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Basketball2 min read

Napheesa Collier's FIBA World Cup breakout couldn't have come at a better time

The Lynx star was the leading scorer against Hungary.
Napheesa Collier's FIBA World Cup breakout couldn't have come at a better time

Napheesa Collier started slowly at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.

But the Minnesota Lynx star has roared to life at the perfect time, with Team USA now two wins away from securing a fifth successive gold medal.

Collier led all players with 19 points in the United States' crushing quarterfinal win over Hungary on Thursday, a 108-56 victory that secured the Americans' place in the FIBA World Cup semifinals.

MORE: Angel Reese comes clean about Caitlin Clark bond after USA dominates Hungary

As Team USA inches closer to a record-extending 12th World Cup crown, much of the discussion has centered on the team's "Young and Turnt" core. Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have led the Americans' bench brigade in relief of the veteran group on whom head coach Kara Lawson has depended.

Collier, a perennial MVP candidate in the WNBA, saw her role and importance to the team grow after A'ja Wilson announced that she would sit out the World Cup. After she scored just 10 points from the opening two games of the tournament, Collier has stepped up over the past two games with 31 points in just 31 minutes.

Team USA leaders in points per minute:

1. Napheesa Collier — .6322. Jackie Young — .6123. Rhyne Howard — .5564. Angel Reese — .5065. Breanna Stewart — .492 Paige Bueckers — .492

Collier has posted 61/33/100 shooting splits against Czechia and Hungary, and she is Team USA's leader in points per minute at the World Cup.

It was only a matter of time before Collier, one of the most complete players in basketball, found her footing in Germany.

She had been steadily rediscovering her form after offseason ankle surgery -- and though the United States' young players will contribute now as well as in the future, Collier and the vets are showing they will have a lot to say in Berlin before the World Cup is over.

Napheesa Collier erupts as Americans clinch FIBA World Cup semifinal berth

USA vs. Hungary box score: Full stats from 2026 FIBA World Cup quarterfinals

Team USA sends loud World Cup warning with 52-point demolition of Hungary

Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings handed major Alanna Smith injury blow during FIBA World Cup

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It was published on September 10, 2026 and last updated on October 9, 2026. The time of the story is shown in your own time zone on the page.

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