Highs and Lows: Collier’s Player of the Month Award Marred by Ankle Sprain

Hey Sideline Fam, it’s a tale of two emotions for the league-leading Minnesota Lynx. The high? Their superstar forward Napheesa Collier was just named the WNBA Western Conference Player of the Month for July. The low? That incredible performance may be put on pause.

Collier, the unquestionable front-runner for WNBA MVP, is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks after suffering a right ankle sprain in Saturday’s victory over the Las Vegas Aces. The All-Star left the game and was immediately sent back to Minneapolis for an MRI, which confirmed the sprain.

A statement from the Lynx said, "Collier will be re-evaluated in the coming weeks and further updates on her progress will be provided when available."

This is a massive blow to the league’s best team. Collier has been an absolute force, leading the WNBA in scoring with 23.5 points per game and ranking in the top five in points, steals, and blocks. In July alone, she was the All-Star Game MVP and averaged 23.1 points in a dozen games.

The timing of this injury is particularly dramatic given the Lynx's other big news. Just last Sunday, the team made a blockbuster move, trading for Dallas Wings guard DiJonai Carrington, the WNBA's Most Improved Player last season and an All-Defensive First Team selection. It’s a move that was meant to bolster the team for a championship run, but now it seems even more critical.

With the Lynx holding a league-best 24-5 record and Coach Cheryl Reeve named Coach of the Month for July, the team is still in a prime position. However, losing your MVP-caliber player for any amount of time will test even the deepest roster. The pressure is on for Carrington and the rest of the team to keep the momentum going until Collier can return.

How will the Lynx respond to this major setback, Sideline Fam? Can they maintain their top spot without their best player?