Lynx extend winning streak to seven as Collier returns from injury layoff
Napheesa Collier records 24 points and 10 rebounds in first game since September 2025, bolstering Minnesota’s league-best record.
The Minnesota Lynx extended their winning streak to seven games on Wednesday, securing an 86-76 victory over the Seattle Storm. The win improves the Lynx’s record to 22-6, positioning them with the best standing in the league as they approach the All-Star break. The result was anchored by the return of forward Napheesa Collier, who recorded 24 points and 10 rebounds in just 22 minutes of play.
Collier’s appearance marked her first game action since Game 3 of the 2025 WNBA semifinals in September 2025. Her absence was necessitated by a series of medical interventions, including a procedure on her right ankle during the offseason and surgery on her left ankle in March 2026. The left ankle injury involved tearing three ligaments during the 2025 playoffs against the Phoenix Mercury, who were the eventual runners-up that year.
Following a return to practice on 1 July 2026, Collier demonstrated immediate impact upon her return. Her performance extended a streak of 24 consecutive regular-season games with double-digit points and 14 straight games scoring at least 20 points. The 29-year-old forward, who has spent her entire eight-year career with the Lynx since being drafted sixth overall in 2019, averaged a career-high 22.9 points per game in the 2025 season prior to her injury-related absence.
Supporting Collier’s return, teammate Kayla McBride contributed 20 points, while Olivia Miles added 13 points and six assists. Collier’s previous accolades include being named the 2025 All-Star Game MVP and earning selections to the All-WNBA First Team and All-Defensive First Team. She also missed three weeks in August 2025 due to a separate right ankle injury, which she had previously played through for 33 games last season.
The Lynx will resume their schedule on Tuesday night when they return home to face the Toronto Tempo. The team’s current form and Collier’s availability provide a significant boost as they navigate the remainder of the regular season.
