Napheesa Collier’s Career-High Explosion Propels Lynx to Thrilling Win — Full Highlights & Key Takeaways

Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier is closing out the first half of the 2025 WNBA season in headline-grabbing form, earning her first nod as an AT&T WNBA All-Star captain alongside rookie sensation Caitlin Clark. All-Star Captaincy Signals Superstar Status Collier’s selection as captain is the latest milestone in a campaign that has vaulted her into every major awards conversation. Fans, media and players combined to push the two-time All-WNBA selection to the top of the captain voting, cementing her place among the league’s marquee attractions and guaranteeing she will draft her own roster for the July 19 showcase in Indianapolis. Return From Injury, Immediate Impact The honor arrives barely three weeks after Collier returned from a sprained left ankle that sidelined her for four games. Since that comeback, she has averaged 24.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 3.1 steals, numbers that reignited an MVP push that was interrupted by the injury. Her versatility on both ends has been the engine behind Minnesota’s 6-1 surge, a stretch that vaulted the Lynx into the Commissioner’s Cup championship game against the Indiana Fever. Commissioner’s Cup Statement In Tuesday night’s Cup final, Collier poured in 27 points, grabbed 11 boards and held Clark to 4-for-15 shooting during key stretches, helping Minnesota secure its first mid-season trophy in franchise history. The performance drew praise from Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, who called her star “the most complete player in the game right now.” Playoff Outlook and MVP Race With the regular season hitting its midway mark, Collier sits top-three league-wide in win shares, defensive rating and usage. Sportsbooks now list her as a co-favorite for MVP with New York’s Breanna Stewart, while Minnesota owns the Western Conference’s best record at 15-6. A healthy Collier gives the Lynx a realistic path to their first Finals berth since 2017. What’s Next • July 5 vs. Las Vegas Aces • July 9 at Seattle Storm • July 19 All-Star Game, Indianapolis If Collier continues her torrid two-way production and the Lynx keep stacking wins, the All-Star captaincy could be only the first trophy she lifts this summer.