Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier was injured Friday during an 84-76 loss to the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals, leaving the team on the brink of elimination.
Idman.biz reports that Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve was ejected late in the game after disputing a non-call on Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas, who scored a layup after stealing the ball from Collier.
Postgame, Reeve criticized the officiating, saying, “One of the best players in the league shot zero free throws despite five fouls. She got her shoulder pulled out and finished with leg issues, probably a fracture… This is bad for the game.” She called for leadership changes, labeling the officiating “malpractice” and highlighting missed fouls against her players.
Despite Collier scoring 17 points with six rebounds, Minnesota fell short, while the Mercury made 18 of 22 free throws. Collier, a two-time WNBA MVP runner-up, had a career-high 22.9 points per game last season. With the series now 2-1 in Phoenix’s favor, the Lynx face a must-win in Game 4 to stay alive.
