Napheesa Collier took center stage at the WNBA All-Star Game, demonstrating her prowess not just as a player but as a leader. With a record-breaking performance, she scored 36 points and secured nine rebounds, guiding Team Collier to a 151-131 victory over Team Clark in what became the highest-scoring All-Star Game in league history.
Collier's shooting was remarkable; she made 13 of 16 attempts, including four from the AT&T logo 4-point line, a feature that seemed tailored for her absent counterpart, Caitlin Clark, who missed the game due to a groin injury. "I tried to make my team not have that many new players," Collier explained, reflecting on her strategic roster choices. "I've played with a lot of them, and it was good to get back with them."
However, the weekend in Indianapolis transcended mere basketball for Collier. As vice president of the Women's National Basketball Players Association executive committee and co-founder of the Unrivaled basketball league, she balanced her on-court responsibilities with significant off-court commitments. Her schedule included negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement and addressing media inquiries about the discussions.
"I feel like I haven't been able to forget it (Thursday's meeting) because people won't let us, which is amazing," she remarked, acknowledging the heightened awareness surrounding player rights. The atmosphere was electric, with fans chanting support that resonated deeply with her.
Collier's commitment to advocacy was evident as she donned a T-shirt reading "Pay us what you owe us" during warmups, reinforcing the message throughout the event. Her performance further amplified this call for recognition; she shattered the All-Star Game's individual scoring record while her team amassed an impressive 82 points in the first half. Notably, Seattle guard Skylar Diggins achieved a triple-double, marking a historic moment in the same venue where she once led Notre Dame to a national championship.
In a heartwarming moment, Collier connected with rookie Paige Bueckers for a basket, both hailing from UConn. "We set a lot of records," she said, reflecting on the game’s milestones. "Skylar had a triple-double, which is insane. It was just so fun. We had a great time."
As the WNBA season progresses, Collier and the Lynx are positioned at the top of the standings, largely due to her exceptional play. This All-Star accolade adds to her impressive collection of honors this season, which includes two Western Conference Player of the Month titles and two Player of the Week awards. Currently, she averages 23.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game.
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