Connecticut Sun v Minnesota Lynx - Game Two - Source: Getty — Napheesa Collier talked about her game-winning shot against the Liberty in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals (Image credits: Getty)

Napheesa Collier breaks down late-game heroics during Lynx vs Liberty Finals clash: "Never been a part of something so crazy"

Modified Oct 12, 2024 00:16 GMT

WNBA star Napheesa Collier played a significant role in the Minnesota Lynx's 95-93 win in Game 1 of the 2024 Finals against the New York Liberty. With the game on the line, Collier hit a game-winning shot to give her team the upper hand for the best-of-five series on Thursday.

The first game of the finals was intense as it went down to overtime. Collier finished with 21 points, eight rebounds and two assists. The forward had an excellent game on the defensive end as well, as she stole the ball three times and swatted away six shot attempts by the Liberty.

Following the game, ESPN's Malika Andrews talked to the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year about her winning moment. Collier described the sequence from a mismatch with Jonquel Jones to hitting the game-winning shot.

"It was a blur at that time, actually had to go back and watch the game just to process everything that happened," Collier said. "When I caught the ball - I think first of all just feeling I was so open in that moment right there and then knowing that Betnijah [Laney-Hamilton] switched off me and I had JJ (Jonquel Jones) trying to get her up in the air. She's just a long defender I knew I had to move her.

Andrews asked Collier if she'd ever experienced hitting a game-winning shot before. The star forward said:

"I have literally never been a part of something so crazy in sports ever before. It was wild, just the back and forth, the roller coaster. Just going from down 20 in the beginning to down 15 with five minutes left, that's a lot of points."

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Collier is averaging 20.4 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists this season. The defensive forward played a significant role in the Lynx's journey to the finals as she averaged 22.0 points, 11.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks during the first two rounds of the postseason.

Also read: Napheesa Collier reacts to husband Alex Bazzell's shout-out after incredible Game 1 performance against Liberty

NBA analyst has high praise for Napheesa

All eyes were on Napheesa Collier following Game 1 including longtime NBA analyst, Bill Simmons'.

Simmons shared on X (formerly Twitter), what she thought of the defensive forward's performance.

"Went to Game 1 of the W Finals last night — incredibly fun sporting event. Liberty crowd was an A+. My big takeaway: Collier is incredible," Simmons posted on social media. "Best women’s player I’ve ever seen in person. Locked down Stewart in a crazy way. I left thinking NY blew it and Minn will win the title."

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Game 2 will be on Sunday, Oct. 13 and Lynx fans will be watching Collier with great expectations.

Also read: Napheesa Collier's husband Alex Bazzell highlights Caitlin Clark's importance while urging for "true convo" around WNBA viewership