Napheesa Collier has shown time and again why she is the backbone of the Minnesota Lynx, even as the WNBA MVP conversation increasingly revolves around A’ja Wilson. In the recent showdown at T-Mobile Arena, Collier faced one of her toughest tests this season, going head-to-head with the Las Vegas Aces star, yet she continued to display resilience and leadership on both ends of the court.
While Wilson lit up the scoreboard with 31 points on 11-of-15 shooting, Collier battled through adversity, finishing with 12 points on 5-of-13 shooting. It was a night where Wilson’s dominance overshadowed Collier, but the Lynx forward’s effort and determination remained evident. From controlling the paint to setting up teammates and maintaining defensive intensity, Collier reminded everyone why she is central to Minnesota’s success.
WNBA legend Sue Bird weighed in on the ongoing MVP debate, acknowledging Wilson’s incredible numbers and Las Vegas’ 13-game winning streak. Yet Bird also highlighted the challenge voters face when considering Collier. Missing 10 games due to injury complicates her MVP case, but her overall impact on the Lynx remains undeniable. Bird emphasized how perception can be misleading: Minnesota’s strong position in the standings may make it appear as though they are unstoppable, even without Collier on the floor, which is far from reality.
The late-season surge of Wilson has put her in the spotlight, but Collier’s consistent contributions and leadership continue to hold weight. Bird noted that the MVP conversation often favors players who start the season hot, leaving late bloomers at a disadvantage. Collier, despite the injury setbacks, embodies the skill, toughness, and consistency that make her a candidate who should not be overlooked.
Ultimately, the MVP debate may come down to where each team finishes as the playoffs approach. If Las Vegas continues its momentum and Collier remains sidelined or limited due to rest, Wilson could gain a decisive edge. Still, the Minnesota forward’s presence on the court, her ability to anchor the team, and her influence in key moments are critical in shaping how voters evaluate the season.
Napheesa Collier may not have put up the gaudy numbers Wilson has recently posted, but her importance to the Lynx cannot be understated. Her leadership, versatility, and resilience make her an MVP-caliber player, and as the season closes, the contrast between Collier and Wilson highlights just how high the stakes are in this WNBA MVP race.
