Napheesa Collier, fresh off two ankle surgeries, just dropped a game-high 23 points to lead the Minnesota Lynx to a decisive 101-89 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Sunday. This win pushes the Lynx’s league-best record to a stunning 32-10, and it happened in Collier’s final career game in Connecticut, a place she once called home as a UConn All-American.
Collier’s Comeback Is Straight Up Unstoppable
Seriously, folks, what Collier is doing right now is insane. She underwent one ankle surgery on New Year’s Day and another in March, missing the first few months of the season rehabbing. She’s only played 14 games since returning, but she’s already back to being a force on the court. Coming into this game, she was averaging 17.7 points and 7.3 rebounds, which is wild after missing so much time. Against the Sun, she was dialed in, hitting 9 of 16 from the field and a perfect 5 for 5 from the free-throw line. She even tacked on five rebounds and two steals. Collier wasted zero time, scoring the first two baskets of the game and seven of Minnesota’s first 14 points, racking up 10 points by the end of the first quarter as the Lynx jumped to a 27-12 lead. She kept the pressure on, finishing the first half with a game-high 19 points on 8-for-13 shooting, including a clutch three-point play late in the second quarter that restored Minnesota’s double-digit lead.
Lynx Rolling, Sun Still Searching
The Lynx are absolutely rolling, maintaining the best record in the WNBA for a reason. It wasn’t just Collier doing all the work, either. Rookie Olivia Miles chipped in with 21 points, and Natasha Howard powered her way to a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. All five Lynx starters hit double-figures, which shows you the depth and talent Minnesota is working with. On the flip side, the Connecticut Sun are struggling, big time. Their 10-31 record is the second-to-worst in the league, and they just took their fourth consecutive loss, coming off an embarrassing 44-point beatdown at Atlanta on Thursday. Despite the fans packing Mohegan Sun Arena for “Homecoming Night,” the Sun just couldn’t deliver. They did show some life in the second quarter, outscoring Minnesota 31-28, with Leila Lacan dropping 11 points on 3-for-3 from deep. That rally cut the deficit to eight points, 49-41, but Collier’s drive and score quashed any real comeback hopes. Minnesota scored the first six points of the second half, re-establishing their dominance and making sure the Sun’s Homecoming was anything but a celebration.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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