Napheesa Collier shatters Diana Taurasi's single postseason points record in Game 3 loss vs. Liberty

Napheesa Collier broke the all-time single postseason scoring record in her game 3 loss against the New York Liberty. Mercury veteran guard Diana Taurasi previously held that record with 245 points. However, on Wednesday, Collier broke the record with her stunning 22-point performance, bringing her postseason total to 249 points.

Taurasi held the record for 15 straight years and achieved the feat in 11 games but it took only 10 games for the Lynx forward to break it and write her name in the history books. Unfortunately, Collier's side ended up losing the matchup, giving Liberty a 2-1 lead in the series.

The match was played at the Target Center in Minnesota and Lynx's loss was a big upset for those present in attendance. The Napheesa Collier-led squad started the game strongly and established a 10-point lead in the first quarter. However, The Liberty played better in the third and fourth quarters, outscoring the home side to cut the lead and secure an 80-77 win.

Sabrina Ionescu emerged as the savior for the Liberty in the final moments of the game. Both teams were tied at 77-77 with only 10 seconds remaining in the final quarter. Liberty was in possession with Ionescu on the ball. The three-time WNBA All-Star attempted a deep shot from way downtown with two seconds remaining on the clock and made it to help her team win the crucial game.

Napheesa Collier opens up about balancing basketball and motherhood

Napheesa Collier is arguably in her career's best phase right now. She has led the Lynx to a WNBA Finals for the first time since 2017 and continues to break records with her incredible performances almost every game night. Collier welcomed her daughter Mila with her husband Alex Bazzell in 2022.

The Lynx forward spoke with US Magazine in an exclusive where she opened up about balancing her craft and motherhood.

"I’m just really lucky to have such a great family and support system,” said Collier. “My dad has been with us the past two seasons in Minnesota. He has an apartment in our building. My daughter stays with him the night before games so I can get a good rest."

"My husband takes a huge load of the parenting during the season just because I’m gone so much. I’m just so lucky to have a partner who supports me in this way. It’s not easy juggling this. He also has a full-time job," she added.

Collier has been an unstoppable force on the court this postseason. She is averaging 24.9 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. Collier and the Lynx will face the Liberty in the game of the Finals series on Friday.