Missing perennial MVP candidate Napheesa Collier for a fourth consecutive game, the Minnesota Lynx didn’t blink in Saturday’s rematch of the 2024 WNBA Finals against the New York Liberty.
Instead, the Lynx affirmed that they’re in a class of their own with an 86-80 win just a month before the playoffs begin.
Collier remained out after suffering a sprained ankle on Aug. 2 against the Las Vegas Aces. However, her team prevailed in her absence against the Liberty (21-13), who entered Saturday tied with the Atlanta Dream (21-12) for second in the league standings.
Guard Courtney Williams led all scorers with 26 points and notched the go-ahead bucket with under two minutes remaining.
Guard Kayla McBride had an uncharacteristic off-shooting game, even missing four free throws, but still managed to score 17 points. Meanwhile, forward Jessica Shepard, who has taken on an increased role with Collier sidelined, recorded her third double-double in five games, finishing with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
The Lynx (28-5) have won six in a row. Minnesota is 3-0 against New York, which defeated them in five games, 3-2, to win last year’s WNBA championship.
Two of those wins against the Liberty have come without Collier, who also missed last Sunday’s 83-71 victory. In the one game she was healthy, the Lynx won, 100-93, and Collier scored 30 points.
On Friday, Collier’s status improved from out to doubtful, a step in the right direction for her eventual return. The Lynx close their season series with the Liberty on Tuesday, followed by a back-to-back at the Dream and Indiana Fever (18-16) on Thursday and Friday.
Based on its recent play, Minnesota should be fine regardless of when Collier is reinserted into the starting rotation. The Lynx have been the WNBA’s best team all season, and the last two weeks have proven just how good they are.
