The Las Vegas Aces are grappling with a challenging stretch, having recently suffered a decisive 111-58 defeat to Minnesota, pushing their record to 14-14. This sets the stage for a critical matchup against the Golden State Valkyries, who stand at 13-13, in what marks the Aces’ final back-to-back series of the season, a pivotal moment for both teams in the evolving WNBA standings.
Leading the charge for the Las Vegas Aces is their powerhouse three-time reigning MVP, who continues to showcase her dominance by averaging an impressive 22.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Complementing her formidable presence, Jackie Young has significantly elevated her game in the post-All-Star break, contributing 17.8 points per game with a remarkable 50.8% field goal efficiency and 6.8 assists per game, providing a crucial secondary scoring and playmaking threat for the team.
Beyond individual team narratives, the 2025 WNBA season has been nothing short of electrifying, captivating national attention with its dynamic play and compelling storylines. From Angel Reese’s impactful rebounding clinics to Paige Bueckers’ role in reigniting the Dallas Wings’ playoff aspirations and Caitlin Clark’s struggles with health, the league has generated an unprecedented level of consistent buzz, drawing new eyes to women’s basketball.
Yet, amidst the spotlight on these emerging and established stars, a different kind of superstar is quietly compiling one of the most exceptional all-around seasons in recent WNBA history. Napheesa Collier, the Minnesota Lynx forward, is spearheading her team to the league’s best record, currently standing at an impressive 22-5 despite a recent loss to the Atlanta Dream, showcasing her pure dominance without relying on viral moments or flashy plays.
Collier’s statistical output underscores her profound impact and legitimate claim in the MVP race. She leads the WNBA in points per game with 23.5, ranks fourth in blocks with 1.6, fifth in steals at 1.8, and boasts a fifth-best field-goal percentage of 52.1%. For fantasy basketball enthusiasts, Collier has consistently been the top-ranked player, demonstrating her comprehensive contributions across scoring, defending, facilitating, and crucially, winning games for the Lynx.
Despite her undeniable statistical superiority and profound on-court impact, Napheesa Collier’s MVP candidacy often flies under the radar. This oversight can be attributed to several factors, including the media market size of the Minnesota Lynx, the immense rookie hype surrounding other players, and a general media tendency to chase headlines rather than highlight consistent, fundamental greatness. This narrative often sidelines players who embody substance over flash.
Collier’s influence extends beyond her individual numbers; she transforms the Minnesota Lynx into a highly efficient machine. Under her leadership, the Lynx rank first in both offensive and defensive efficiency, a testament to her ability to stretch defenses, protect the rim, and exude the poise expected from a Finals MVP. She quietly shoulders a significant leadership role, mentoring younger players while consistently delivering peak performance night in and night out.
As debates continue to rage about the biggest names in the league, Collier is steadily accumulating wins and statistics that firmly place her at the top of any serious MVP shortlist. Her consistent impact and all-around game make a compelling argument that she is the most deserving name for the MVP trophy this WNBA season. The question isn’t whether she’s good, but how she could not be considered the best player in the WNBA right now?
