Napheesa Collier, a key player for the Minnesota Lynx, was forced to leave the game against the Las Vegas Aces due to a right ankle injury. The incident occurred during the third quarter of the match, which ended with a resounding victory for the Lynx by 111-58. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve reported that Collier will undergo medical tests in the coming days to determine the severity of the injury. Reeve commented that it is “too early” to offer more details, adding that the team will be concerned until more information is obtained. We will worry until we know more. Kayla McBride, Collier’s teammate, described the player as someone with “good spirits” and mentioned that she was in the locker room with her daughter after the game. The injury occurred when Collier collided with teammate Alanna Smith and fell awkwardly on her right foot. Although she was able to get up and leave the court on her own, she needed assistance. She was officially ruled out of the game midway through the final quarter. Before the injury, Collier had scored 18 points, dished out 5 assists, grabbed 3 rebounds and stolen 2 balls in 26 minutes of play. It should be noted that Collier had already been absent in three games this season.
Despite the Lynx’s commanding 43-point lead at the time of the injury, Reeve defended her decision to keep Collier on the court. “I don’t think the game was over,” the coach stated. “She had a shift; she was going to sit in the last quarter. Sometimes these things happen.”
The Lynx’s 53-point victory is the second-largest in WNBA history and the largest point difference achieved as a visitor, surpassing the previous record of the 1998 Houston Comets. Kayla McBride led Minnesota with 23 points, including 8 three-pointers in the first half, setting a WNBA record. Reeve expressed her satisfaction with the team’s performance, but also her concern for Collier. “I can be happy for our team and worried. We hope for the best,” she said.The Lynx’s next game will be on Tuesday against the Seattle Storm. It has not yet been confirmed whether Collier will travel with the team or return to Minnesota for medical tests.It’s difficult. I think we played a great game for 40 minutes, but you don’t want to see anyone go down, especially your MVP.
Kayla McBride
