What happened to Napheesa Collier? Lynx superstar in tears after brutal injury following collision with Alyssa Thomas (Sept. 26)

Phoenix Mercury v Minnesota Lynx - Game Two - Source: Getty
What happened to Napheesa Collier? Lynx superstar in tears after brutal injury following collision with Alyssa Thomas (Sept. 26) (Image Source: Getty)

Napheesa Collier suffered a potential playoff-ending injury in Game 3 against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday after colliding with her counterpart, Alyssa Thomas. The incident occurred with 21 seconds left after Collier tried driving the ball past Thomas. However, her dribble was picked up by the Mercury star.

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While the steal was clean, the aftermath of the collision led to Collier tweaking her ankle. According to Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve, Collier has "probably fractured" her ankle. She exited the game in tears, limping off the floor, and was helped by Lynx staff.

Here's the clip of the entire incident:

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Reeve was livid as she felt Collier was fouled. Reeve and one of her assistants charged at the referees and had to be held back. Reeve had already earned one technical foul and was issued another, leading to her ejection.

The Lynx trailed by six at that point and lost 86-74, going down 2-1 in the series. They are now staring at a Game 4 elimination in Phoenix. They may have to gut it out without superstar forward Collier, who could be out for a long time.

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Minnesota Lynx's chances of advancing take a massive hit after Napheesa Collier's injury

After a splendid regular season and first round, the Lynx may have met their match in the Mercury. Phoenix had an up-and-down run until the postseason, but it has bounced back and peaked at the right time. The Mercury beat the Liberty in the first round and are now one win away from dumping out Minnesota.

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The chances of that happening seem bright after Napheesa Collier's injury. She was solid defensively against Alyssa Thomas, who has been on a tear this season. In Friday's contest, Collier finished with 17 points, six rebounds and three blocks, shooting 8 of 15.

Meanwhile, Thomas finished with a near triple-double, tallying 21 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. She added five steals, including the game-sealing play on which Collier got injured with 21 seconds left.

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Edited by Arhaan Raje
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