The WNBA’s latest surge in popularity can be owed to a lot of reasons. However, one of the vital factors has been the efforts that players put in. Apart from the likes of Paige Bueckers breaking rookie records, the rivalry between veterans Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart has also resulted in fans getting hyped up about the league.
The New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx are two of the top teams in the WNBA at the moment. While Liberty already won the championship last year, they are trying to pull off a double this time around. And while the Lynx are waiting for their chance to pounce, the rivalry between the two is amping up between Collier and Stewart.
Napheesa Collier Terms Breanna Stewart As A ‘Great Player’
Both Collier and Stewart were former teammates at the UConn Huskies. However, as their game matured coming to WNBA, the duo treated the fans with some quality basketball display. Recently, the Lynx star sat down with Sue Bird to discuss the cons of trying to hold down Stewart offensively during a game. And according to her, it is impossible!
Collier heaped praises on Stewart. The 28-year-old explained how it is extremely difficult to defend against Stewart. She pointed out that if a defender manages to make a block, the moment feels extremely rare. The Lynx’s star also termed the Liberty icon as a ‘great’ athlete.
“My least favorite part, Stew’s a great player. You can play the best defense you want, and she’ll still make it. So that is sometimes frustrating cause I’m like, ‘Oh that’s good D I’m right there contesting,’ plop. She’ll make it,” said Collier.
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Surely, it is not a new thing that Collier stated. Watching Stewart play, the fans know exactly how the Liberty star performs on the court. One can try to bind her with the best defense, yet she will manage a way to slip away. After all, it is not without reason that Stewart has won the WNBA championship thrice. Meanwhile, as Collier is currently sidelined for a couple of weeks, she also talked about the rivalry with Liberty in an earlier interview.
Napheesa Collier Feels Missing Intensity From This Year’s Lynx-Liberty Games
Last year’s WNBA finals were one of the most entertaining games. With the momentum switching frequently, the fans are on the edge of their seats throughout. And while it was Liberty that ultimately had the last laugh, Lynx waited for a new season to get their revenge. And that season is now underway. Barring a solitary loss, Minnesota has been enjoying a lead over the Liberty. However, despite coming out victorious on most occasions, Collier thinks that the intensity has died down significantly.
“It doesn’t feel like a finals rematch anymore honestly… it’s a new year for us and it’s been so long like it’s almost August. So it’s just the two top teams going against each other. We’ll prepare for them like a really great team, which they are. So it doesn’t really feel like retribution for last year. It just feels like we’re about to play a good team,” Collier said back in July.
Well, one of the major reasons is injuries. Both Lynx and Liberty have suffered significant losses. While the likes of Collier and Stewart have been sidelined, the X-factor has been missing in what was thought to be a finals rematch from last year.