Lynx star Napheesa Collier clarifies wild claim of wanting to end Diana Taurasi's career

Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier and Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi have had friendly interactions during their time together on the international stage with Team USA and both being UConn legends, but a recent joke by Collier about Taurasi’s possible retirement blew up and she had to clarify her wording.

After Game 1 of the first round playoff series between Minnesota and Phoenix, one of the last questions Collier was asked was about Taurasi and how Game 2 could be Taurasi’s final WNBA game. Tauras is 42 years old and will become a free agent after the playoffs, raising speculation that this season may be her last.

With the series format constructed as a best-of-three, Wednesday night’s game is a must-win for Phoenix or their season is over.

Understanding the magnitude of the encounter, Collier showed appreciation to the three-time WNBA champ but had a spicy remark at the end.

“It seems like it’s her retirement tour, she’s been pretty quiet about it. She is obviously a UConn great, a league GOAT. I feel lucky to have been able to play with her on Team USA, and against her. Hopefully we can end her career on Wednesday,” Collier said.

Though some may feel that this was a shot at Taurasi, the meaning of the final part has been taken out of context and Collier walked back her statement.

“Okay, I just meant that I want us to win the game on Wednesday so we don’t go to a Game 3. Please don’t hype this,” Collier said in her response on X/Twitter.