Napheesa Collier dominates WNBA stats as All-Star captain

In the United States, the Minnesota Lynx's Napheesa Collier has made headlines by being named one of the captains for the WNBA All-Star Game set for July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis. Collaborating with Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever, Collier finished second in fan voting, highlighting her popularity among supporters. Notably, Collier is currently leading the league with an impressive average of 24.4 points per game. Furthermore, she ranks first in player efficiency rating, defensive win shares, and defensive rating, underscoring her comprehensive skill set and contributions to the game. The Minnesota Lynx has maintained an outstanding performance this season, sitting atop the WNBA standings with a record of 14-2 by early July 2025. Recently, Collier earned her second Player of the Month award after averaging 22.0 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.5 blocks in June. This recognition comes just days after her selection as an All-Star captain, further cementing her status as a frontrunner for the WNBA MVP award. Earlier this week, the Lynx faced a setback in the WNBA Commissioner's Cup final, losing to Clark's Fever. However, the absence of Clark due to injury played a considerable role in the game, as Collier's contributions were crucial throughout the season. The upcoming All-Star Game will see Collier and Clark responsible for drafting the teams, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans eager to see who they will select. Meanwhile, the Lynx have had significant help from other players, although none were named All-Star starters. Notably, Minnesota native Paige Bueckers, who was the No. 1 overall draft pick by the Dallas Wings earlier this year, has secured a starting position. This development showcases the rising talent within the league, particularly from local players. The rivalry between the Lynx and Fever has intensified this season due to the high stakes of the Commissioner's Cup final, which occurred under the scrutiny of observers eager to see how these teams perform against each other, especially with the added drama of All-Star selections. As the season progresses, Collier's remarkable statistics, her leadership qualities, and the ongoing competitive nature of the league continue to attract attention, ultimately influencing discussions about potential MVP candidates. With the All-Star Game approaching, anticipation grows for how well Collier will execute her captaincy and navigate the draft alongside Clark, especially given the success and challenges they have both faced this season.