Napheesa Collier Information Double-Double in Lynx Return From Ankle Surgical procedure

Napheesa Collier made an emphatic return to the Minnesota Lynx, recording 24 factors and 10 rebounds in an 86-76 victory over the Seattle Storm on Wednesday.

The five-time All-Star performed 22 minutes in her 2026 season debut after lacking Minnesota’s first 27 video games whereas recovering from ankle surgical procedure. Head coach Cheryl Reeve managed Collier’s workload in brief stretches, however the restricted enjoying time didn’t forestall her from making a significant influence.

Collier initially confirmed indicators of rust, lacking six of her first seven photographs. She recovered to complete 9-of-20 from the sphere, made two three-pointers and transformed all 4 of her free throws.

She additionally delivered when Minnesota wanted her most. Collier scored 5 factors throughout a game-ending 9-0 run that helped the Lynx safe their seventh consecutive victory.

The efficiency exceeded expectations for a participant coming back from such a protracted absence. Collier tore ligaments in her left ankle throughout a playoff recreation on September 27, 2025, and later underwent surgical procedure on each ankles.

Before the sport, Reeve mentioned Collier could be positioned on a minutes restriction and cautioned that her star ahead nonetheless had further steps to finish earlier than returning to full type. Collier’s double-double instructed that course of might transfer sooner than anticipated.

Kayla McBride added 20 factors for Minnesota, which improved to a league-best 22-6. The Lynx are additionally 12-2 on the highway.

Collier’s return provides an already profitable Minnesota crew one other main weapon getting into the second half of the season. Minnesota remained on the prime of the standings throughout her absence, with McBride and rookie guard Olivia Miles taking over essential roles.

That success provides Reeve room to proceed managing Collier conservatively as a substitute of instantly asking her to play a full workload. Her first look confirmed that she will nonetheless affect a recreation even whereas working beneath a strict restrict.

The Lynx will proceed to watch how Collier’s ankles reply as her enjoying time will increase. If she stays wholesome, her two-way skill might make the league-leading crew much more troublesome to beat through the postseason.

For one evening, no less than, Collier appeared far nearer to her established All-WNBA type than her lengthy absence instructed she would.