Lynx fall just short after Napheesa Collier leads them to the brink of a fifth WNBA title

BROOKLYN, NY – Napheesa Collier and the Minnesota Lynx, both finishing the regular season in second place, were on the brink of capturing the elusive top spot when it mattered most. Just seconds away from securing a record fifth WNBA championship, Collier’s explosive performance late in regulation had put the Lynx ahead in the final minute, with a potential WNBA Finals MVP award within her reach.

But the victory slipped away.

The New York Liberty staged a comeback, winning 67-62 in overtime and denying the Lynx what would have been a historic fifth championship. Collier, who finished second to unanimous MVP A’ja Wilson during the regular season, scored 22 points before fouling out, forced to watch from the bench as her team faltered in the closing moments.

Frustrated by the officiating, Coach Cheryl Reeve claimed the game was “stolen” from her team, while Collier noted she felt held at times but acknowledged the Liberty’s ability to adapt.

The Lynx had a solid grip on the first half but found themselves trailing 56-52 after Sabrina Ionescu’s three-pointer with 3:10 left. Then Collier ignited the team, scoring Minnesota’s next three baskets, including a driving layup past Breanna Stewart that gave the Lynx a 60-58 lead with just over a minute to go. However, that would be their last score as New York rallied, tying the game with Stewart’s free throws in the final seconds and pulling ahead in overtime.

Collier ended the game with seven rebounds, two blocks, and a steal, playing nearly the entire 45 minutes, missing only a brief moment due to her late-game foul. It had been a remarkable season for her, averaging 20.4 points and 9.7 rebounds in her sixth year since leaving UConn, as well as earning a gold medal with Team USA. The Lynx also achieved a franchise-record 30 wins, securing the No. 2 seed.

Had Game 5 turned out differently, Collier might have joined the ranks of elite Lynx players to win a Finals MVP. Sylvia Fowles won it in 2015 and 2017, Seimone Augustus was honored in 2011, and Maya Moore followed in 2013. The Lynx are confident that similar accolades await Collier in the future.