Napheesa Collier played the best game of her playoff career as she and the Minnesota Lynx closed out the Phoenix Mercury in Game 2, 101-88, Wednesday night in the 2024 WNBA Playoffs. 

Collier had 42 big points with 5 rebounds and 4 assists, shooting 70 percent from the field in a historic performance. After scoring 38 in Game 1, Collier made 80 points in a two-stretch – the most in WNBA history. She also tied the most-playoff points ever, a record she shares with Breanna Stewart.

Collier had ample support from the rest of her team as four other players – the starters – scored in double digits for the Lynx as they advanced to the WNBA semifinals.

Phoenix’s loss was a heartbreaker for the team, but most especially for Diana Taurasi, who’s nearing the end of an illustrious career. After compiling through a resume worthy of GOAT status, Taurasi declined to answer when asked postgame if the league had seen the last of her. She netted 10 points for the Mercury while center Brittney Griner led the way for the Mercury with 24 points.

Facing the Lynx are the Connecticut Sun, who will be making their sixth straight semis trip after outclassing the Indiana Fever and super rookie Caitlin Clark. 

The Sun won in Game 2, 87-81, courtesy of another big game from their star Alyssa Thomas. After playing all 40 minutes, Thomas poured in 19 points, 13 assists, and 5 rebounds to carry her team to the victory. Thomas also got a lot of help from across the board, including Marina Mabrey’s 17 markers and DeWanna Bonner’s 15 points.

Despite the loss, super rookie Caitlin Clark showed out for the Fever with 25 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds, as she became the first rookie in WNBA history to post 25+ PTS, 5+ REB, and 5+ AST, per ESPN. Clark has been phenomenal this season and with the way she is playing, Indiana is going to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.