Starplayer Napheesa Collier of Lynx reveals devastating details about the disappointing 2024 WNBA Finals defeat
Fired-Up Napheesa Collier and the Minnesota Lynx Refuse to Miss Another Chance
Last season, the Minnesota Lynx's dreams were shattered as they lost the WNBA Finals to the New York Liberty. But this loss has only fueled the fire within Napheesa Collier and her teammates. With a franchise-record 30-10 season under their belts in 2024, the Lynx stormed their way to the No. 2 seed and made it to the Finals for the first time since 2017.
Now, Collier, a four-time All-Star and a cornerstone player for the Lynx, has issued a chilling warning. In an interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio, Collier revealed how the heartbreaking loss of the 2022 Finals has sparked a fiery determination within the team.
"The taste of a championship slipped just out of our fingers. When you've tasted victory, you want more of it. And losing that close call, it makes you hungrier than ever. Every member of this team wants to erase that feeling, and I know we'll do whatever it takes to get back to that promising place," Collier declared.
The Lynx: Keeping the Good, Adding the Damn Good
Unlike many teams that made splashy moves over the offseason, Minnesota's management wisely chose to retain the majority of their roster. With most players in the prime of their careers, there's no reason why this group of talent can't compete for the title once again.
The Lynx kicked off their 2023 season with a decisive 99-84 victory against the Dallas Wings. Unsurprisingly, Collier and teammate Courtney Williams fired up the scoreboard, with Collier notching a whopping 38 points and Williams contributing 25 points. Their performance solidified the Lynx's position at the top of the league.
The Growing Threat: A Reinforced Frontcourt
Despite their successes, the Lynx conceded that their frontcourt was a weakness during the 2022 Finals. Injuries and lack of size left the team vulnerable, a problem they've worked to address this season. They've added Marieme Badiane to their roster and brought back Jessica Shepard to bolster the frontcourt and provide a more formidable presence under the basket.
However, the absence of Dorka Juhasz, who will be out for the entire season due to personal reasons, leaves a significant void to fill. New signees will need to step up and help shore up the frontcourt defense if the Lynx hope to maintain their impressive shooting percentage from 2022.
With their sights set on redemption and backed by a strong and dedicated roster, the Minnesota Lynx are ready to reclaim their spot as a championship threat in the WNBA. Collier's hunger and leadership, combined with coach Cheryl Reeve's strategic guidance, ensure that this team will stop at nothing to capture the championship they came so close to claiming in 2022.
"Napheesa Collier and the Minnesota Lynx, fueled by the memory of the 2022 WNBA Finals loss, aim to regain their championship status in basketball, with the 2023 season introducing a reinforced frontcourt intent on overcoming last season's shortcomings."
"In the WNBA, the Minnesota Lynx's mission this year is clear: to reclaim their place as a dominant force, with Collier's determination leading the charge in the pursuit of the championship trophy in the realm of sports, most notably in basketball, and the WNBA."
