Here’s a hard truth for WNBA fans: the Minnesota Lynx’s 2025 season ended on a note that left many wondering what could have been. But here’s where it gets controversial—was the absence of star forward Napheesa Collier the deciding factor in their semifinal loss to the Phoenix Mercury? Let’s dive in.
During the pivotal Game 4 of the WNBA Semifinals, the Lynx were forced to take the court without Collier, who was sidelined due to a significant ankle injury. The result? A loss that sealed their elimination from the postseason. And this is the part most people miss—the injury not only impacted the team’s performance but also sparked a chain of events that included Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve’s ejection from Game 3 and subsequent suspension for Game 4, following her heated postgame comments.
Collier’s injury, a Grade 2 tear in her ankle and shin muscles, was no small matter. It caused an uproar at the time and left fans and analysts alike questioning the physical toll of the game. Despite the setback, Collier recently provided an update during a media session for Unrivaled, as reported by ESPN’s Kendra Andrews. She confirmed that she avoided surgery and is steadily working her way back to full strength, aiming for a January return. With Unrivaled’s second season set to tip off on January 5, her recovery timeline couldn’t be more crucial.
Here’s where opinions might clash: While Collier’s absence undoubtedly hurt the Lynx, some argue that the team’s overall performance in the series raised questions about their depth and resilience. Is it fair to place the blame solely on her injury, or were there deeper issues at play? Let’s not forget, the Lynx were considered championship contenders for much of the 2025 season, with Collier herself a frontrunner for the MVP Award.
Her stats speak volumes: across 33 games, she averaged a career-high 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game, shooting an impressive 53.1% from the field, 40.3% from three-point range, and 90.6% from the free-throw line. Even in the playoffs, she maintained her dominance with 20.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.0 block per game on 53.8% field goal shooting.
As the WNBA’s future remains uncertain amid ongoing CBA negotiations, Collier’s recovery offers a glimmer of hope for Lynx fans. But the bigger question lingers: Can the team rebuild their championship aspirations without repeating the vulnerabilities exposed in 2025? What do you think? Is Collier’s return enough to propel the Lynx back to the top, or do they need more? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
