Napheesa Collier's Historic Season and the MVP Race

Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx has made a significant mark in the 2025 WNBA season by becoming only the second player in league history to achieve a 50-40-90 shooting split. This milestone was reached during the Lynx's 72-58 victory over the Golden State Valkyries, where Collier finished the season with shooting percentages of 53.1% from the field, 40.3% from three-point range, and 90.6% from the free-throw line. Notably, she is the first player to accomplish this feat while averaging over 20 points per game, concluding the season with an average of 22.9 points.

Collier Is Second WNBA Player to Join the 50/40/90 Club; Will It Be Enough to Win MVP?ESPNSports IllustratedSports IllustratedESPNA’ja Wilson Leads the Aces to Dominance, Eyes Fourth MVP AwardFanSided

Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve emphasized the significance of Collier's achievement, stating, "It’s only been done once before and that player was the MVP. Phee deserves that recognition." Reeve had set the goal for Collier at the beginning of the season, pushing her to increase her three-point attempts. This strategy proved effective, as Collier acknowledged her awareness of the numbers needed to reach the milestone. Teammate Natisha Hiedeman praised Collier's impact, declaring, "She's the GOAT. Without her, we are not the Minnesota Lynx."

ESPNSports IllustratedCollier Is Second WNBA Player to Join the 50/40/90 Club; Will It Be Enough to Win MVP?Sports IllustratedA’ja Wilson Leads the Aces to Dominance, Eyes Fourth MVP AwardESPN

As the playoffs approach, the MVP race has intensified, primarily between Collier and A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces. Wilson, a three-time MVP, has led her team to a remarkable 16-game winning streak and is recognized for her scoring prowess and defensive skills. Despite Collier's historic season, Wilson's strong finish has shifted the narrative in her favor. The Associated Press named Wilson the Player of the Year, further complicating Collier's MVP aspirations.

Collier Is Second WNBA Player to Join the 50/40/90 Club; Will It Be Enough to Win MVP?A’ja Wilson Leads the Aces to Dominance, Eyes Fourth MVP AwardSports IllustratedESPNSports IllustratedFanSidedESPN

Collier's midseason ankle injury, which caused her to miss seven games, has been a point of contention in the MVP discussion. Critics argue that this absence has diminished her chances against Wilson, who has maintained a high level of performance throughout the season. While Collier was a frontrunner for the MVP award before her injury, Wilson's resurgence has made the race exceedingly close.

Collier Is Second WNBA Player to Join the 50/40/90 Club; Will It Be Enough to Win MVP?

Cheryl Reeve has been vocal about Collier's MVP candidacy, asserting, "The numbers don't lie. Napheesa Collier's been the best player in the WNBA this season and deserves MVP." Meanwhile, Collier remains focused on the playoffs, stating, "We are a better team than last year... experience always makes better teams, better players."

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The Minnesota Lynx are set to face the Golden State Valkyries in the first round of the playoffs, where they aim to build on their successful regular season. Collier's performance will be crucial as the Lynx seek to secure their fifth WNBA title. The MVP award is scheduled to be announced on September 21, and the outcome of this tight race remains uncertain as both players have compelling cases for the honor.

ESPN

• “It's only been done once before and that player was the MVP,” — Cheryl Reeve, Lynx Head Coach

ESPN

• “We have that year of experience, and experience always makes better teams, better players.” — Napheesa Collier, Lynx Forward

Sports Illustrated

• “Napheesa Collier has been the best player in the WNBA.” — Cheryl Reeve, Lynx Head Coach

Collier Is Second WNBA Player to Join the 50/40/90 Club; Will It Be Enough to Win MVP?

• “She's the GOAT. Without her, we are not the Minnesota Lynx.” — Natisha Hiedeman, Lynx Teammate

ESPN