Napheesa Collier, the celebrated forward for the Minnesota Lynx, has been honored as the inaugural Most Valuable Player (MVP) by Unirvaled for the 2023 WNBA season. This marks a significant milestone in her career, considering her return to full-time play after maternity leave.
Outstanding Season by Collier
Despite the challenges of returning to professional sports post-pregnancy, Collier not only rejoined the WNBA but did so with extraordinary success. She averaged 21.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game throughout the season. Her performance was pivotal in steering the Lynx to secure the No. 8 seed in the postseason.
Recognition and Votes
Collier stood out among her peers, clinching the MVP award by a significant margin. She gathered 40 out of 56 possible votes, indicating a strong preference among league coaches, media members, and basketball operations professionals. Runners-up in the MVP race included A’ja Wilson who received eight votes, and Breanna Stewart, who collected five votes.
Playoff Challenges
Despite her personal achievements, Collier’s Lynx faced a tough challenge in the playoffs. They were eliminated by the Connecticut Sun with a 72-63 loss in the first round. This defeat has not overshadowed Collier’s individual brilliance throughout the season, showcasing her resilience and dedication to the sport.
Response to the Award
Upon receiving the MVP honor, Collier expressed her gratitude, stating, “I’m really grateful for my teammates and coaches who have trusted me this season; I couldn’t have done this without them.” This award not only underscores Collier’s impressive return but also her standing as one of the premier players in the league.
Looking forward, Collier and the Lynx are poised to build on this season’s achievements and face the next with renewed vigor and aspirations for higher successes.