“We’re here”. This is the warning the Commissioner’s Cup Finals MVP Napheesa Collier put forth as soon as the Minnesota Lynx  took down the defending champs 94-89 in a nail-biting encounter. Despite entering the contests as underdogs, the 4xWNBA champions took down the mighty New York Liberty in front of 7,015 people at the UBS Arena on Tuesday. Following this, head coach Cheryl Reeve wasn’t holding herself back at all to express what this phenomenal win means.

The post-game press conference of the Minnesota Lynx commenced with a very charged-up head coach addressing the media alongside her two match winners Bridget Carleton and Napheesa Collier. Anyhow, before she could face any questions, the 57-year-old delivered a very bold message. She said, “You gotta talk about us now. You got no choice. Are you a believer now? You doubt us every year.” 

The Lynx become the fourth different team in the short four-year Commissioner’s Cup history to clinch the title. Moreover, this also marks the third occasion when the host team was not able to get over the line in the Finals.

After both teams were on level terms after half-time, it was Napheesa Collier who combined with Cecilia Zandalasini to create some separation. Apparently, their consecutive 3-pointers gave Minnesota a 10-point advantage which was brought down to a single point by Breanna Stewart’s 9-0 run. However, New York couldn’t overcome the lead and ended up losing the contest by 5 points in the end. Sparing a thought on her team’s gritty character, Reeve also added, “What I’m proud of is we answered every run on the road. And that tells you everything about our basketball team.” 

Be that as it may, a huge part of Minnesota’s monumental moment is because of its No.24 Napheesa Collier.

Napheesa Collier produces a masterclass

Not many were surprised after the WNBA Commissioner handed the talented power forward the MVP award. Collier was an important factor behind this win as she was her team’s second-best performer. As it turns out, her 35 minutes on the hardwood garnered 21 points. This went along with 6 rebounds and a total of 3 each in assists and steals.

Moreover, she was 6 of 13 in her field goals and connected all her 3 beyond-the-arc attempts. On top of that, a similar accuracy ratio was shown by her from the free throw line as well (4 of 4).

A huge moment for the entire Minnesota Lynx franchise. Many would also believe that this win makes them worthy contenders for the WNBA title as well. What can they produce next for their opponents? Only time will tell.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.