Napheesa Collier Drops 32 in Return, Reignites Elite MVP Campaign for Lynx
Just when the WNBA MVP race started to get interesting, Napheesa Collier decided to crash the party again. After a seven-game vacation nursing a sprained ankle, an injury that would sideline mere mortals for much longer, she strolled back onto the court Sunday night and casually reminded everyone why the award is still hers to lose. It wasn’t just a return; it was a statement. Facing the Indiana Fever, she didn’t just play, she dominated, putting up a cool 32 points like she never left. You could almost hear a collective groan from the other MVP hopefuls. “Oh, right. Her.”
The Lynx, bless their hearts, actually managed to hold down the fort without their superstar, going 5-2 in her absence. It was a nice little story, a testament to their depth. But let’s be real: this team runs on Collier’s singular brilliance. Her resurgence into the lineup wasn’t just a boost; it was like upgrading from a reliable sedan to a souped-up sports car. The engine was back, and it was purring louder than ever.
Collier Reminds Everyone Who’s Boss
From the opening tip, it was clear this wasn’t going to be some “ease back into it” kind of game. Collier received a hero’s welcome from the Target Center crowd and immediately went to work, sinking five of her first six shots. Rust? What rust? It was as if she spent her time off not rehabbing, but in a hyperbolic time chamber, somehow getting better. She finished the night with 32 points on an incredibly efficient 11-for-16 shooting, snagging nine rebounds for good measure.
The Lynx secured a comfortable 97-84 victory, but the final score felt secondary. The real story was Collier’s emphatic re-entry into the MVP conversation. While she was out, players like A’ja Wilson and Alyssa Thomas understandably closed the gap, turning the race into a compelling three-way battle. But after Sunday’s performance, the Lynx superstar basically grabbed the microphone and declared the debate was over. She wasn’t just playing basketball; she was conducting a masterclass.
How Collier Impacts the Lynx’s Dominance
Let’s not forget the bigger picture here. The Lynx didn’t just survive without Collier; they maintained their spot atop the WNBA standings. Now, with their best player back and looking like she hasn’t missed a beat, their grip on the No. 1 seed is stronger than ever. They improved to a staggering 30-7, putting significant distance between themselves and the second-place Atlanta Dream.
While Collier was the main event, the game also highlighted the Lynx’s overall strength. Courtney Williams quietly set the franchise’s single-season assist record, a testament to the team’s ball movement and chemistry. But every pass, every play, feels more potent with a finisher like Collier on the floor. Her presence elevates everyone around her, turning a good team into a terrifyingly great one.
The MVP Race: Is it Over for Collier’s Rivals?
Before her injury on August 2nd, Collier was the undisputed MVP favorite. She was putting up staggering numbers: 23.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game. It was a statistical symphony. The seven-game absence created a sliver of doubt, a window of opportunity for her rivals. Wilson and Thomas made strong cases, and for a moment, it seemed like a genuine race to the finish line.
Then Sunday happened. Collier’s 32-point explosion wasn’t just a great game; it was a strategic power play. With only a handful of games left in the regular season, she re-staked her claim with an undeniable performance that voters will find impossible to ignore. It was a perfectly timed, mic-drop moment that shifted the narrative right back in her favor. While the betting odds may have tightened during her layoff, her play on the court screamed that she’s still the one to beat. The race isn’t officially over, but she just crossed the finish line a few laps ahead of everyone else.
