Having one of the most defensive ballers on its roster, Napheesa Collier and Co. climbed up to the place where they were just one step away from winning the coveted WNBA championship title for the fifth time, breaking free from their tie with the Seattle Storm and Houston Comets.

However, it all came tumbling down as they witnessed the New York Liberty lift this year’s title high and proud after an overtime finish for a thriller 62-67 win. But it was this narrow finish that leaves the hearts heavier and WNBA legend Candace Parker resonates.

“My heart goes out to Phee and Minny and all the players (I can’t believe I’m saying this, Minny got a couple of those ships on us) Falling short is gut-wrenching,” she penned on X, sending out her support and compassion to Collier & Co.

The Defensive Player of the Year carried the Lynx to its first finals since 2017, in a quest to win their fifth championship title. However, this is a twofold defeat for the Lynx as they fell short of getting their hands on the title and the $500,000 cash prize that comes with it.

Moreover, they also lost the $249,900 to the Liberty. The amount is a team collective of $20,825 that was to be given to each player on the championship-winning team. Hence, as the runner-up team, the Lynx could only claim $92,952 with each player getting $7,746.

Though a huge loss, Cheryl Reeve and Kayla McBride didn’t forget the contribution made by Collier in carrying her team to the playoffs and the finals.

“Phee was phenomenal,” Cheryl Reeve and gave Napheesa Collier her flowers

In the post-game presser, Coach Reeve shared her thoughts on Napheesa Collier’s stellar performance throughout the post-season play. She said, “Obviously, the exclamation point to the incredible season that she had. Phee showed up big time for this team, put us in a position to be within seconds of a championship. She was phenomenal.”

Through the playoffs, Collier has been one of the most energetic players to watch. She led the league in stats, averaging 23.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 3.5 assists per game.

To this, Collier’s teammate Kayla McBride chimed in and said, “I’m always so in awe of Phee because she carries it with such grace. She carries it her own way and as a superstar in this league. It can become about something else but she always keeps it about the team and always keeps it about winning and just continuing to get better and better. I’m always in awe of her every time she steps on the court.”

Indeed, Napheesa Collier has been the engine that carried the Lynx to numerous memorable moments this season including the 94-89 Commissioner’s Cup victory over the New York Liberty. With this win, she was named the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup MVP. She also earned the Defensive Player of the Year honor and has been named to the WNBA All-Defensive First Team.

All these accolades clearly define what an extraordinary player she is, having the confidence to stand as one of the top players in the league.