The Unstoppable Force: Napheesa Collier’s Rise to Superstardom
As the Minnesota Lynx face elimination in the WNBA Finals, one player stands tall amidst the uncertainty: Napheesa Collier. Coach Cheryl Reeve praises Collier’s consistency and poise, saying, “This is where you realize how consistent and steady Phee is.” Despite a heartbreaking loss in Game 3, Collier remains focused, and her leadership is contagious.
A Season of Dominance
Collier has been the driving force behind the Lynx’s success this season. She set a record for most points in a single postseason (249) and finished runner-up in MVP voting. Her on-court production and leadership have propelled the Lynx to their first WNBA Finals since 2017.
From Underrated to Unstoppable
Collier’s ascension to superstardom wasn’t always a given. Drafted sixth overall in 2019, she was an undersized big with limited three-point shooting experience in college. However, her growth as a pro has been steady, earning her WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2019, All-WNBA nods, and an Olympic team spot in 2021.
Overcoming Adversity
Collier’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. She missed most of the 2022 season after giving birth to her daughter, Mila, and spent the 2023 offseason rehabbing. But she answered the call, ranking fourth in scoring and earning her first defensive player of the year award.
A New Era of Leadership
This past offseason, Collier focused on improving her game, working on guard skills, footwork, and ball handling. She’s now a threat from anywhere on the court. Reeve challenged Collier to take her defense to the next level, and she responded by anchoring the Lynx’s top-two defense in the league.
A Humble Superstar
Collier’s teammates praise her humility and team-oriented approach. Smith says, “She’s a bona fide superstar, but she’s so humble, and it’s so crazy to be able to witness it every day.” Williams adds, “She’s a superstar, but she’s not showy about it.”
The Future is Bright
As Collier leads the Lynx in their quest for a championship, her status as one of the top three players in the world is solidified. If she can lead the Lynx to a title, her ascent will reach new heights. With her talent, leadership, and humility, the sky’s the limit for Napheesa Collier.
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