Napheesa Collier Almost Dethrones Breanna Stewart’s WNBA Single Playoff Game Scoring Record in Lynx’s Recent Win Over Mercury

The semifinals of the 2024 playoffs were set on Wednesday night. After the Sun took care of business in their series against the Fever earlier tonight, the Minnesota Lynx hosted the Phoenix Mercury in Game 2. The Lynx defended their home court to wrap up the series with a staggering 101-88 win, and Napheesa Collier shone brightly with a monster night.

In just 38 minutes of gameplay, Collier put up an incredible 42-point performance with five rebounds—more than one point per minute. Impressive, right? This performance helped her tie with Angel McCoughtry and Breanna Stewart for the most points secured in a postseason game. No doubt, she will soon break this record, considering her 70% field goal accuracy.

It isn’t just about Game 2; the 2024 Olympic gold medalist has been impressive right from the beginning. In her last matchup, she had 38 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Her total of 80 points through the initial games of the playoffs is something no other WNBA player has achieved. Even legends have been limited to just 53 points in two games.

Collier’s impressive performance came with 14 of 20 shooting from the field and 12 of 14 shooting from three-point range. Can you believe things were tight for the Minnesota Lynx in the opening minutes? Building on their 0-2 to 12-20, the Mercury finished with a 25-21 lead going into the second.

The credit for the win wasn’t limited to Napheesa Collier

All five starters for the Lynx were impressive on the court. In fact, all five in the lineup scored in double figures, with Kayla McBride as the top deputy for Collier with 15 points. Next up were Alanna Smith and Bridget Carleton, each contributing 12 points, while guard Courtney Williams added 11 points.

The Mercury were no less impressive despite the loss. Brittney Griner helped pace the roster with her 24-point effort, while Cloud contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds. Even Diana Taurasi, who has previously hinted at ending her legendary career once the Mercury were eliminated, scored 10 points in 30 minutes of gameplay.

The defense of the Mercury was at the next level, but as Minnesota was incapable of missing out, they kept generating good looks through their offense. And that’s how the Lynx took one step closer to the WNBA championship title. However, for the Mercury, this round 1 has serious consequences, as Taurasi may not be able to conclude her career with a championship trophy.

As for the Lynx, they make their 2nd round for the first since 2021 and are set to face the Connecticut Suns.