Lynx’s Collier making ’22 debut after child’s birth

Napheesa Collier will make her 2022 season debut Sunday with the Minnesota Lynx lower than three months after giving beginning to her daughter, Mila, in late Could.

Collier, the 2019 WNBA rookie of the yr and a former all-WNBA Second Workforce choice, returns to the hardwood because the Lynx (12-20) make a late push in try to clinch a playoff spot. Minnesota is presently in tenth place on the skin trying in with 4 video games remaining within the common season and 1½ video games again of securing one of many remaining three spots within the postseason.

Collier, 25, indicated throughout her being pregnant that she hoped to return sooner or later this summer time to play alongside teammate and pal Sylvia Fowles earlier than Fowles’ impending retirement following the 2022 marketing campaign.

The Star Tribune reported Saturday that Collier practiced absolutely with the staff that day for the primary time this season and was ramping as much as doubtlessly play this week.

The previous UConn standout and 2020 Tokyo Olympian averaged 16.2 factors, 6.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks per sport in 2021, her third season within the league. Collier signed a multiyear contract extension with the Lynx within the offseason that can preserve her in Minnesota by means of 2025.

The Lynx tackle the Atlanta Dream — one other staff hoping to punch its ticket to the postseason this week — Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.