reeve said.
Some fans questioned Reeve on social media, wondering why she needed to keep Collier on the court while leading 92-49. Addressing the same, Reeve explained (via CBS Sports’ Jack Maloney):
“It’s the third quarter of a game on someone else’s floor, I don’t think the game is over… I get it, people are gonna rail on me, and that’s part of sitting in the seat that I’m sitting in.”
Furthermore, Reeve is unsure if Collier will continue to travel with the team or return to Minnesota. Following their win in Las Vegas, the Lynx will conclude their two-game West Coast trip with a game against the Seattle Storm on Tuesday.
“It’s just way too early. At this point in time, I don’t know exactly what’s happening,” Reeve said.
Collier Was in High Spirits Despite a Concerning Injury
Though there’s no update on the severity of Collier’s injury yet, the star forward was happy about her team’s win. After the game, Kayla McBride revealed that Collier was ‘in good spirits’ and was spending some time with her daughter, Mila.
Collier ended the game with 18 points, five assists, three rebounds, and two steals. McBride set the pace with 24 points while adding five assists, two rebounds, and three steals.
Collier has previously missed three games this season.
The Lynx, with a 24-5 record, are currently the No. 1 seed in the WNBA and seemingly in the driver’s seat for a championship.
