Napheesa Collier has been the favorite to win the MVP award all season long. Despite her strong play and the Minnesota Lynx’s success, some fans have been adamant that other players, most notably Caitlin Clark, could still make a play for the MVP award.
Clark reminded everyone why she was in the conversation with a big 32-point performance in her first game back from injury. She led the Indiana Fever to a statement win over the New York Liberty.
Collier also had a big game, however, reminding everyone that the award was hers to lose before Clark even had a chance to make her return with the Fever. Before the showdown between the Fever and Liberty in Indiana, the Lynx took on the Los Angeles Sparks. Collier made her own statement in that game, even if it was overshadowed by Clark’s huge showing.
Napheesa Collier played an impressive game against the Sparks
Napheesa Collier has been on a scoring tear all season long. In her worst scoring performance of the 2025 season, she put up 16 points. She also recorded five straight double-doubles before the Lynx’s loss to the Storm. Collier played well in that game, putting up 25 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three blocks, but was obviously frustrated with the loss.
She returned to the court with a vengeance, absolutely demolishing the Sparks and leading her team to its most dominant win of the season.
Collier finished the game with 32 points on 81.3 percent shooting from the field, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks. She impacted every aspect of the game and operated with impressive efficiency.
That game was Collier’s reminder to everyone in and around the league that the MVP award is hers to lose this season. Collier had already been on fire all season long. She proved that she can elevate her game even further.
Collier still has some competition for the MVP award
While Collier should be the undisputed favorite to be named MVP this season, she has some competition. No one should ever count out A’ja Wilson, even if the Las Vegas Aces are not as great as they have been in previous seasons. Caitlin Clark is also making some noise and will only continue to rise up the MVP ladder if she can lead the Fever on a winning streak. Satou Sabally and Breanna Stewart, who leads the 9-1 New York Liberty in scoring, should also be in the conversation.
Collier has built a much stronger case than any of these other players, though. She leads the league in scoring, is one of the best defenders in the league, and her team has the best record in the W.