The Minnesota Lynx, the No. 1 seed, lost 84-76 to the Mercury and now trail 2-1 in the best-of-five series. Collier’s sudden injury late in the game raises questions about her availability for the must-win matchup on Sunday.
Details on Napheesa Collier’s Injury
According to USA Today, Collier went down with an apparent left ankle injury with just 21.8 seconds left in Game 3. Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve said postgame that Collier “probably has a fracture,” a statement that immediately sparked concern among fans and analysts. Reeve criticized the physical play and officiating, saying one of the league’s top players was left unprotected on the court.
The incident occurred as Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas made incidental contact near Collier’s knee, causing her to twist and roll her left ankle. Collier remained on the floor holding her leg and did not return to the game. No foul was called, which frustrated Reeve, leading to her second technical foul and ejection.
This injury comes after Collier previously missed seven games earlier this season with a right ankle sprain sustained during a win against the Las Vegas Aces on August 2. Losing her again would be a significant blow to Minnesota’s playoff hopes.
Impact on the Minnesota Lynx and WNBA Playoffs
Collier has been one of the most dominant players in the 2025 season, averaging a career-high 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, according to Reuters. She was also the runner-up for the WNBA Most Valuable Player award for the second consecutive year.
Her potential absence could shift the momentum of the series. The Mercury, led by Satou Sabally who scored 23 points in Game 3, can clinch a spot in the Finals with a Game 4 win at home. Without Collier, the Lynx would rely heavily on their supporting cast to stay alive in the series.
Cheryl Reeve’s comments highlight growing frustration over officiating and player safety in the WNBA. If Collier is ruled out, it will fuel debates about how the league protects its stars in critical playoff moments.
As of now, the Lynx have not confirmed the final status of Napheesa Collier for Game 4. Her availability will likely depend on further medical evaluations, but initial signs suggest the team is preparing for a tough battle without its leading scorer.
FYI (keeping you in the loop)-
Q1: When did Napheesa Collier suffer her injury?She went down with a left ankle injury with 21.8 seconds left in Game 3 against the Phoenix Mercury.
Q2: What did Cheryl Reeve say about Collier’s condition?Reeve said Collier “probably has a fracture,” expressing frustration about the physical play and lack of foul calls.
Q3: How serious is the injury?The injury is feared to be a fracture, but final confirmation is pending further evaluation.
Q4: How could this affect the Lynx’s playoff run?If Collier misses Game 4, Minnesota may struggle to force a Game 5, risking elimination by the Phoenix Mercury.
Q5: Has Napheesa Collier had ankle injuries before?Yes, she missed seven games earlier this season due to a right ankle sprain in August.
