Collision on the Court: Alyssa Thomas Apologizes After Napheesa Collier’s Heartbreaking Injury..
In a night of high-stakes drama during the WNBA semifinals, Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas issued a heartfelt public apology to Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier following a late-game collision that left Collier writhing in pain with a potentially season-ending ankle injury. The incident unfolded in Game 3 on Friday night, where the Mercury rallied for an 84-76 victory, seizing a commanding 2-1 series lead over the top-seeded Lynx.
With 21.8 seconds remaining and Phoenix clinging to an 82-76 edge, Collier drove aggressively toward the basket, dribbling past Thomas. The veteran forward, known for her defensive prowess, cleanly swiped the ball, but incidental contact ensued—Thomas’s knee brushing Collier’s leg. As Collier twisted mid-air, her left ankle buckled awkwardly upon landing, forcing her to slap the court in agony. Limping off in tears, the MVP runner-up required assistance from trainers, her availability for Sunday’s do-or-die Game 4 now in serious doubt.
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve erupted in fury, storming the court to protest the non-call. Assessed a second technical foul, Reeve was ejected amid a heated exchange, later blasting officials for overlooking the play’s physicality. “Napheesa probably has a fracture,” Reeve seethed postgame, echoing broader frustrations over the league’s increasing intensity.
Thomas, who tallied 19 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, four steals, and two blocks in a near-triple-double masterpiece, addressed the moment Saturday via social media and a press statement. “My heart breaks for Napheesa—she’s a warrior and doesn’t deserve this,” Thomas wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “It was a clean play, but I wish I could’ve avoided that contact. Wishing her a full recovery; the sisterhood comes first.” In a follow-up interview with ESPN, she elaborated: “We’ve battled all series, but seeing her down like that… it’s tough. Prayers up for the Lynx fam.”
The apology resonated across the WNBA community, with Collier responding briefly: “Appreciate the love, AT. We’ll battle again soon.” Teammates like Kahleah Copper (19 points) and Satou Sabally (23 points, including 15 in the fourth) fueled Phoenix’s surge, outscoring Minnesota 21-9 in the final frame to overcome a sluggish start.
As the Lynx face elimination without their leading scorer—averaging 22 points and nine rebounds—attention turns to the league’s officiating and player safety. Columnists decried the incident as “inevitable” amid unchecked physicality, urging reforms. For Thomas, a three-time All-Star traded to Phoenix midseason, the win was bittersweet, underscoring her leadership on and off the court.
Game 4 tips off Sunday at 5 p.m. PT in Phoenix. A Mercury victory sends them to the Finals; a Lynx upset forces a decisive fifth back home. In Collier’s words pre-series: “Playoffs are for the tough.” This one’s proving just how true.
