Minnesota is 10-2 with the WNBA's best net rating despite Napheesa Collier's absence, and Kayla McBride says the cohesion built without her will pay off later.
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Lynx have won eight straight games and hold the league's best record at 10-2, despite missing All-Star Napheesa Collier. Kayla McBride thinks that the period without her will strengthen the team by the time she comes back.
"What we've built without her is going to help us when she returns because we've developed a lot of cohesion," McBride said after Tuesday's 100-76 win over the Dallas Wings. "We're 10-2, and adding Phee is obviously going to be great, but I really like where we are right now as a group."
Even without Collier, Minnesota leads the WNBA with the highest net rating at +15.1 and is top-ranked in both offensive and defensive efficiency.
Because of her left ankle injury, Collier continues to be essential for Minnesota. Her absence leads to greater responsibilities for McBride, who encounters more defensive pressure and difficult matchups. McBride achieved a season-high 22 points in the game against Dallas and also guarded Paige Bueckers.
"It's different. I've seen so many things throughout my career, so I'm not really phased by it," McBride said. "It's more about figuring out how I can use that attention to help our team."
Head coach Cheryl Reeve said the pressure on McBride is high but will ease with Collier's return.
"We talked before the season about how difficult the offensive looks would become for her because teams know what she means to us," Reeve said. "Going into the year, people probably wondered where our offense would come from if you took Kayla away."
Reeve anticipates that McBride will feel the most relieved when Collier comes back.
"She might be the player who throws the biggest party when Napheesa Collier returns because she knows what that's going to feel like," Reeve said.
Rookie Olivia Miles has become a key playmaker, scoring 24 points, with seven rebounds and six assists against Dallas. Her averages are 17.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. When she plays, Minnesota scores 20.8 points more per 100 possessions. Natasha Howard has played a key role at the center position, and Courtney Williams contributes scoring and rebounding.
"She has a brilliant mind. I trust her and her instincts," Miles said of McBride. "At the end of the day, she's getting me open, and when she's open, it's my job to get her the ball."
McBride, who has played with Collier for five years, shared her excitement about the reunion and felt pleased with how the group has evolved.
"I know her like the back of my hand. I'm excited to have her back," McBride said.
The Lynx play at Las Vegas on Saturday.
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