Napheesa Collier delivered an unforgettable performance on Wednesday night, scoring 42 points and tying the WNBA postseason record in the Minnesota Lynx’s 101-88 playoff victory over the Phoenix Mercury in Game 2. This impressive outing propelled the Lynx into the semifinals.
The four-time All-Star shot an outstanding 14-of-20 from the field, matching the prior postseason scoring record set by Breanna Stewart in 2022 and Angel McCoughtry in 2010. In addition to her record-tying points, Collier contributed five rebounds and four assists, becoming only the second player in WNBA history to achieve at least 40 points, four rebounds, and four assists in a playoff game, following Lynx icon Maya Moore.
Collier had just established her career high with 38 points in Game 1 of the series on Sunday. Over the two games, she has accumulated a total of 80 points, outpacing every other player this postseason by a margin of 27 points.
Continuing from last season, Collier has now scored at least 30 points in three consecutive playoff games, equaling a WNBA record previously set by three-time MVP A’ja Wilson during the Las Vegas Aces’ championship run last year.
In Wednesday’s game, Collier was particularly impactful, scoring 12 of Minnesota’s 28 points in the second quarter after the Mercury had initially led 25-21 at the end of the first quarter.
This standout performance adds to what has been a remarkable 2024 season for Collier. She finished second in MVP voting, having led the Lynx to a franchise-best 30 wins during the regular season.
Looking ahead, Collier and the Lynx will face the Connecticut Sun in the semifinals, with Game 1 scheduled for Sunday at 8:30 p.m. ET.