Paige Bueckers’ Dallas Wings have been eliminated from the WNBA playoffs. However, while that is quite a demoralizing situation for a team, things have gotten further worse. Wings have been struggling with an acute injury crisis. So much so that the team is forced to sign athletes on ‘extreme hardship’ contracts. And while coach Chris Koclanes acknowledges the struggles, he also made a ‘demoralizing’ Napheesa Collier admission.
The Wings recently faced off against the Minnesota Lynx. Surely, right from the word go, things looked a bit tough for Dallas. And with the likes of Collier making full use of the Wings’ depleted squad, Lynx went on to secure a blowout 96-71 win.
Chris Koclanes Praises Napheesa Collier’s Impact Despite Finding Her ‘Demoralizing’
Collier has been one of the iconic athletes in the league. Considered the frontrunner for MVP, the 28-year-old has broken a lot of records this season. Napheesa Collier set a WNBA All-Star scoring record against Team Clark. Thus, if such a powerhouse athlete plays to the best of her abilities, opponents would surely be bothered. And that is exactly what Kocalnes reflected after suffering a crushing defeat.
“She just has so many counters. She’s as good as a 1-on-1 scorer as anyone. … It’s demoralizing at times when she’s scoring (continually) from 12 feet in,” said Koclanes.
Maddy Siegrist on Napheesa Collier
— Moreau Sports Media Prod Co. (@MoreauSportsCo) September 2, 2025
"She just has so many counters."
Chris Koclanes on Napheesa Collier
"She’s as good as a 1-on-1 scorer as anyone…it’s demoralizing at times when she’s scoring (continually) from 12 feet in. pic.twitter.com/cKXlArXTNH
As Wings suffered their eighth defeat in a row, the team will surely look to improve its performance in the next season. Meanwhile, coming to Collier’s performance, the 28-year-old dropped 25 points to take her team home comfortably. Surely, looking at the Lynx star’s impact, a lot of athletes have heaped praises on her. And one among them is Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham.
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Sophie Cunningham Cites Napheesa Collier As WNBA’s Toughest
Sophie Cunningham has quite a name for being a tough athlete. Playing for the Indiana Fever, Cunningham quickly became a fan favorite for her aggressive play on the court. Taking immense note of Caitlin Clark on the court, the 29-year-old has donned the ‘enforcer’ role. Thus, with such a personality praising Collier, the weight the statement carries is significant. In a recent statement, Cunningham hailed Collier as a complete athlete. She also stated how the Lynx star has the ability to turn the game on its head single-handedly.
“But Napheesa’s good. She’s probably the best player in our league. She is a hell of a player. Yeah, like has everything in her bag,” said Cunningham.
The Fever star also recalled a high school game when her team defeated Collier’s team at the state finals. Thankfully, the 28-year-old star was not playing in that game. Thus, proving herself as an icon already, fans will be eager to see whether Collier can help the Minnesota Lynx win the title.