Napheesa Collier set for season debut for Lynx in matinee vs. Storm
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Napheesa Collier will make her 2026 season debut for the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday after recovering from surgeries on both ankles, having missed the entire season so far due to injuries sustained last year.
- Collier, a two-time MVP runner-up and five-time All-Star, had a strong 2025 season averaging 22.9 points per game and was Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, but her recovery has delayed her return.
- The Lynx have started the season strongly with a 21-6 record, led by standout rookie Olivia Miles and multiple All-Stars, positioning them well as Collier returns to the lineup.
- Coach Cheryl Reeve emphasized managing Collier’s minutes carefully in her debut, noting she is not yet at full strength but the team is excited about integrating her with the current roster.
- Off the court, Collier has been active in WNBA leadership and labor negotiations as first vice president of the players’ union, and remains focused on helping the Lynx pursue their first WNBA title since 2017.
