The Minnesota Lynx will face a critical challenge in their upcoming WNBA semifinals Game 4 against the Phoenix Mercury, as star player Napheesa Collier and head coach Cheryl Reeve will both be absent. Collier suffered a left ankle injury with less than 30 seconds left in the team’s 84-76 loss in Game 3. The injury is especially concerning as Reeve mentioned it might be a fracture, yet the team has not confirmed details about its severity.
Collier’s absence comes after she previously missed over three weeks due to a right ankle injury, during which the Lynx managed a 5-2 record. Reeve’s suspension stems from her behavior following Collier’s injury, which included confronting a game official and making inappropriate comments. As a result, lead assistant coach Eric Thibault will step in to guide the Lynx in the do-or-die Game 4.
Jessica Shepard and Maria Kliundikova, who have filled in for Collier during her previous absences, are expected to play pivotal roles as the Lynx strive to avoid elimination. The Lynx entered the playoffs as a top-seeded team with optimistic championship aspirations, having been finalists last season only to be stopped by the New York Liberty.
This marks a crucial moment for the Lynx as they aim for back-to-back WNBA Finals appearances for the first time since 2017. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Mercury, aiming to reach the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2021, will look to capitalize on the Lynx’s challenges.
The absence of Collier and Reeve adds significant pressure on the remaining team members to step up and perform at their best to continue their championship journey.