Napheesa Collier

Never one to deflect an opportunity to spotlight her teammates, Napheesa Collier — mere moments removed from hoisting the Commissioner’s Cup trophy — offered a thought that the rest of the WNBA is unlikely to disagree with: on the deep, talented Minnesota Lynx, “any person can score 20.” Given the chance to officially reinsert her Lynx into the title conversation through a signature victory, there was little doubt that on June 25, 2024, the four-time All-Star would take a spot among that exclusive group. The fourth-ever in-season title game tested both the Lynx’s championship DNA and its resiliency when a double-digit second quarter deficit offered just a 13.1 percent comeback win probability. Flawlessly on cue, Collier got to work, mixing pinpoint 3-point jumpers and defensive stops with around-the-rim finishes as the Lynx, appropriately, clawed their way back against the star-studded New York Liberty. Solidifying herself as both one of the game’s premier superstars, Collier thrived on the heightened stage with 21 points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals, one block, and three 3-pointers, earning the night’s Most Valuable Player award for her contributions.