Lynx Leader Makes an Explosive Return to the Court
Minnesota Lynx star and WNBA MVP favorite Napheesha Collier made an explosive return to the court last Sunday after recovering from an ankle sprain. She received thunderous applause from the crowd when she took to the court. She’s clearly a fan favorite. Collier was sidelined since August 2nd, missing seven games, but has recovered and looks ready to finish the season strong. After missing her first few shots, Collier found her rhythm, scoring 32 points and strengthening her MVP case in the Lynx’s 97-84 win over the Fever.
Collier was injured in the third quarter of the Lynx's August 2nd game against the Las Vegas Aces. The incident sparked questions from fans about why Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve kept her star in the game so late. Allowing starters to play deep into games raises the risk of injury, which is exactly what happened to Collier. Fortunately, imaging revealed that Collier avoided a serious injury that would have ended her season, and potentially her career.
While Collier appears to be back in good health, she must walk a fine line—pushing for the MVP title while avoiding another injury. Many star athletes have seen their careers derailed by major injuries. Just last January, NBA Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered a significant hamstring injury. Haliburton, widely regarded as a rising star, had been one of the league’s most talented young players. With his team trailing in the NBA Finals, he returned to the court in hopes of helping secure a victory. His comeback was short-lived, as minutes into the game, he sustained a career-ending Achilles injury.
Haliburton’s harrowing story is common among athletes, whose eagerness to return to the court sometimes ends up costing them their careers. With only seven games left in the regular season, Collier must focus on maintaining her health in order to lead her team into a successful postseason. Minnesota is the only WNBA team to have already clinched a playoff spot and enters the tournament as one of the favorites to win the championship. Collier has the chance to lead her team to the finals and claim the MVP title, but she must first safeguard her health to avoid risking her career.
