Lynx forward Collier named first-team All-WNBA

Lynx forward Napheesa Collier earns a spot on the prestigious 2023 All-WNBA first team, as announced by the league on Sunday.

Collier, previously recognized as a member of the second team by the Associated Press earlier this autumn, now stands alongside basketball greats including Breanna Stewart (New York), Alyssa Thomas (Connecticut), A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas), and Satou Sabally (Dallas) on the All-WNBA first team.

This commendation marks Collier’s second All-WNBA selection and her first inclusion on the first team.

In addition to her remarkable achievement, Collier, who secured her third All-Star appearance this season, exhibited outstanding performance throughout. She notably finished fourth in the league for scoring (24.7), ranked seventh in rebounding (8.5), and stood ninth in steals (1.6). Moreover, her remarkable 11.7 points in the paint per game earned her a remarkable second place in the league.

Remarkably, this also signifies the twelfth time a Lynx player has received this outstanding recognition, with the last occurrence dating back to Sylvia Fowles and Maya Moore in 2017. Furthermore, Collier accomplished a groundbreaking feat by becoming the first player in WNBA history to record consecutive games with at least 20 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks. She achieved this incredible feat when facing off against Atlanta and Phoenix in early September.

Other notable WNBA award recipients include Stewart being crowned as WNBA MVP, Wilson bestowed with the Defensive Player of the Year award, Sabally recognized as the Most Improved Player, and Alysha Clark from Las Vegas earning the Sixth Player of the Year accolade. Additionally, Indiana’s Aliyah Boston emerged as the Rookie of the Year.

In addition to the first team, the All-WNBA second team boasts a stellar lineup consisting of Nneka Ogwumike (Los Angeles), Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray (Las Vegas), Jewell Loyd (Seattle), and Sabrina Ionescu (New York).