Connecticut Sun v Minnesota Lynx - Game Five - Source: Getty — Napheesa Collier Stats Tonight: How did Minnesota Lynx star play in pivotal Game 3 against New York Liberty? (Credit: GETTY)

Napheesa Collier Stats Tonight: How did Minnesota Lynx star play in pivotal Game 3 against New York Liberty?

Modified Oct 17, 2024 02:21 GMT

After stealing Game 1 of the 2024 WNBA Finals, Napheesa Collier and the Minnesota Lynx were ready to assert their dominance against the New York Liberty in Game 3 at Target Center on Wednesday. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year has been one of the best players in this series despite not being the most prolific scorer.

She didn't have the best start to the game, dropping four points on 2-of-6 from the field. Collier still made her impact felt with one rebound and one assist, but especially with two steals and one block. The Lynx were off to a strong start, winning the first quarter 28-18.

Collier reacted in the next three quarters, finishing the game with 22 points nine rebounds, two assists, five steals and one block. She shot 9-of-22 from the field, 1-of-1 from deep and 3-of-4 from the free-throw line. The Lynx couldn't capitalize on another remarkable performance from Collier and now are urged to win Game 4 if they want to extend their season.

Check out her stats below.

Player	PTS	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	FG	3PT	+/-
Napheesa Collier	22	9	2	5	1	4	9-22	1-1	-3

Napheesa Collier's Finals Game 3 breakdown

Napheesa Collier started this game trying to get more points. But she struggled and decided to focus on different aspects of the game and let other players like Kayla McBride (10 points) and Bridget Carleton (seven points) run the show in the first period.

Following a quiet start to the second quarter, Collier score five points to finish the first half with nine units. She added three rebounds and stole another basketball, although he turned the ball over in the subsequent fastbreak.

The second half followed the same script of the first, as the Lynx continued dominating the game and Collier kept adding numbers to her stat sheet. Right off the bat, she added seven more points to sit at 16 five minutes into the third quarter.

The Liberty took over this period, winning it 26-19 after Collier went cold and only scored two more points. Her first two fourth-quarter points allowed her to break Diana Taurasi's record of the most points in a single playoff run.

She was more focused on stopping Breanna Stewart, causing the Liberty's offense to struggle to score. The New Yorkers did the same and prevented the DPOY and Co. from extending their 71-69 lead for several minutes.

With 20.6 seconds on the clock, she got the basketball and tried to score over Jonquel Jones, drawing the foul from her defender. She made both free throws to tie the game at 77. Unfortunately for Collier and Co., Sabrina Ionescu drained a long 3-pointer to give New York the 80-77 win.