Game one was a commanding victory, whereas game two was a huge comeback victory for the Minnesota Lynx as they go to the semifinal for the second straight season. Napheesa Collier was still the steady contributor in both games, doing justice to her MVP-estique regular-season.
Just as the playoffs were about to begin, Collier’s commanding gameplay exposed the Valkyries’ weaknesses. And the forward went on to exploit the same to lead her team into the next round. Yet the 28-year-old playmaker singled out Cheryl Reeve’s motivational speech that ignited the win in Game 2.
Napheesa Collier Reveals Cheryl Reeve’s Pep Talk
Even though the Valkyries had to play their first playoff game away from the Chase Center, the fans made the SAP Center feel like home. Controlling the game right from the start, the hosts had a 13-point lead at the half and kept pressure on the opposition to extend it to 14 before the start of the fourth quarter.
But the 2024 WNBA finalist showed their character and capabilities in the final 10 minutes. Their strong defensive plays and efficient offensive gameplay handed them a narrow one-point win over the Valkyries. Former UConn star narrated the reason behind the win, giving credit to HC Cheryl Reeve.
“Coach said, ‘There is nothing I can draw for you that’s going to get you an easy bucket. You have to go out there and just play,’ {It’s] the desperation that we played with knowing we were down by a lot and only had 10 minutes to get back in it.” Her leadership on the floor backed up those words, as she finished with a double-double that anchored the late surge. “Our effort makes me so proud,” Collier said.
Napheesa Collier on what it took to pull off one of the biggest 4Q comebacks in WNBA Playoff history 👏 🔥#WelcometotheW | WNBA Playoffs presented by @Google pic.twitter.com/DjGXczZybV
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 18, 2025
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The expansion team had a possible game-winning shot in the closing moments, but the visitors held their defensive line and clinched the victory. The Lynx will now face the winner of the Phoenix Mercury vs. New York Liberty series in the semifinal.
Napheesa Collier Continues To Shine
Cheryl Reeve and Minnesota Lynx stars supported Collier for the MVP of the 2025 season. Despite the player not having monumental games to her name, she remained consistent throughout the season, having her team at the top of the table from the beginning.
She had 20 points in game one of the playoffs and sank a go-ahead 18-footer with 1:24 remaining on her way to 24 in game two. She was 10 for 16 in the back-from-behind game and a defensive anchor for the side. With Collier’s incredible season, the Lynx appears to be in a great position to win the title.