Napheesa Collier has made a compelling case for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the WNBA, achieving a remarkable milestone during the Minnesota Lynx’s decisive 72-53 victory over the Golden State Valkyries in Minneapolis. With this performance, Collier became only the second player in the league’s history to complete a regular season with a shooting split of 50-40-90, a feat that underscores her exceptional skill and efficiency on the court.
A Historic Achievement
Collier’s shooting statistics for the season are nothing short of extraordinary: she finished with a field goal percentage of 53.1%, a three-point shooting percentage of 40.3%, and an impressive free throw percentage of 90.6%. This places her in elite company, joining Elena Delle Donne, who accomplished the same feat in 2019. Notably, Collier is the first player to achieve this milestone while averaging over 20 points per game, with a remarkable average of 22.9 points.
Coach’s Confidence
Cheryl Reeve, the head coach of the Lynx, has been a strong advocate for Collier’s MVP candidacy. “It’s only been done once before, and that player was the MVP,” Reeve stated. “Phee deserves that recognition. The numbers don’t lie. … It’s done from start to finish. 50/40/90 is historic. I don’t know how long it will be before it happens again. Napheesa Collier has been the best player in the WNBA. She deserves MVP.”
Setting Goals and Achieving Them
At the beginning of the season, Reeve set a clear goal for Collier, who had finished second in MVP voting the previous year behind A’ja Wilson. This year, Collier was determined to elevate her game, particularly in her three-point shooting. She entered the final game of the regular season aware of the specific number of three-pointers she needed to hit to secure the 50-40-90 achievement. In a display of poise and focus, she went 3-for-4 from beyond the arc against the Valkyries.
Collier’s Reflections
Reflecting on her accomplishment, Collier expressed a mix of relief and satisfaction. “When I accomplish those, it feels good. I kind of cut it close for the last game of the season,” she said with a laugh. This achievement is not just a personal milestone; it reflects her hard work and dedication to improving her game.
Unlocking New Levels of Performance
Reeve’s emphasis on increasing Collier’s three-point attempts has been pivotal in her development. “She’s already great. Two years in a row, she’s a top player in the league,” Reeve noted. “I think [the 3-point shooting] was a special unlocking to becoming really unguardable. … Napheesa Collier is the most unguardable player in the league.” This strategic shift has allowed Collier to diversify her scoring options, making her a more formidable opponent on the court.
Team Dynamics and Future Aspirations
Teammate Natisha Hiedeman echoed Reeve’s sentiments, declaring, “She’s the GOAT. Without her, we are not the Minnesota Lynx.” This statement highlights Collier’s integral role in the team’s success and her influence on her teammates. As the Lynx prepare for the postseason, they are looking to build on their previous year’s experience, where they reached the WNBA Finals but fell short of securing the championship.
Looking Ahead to the Playoffs
The Lynx’s recent victory over the Valkyries has secured their position as the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, setting them up for a first-round matchup against Golden State. Minnesota has dominated their regular-season encounters with the Valkyries, finishing with a perfect 4-0 record against them. “We are a better team than last year,” Collier stated confidently. “We have that year of experience, and experience always makes better teams. We know what it takes to get there. We got there to the very last possible game of the season last year. … It made us better, it made us hungrier, and it’s something we are thinking about going into the playoffs this year.”
Conclusion
Napheesa Collier’s historic achievement of a 50-40-90 shooting split not only solidifies her status as a top contender for the MVP award but also highlights her significant contributions to the Minnesota Lynx. As the team gears up for the playoffs, Collier’s performance will be crucial in their quest for a fifth championship title. With her exceptional skills and the support of her teammates and coaching staff, the Lynx are poised to make a deep run in the postseason, fueled by the lessons learned from last year’s experience.
