We’re more than halfway through the WNBA season, and it just seems like no player is safe this year. Injuries have been the name of the game, taking away beloved stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and A’ja Wilson for prolonged stretches. As the injury report keeps on growing, the league is starting to feel the effects of missing some of its biggest stars! Today’s Minnesota vs Las Vegas showdown was no exception either, as MVP candidate Napheesa Collier went down hard.

Late in the third quarter, the Lynx were on fire! They led the game 92-49, handing the Aces a huge 40-point thrashing. However, Collier ended up twisting her ankle really badly on top of a teammate’s foot and had to be helped off the court. While there was no need for a stretcher, it definitely didn’t look good for the Minnesota star.

ESPN’s Kendra Andrews broke the news on X: “Napheesa Collier walks off the court under her own power — but with assistance — after an apparent right foot/ankle sprain. Camera shots show her moving back to the locker room very slowly and gingerly.” The fact that ‘Phee’s injury hasn’t gotten an official diagnosis as of now is a little concerning, but we’re expecting more updates in the days to come.

This ordeal, though tough, allowed for sentiments of humanity and sportsmanship to shine through in this one-sided victory. The Las Vegas Aces banded together to help out Collier after her injury, draping her injured limb with towels without any prompting.

On the other hand, Minnesota head coach Cheryl Reeve has come under fire for having Collier out in the game even though the game’s situation didn’t demand it. But Reeve had her reasons, and is unapologetic about playing her best player in this situation. Let’s find out exactly what the Lynx head coach had to say regarding Napheesa Collier’s injury.

“Sometimes these things happen,”: Minnesota HC under pressure after Napheesa Collier’s injury

After watching Napheesa Collier horribly twist her ankle in today’s game, every fan had just one question–why was Phee still in the game? The Minnesota Lynx were up by 40 points, and it seemed like a definite win for Cheryl Reeve’s team. In fact, fans started blaming the Minnesota head coach for her game-time decision to play Collier so late in an ‘already-won’ game.

However, Reeve stood her ground in the post-game presser. “It’s the third quarter of a game on someone else’s floor. I don’t think the game is over, I don’t think like that. She had a sub there, and she wasn’t going to play in the fourth quarter. Sometimes these things happen.” She said, doing away with any rumors of regret about her decision.

And honestly? It makes sense. Both teams were playing to win, and having Napheesa Collier out on the floor is always a net positive for Minnesota. Cheryl Reeve also acknowledged the fact that fans aren’t going to be happy with her. “I get it, people are gonna rail on me, and that’s part of sitting in the seat that I’m sitting in.” The head coach said.

According to Kendra Andrews, there are no further updates about Collier’s injury. The Minnesota Lynx star will be going for scans and tests in the days to come, and only then will a clear picture form. It will be interesting to see how Cheryl Reeve’s team will adapt to an offense without Collier, and if they’ll be able to hold on to the top seed. Only time will tell, though.