MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Napheesa Collier delivered another jaw-dropping performance, leading the Minnesota Lynx to a 90-80 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday. Her 42-point game tied the WNBA playoff single-game record and sealed the first-round series for Minnesota, sending Phoenix home for the season.

Collier’s back-to-back offensive explosions made history. She became the first player to score at least 35 points in consecutive playoff games, after torching the Mercury for 38 points in Game 1. Her 80 points across two games is also a WNBA playoff record.

Collier Focused on Team Success, Not Individual Records

“I’m just playing for my team,” Collier said when asked about her record-setting performance. “I’m trying to win a game and take advantage of what the defense is giving me. It’s not even about reaching a point total; I’m just focused on winning.”

The Lynx, known for their ball movement, showed why they led the WNBA in assists during the regular season. They recorded 28 assists on 34 made field goals, with six players dishing out at least three assists.

Mercury Struggle in Third Quarter Again

For the Phoenix Mercury, it was another disappointing night, marked by inconsistency. After playing well in the first two quarters, they faltered in the third, allowing the Lynx to seize control.

“They’re a good team,” Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts said about the Lynx. “They move the ball, making it difficult to defend. We played well for two quarters, but in the third, we didn’t meet the level we needed.”

A crucial turning point came when Sophie Cunningham was called for a flagrant foul on Bridget Carleton. The Lynx capitalized, closing out the third quarter with a 27-17 run, including a 23-11 spurt following the foul.

Minnesota Takes Advantage at the Free-Throw Line

The Lynx dominated at the free-throw line for the second straight game. Minnesota shot 23-of-27 (85.2%) from the line, while Phoenix went 10-of-14 (71.4%). The disparity was also a key factor in Game 1, where the Lynx attempted 25 free throws compared to just 11 for the Mercury.

Phoenix Starts Strong but Can’t Sustain Momentum

Despite Collier’s brilliance, Phoenix started the game strong, using their size advantage to attack the basket. In the first four minutes alone, the Mercury scored 10 points in the paint and finished with a 46-38 edge over the Lynx in that category.

Natasha Cloud and Brittney Griner led the Mercury’s offensive charge. Cloud posted 16 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds, while Griner added 24 points, five rebounds, and two blocks.

“She’s the energy for us,” Griner said of Cloud. “She brings everyone together. I haven’t seen anyone work as hard as she does.”

Lynx Exploit Matchups, Feed Collier

Even with Phoenix’s size advantage, Collier repeatedly found ways to score. The Mercury assigned Cloud, one of the league’s top defenders, to guard her, but Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve exploited that matchup effectively.

“A lot of times it’s about matchups and taking advantage,” Reeve said. “(Collier) reads the game so well. If they give her space in the paint, she’ll dominate. If they close the paint, she finds ways to impact on the perimeter.”

Collier started the game by hitting five of her first six shots, setting the tone early for Minnesota.

Diana Taurasi Faces Uncertainty After Potential Final Game

Phoenix tried to avoid mid-range shots, focusing on either 3-pointers or shots inside the restricted area. Diana Taurasi contributed a 3-pointer during a 9-0 Mercury run in the first quarter that gave Phoenix a 13-5 lead. However, the 41-year-old veteran struggled overall, finishing with 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting.

Taurasi, the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer, did not speak to the media after the game. Neither Tibbetts nor Griner provided clarity on her future with the team.

“That’s for her to discuss,” Griner said. “When the time comes, she’ll be the one to address it.”

Minnesota Fans Fuel Lynx Comeback

The Lynx found their rhythm as the Target Center crowd raised the energy level. After McBride and Carleton knocked down triples to erase Phoenix’s early lead, the Lynx went on a 13-2 run in the second quarter. Carleton’s 3-pointer gave Minnesota their largest lead of the game at that point, 34-29.

Although Phoenix trimmed the lead before halftime, closing the second quarter on a 14-7 run, Minnesota stayed in control.

Mercury’s Hopes Fade in the Fourth Quarter

Brittney Griner and Natasha Cloud kept Phoenix in the game, with Griner converting an and-one and Cloud hitting a clutch 3-pointer in the second quarter. However, the Lynx responded with timely answers.

Copper fouled out in the fourth quarter following confusion at the scorer’s table, a blow to Phoenix’s chances of a comeback. Coach Tibbetts expressed frustration over the situation.

“It’s just disappointing,” Tibbetts said. “We were told she had six fouls, but we thought she only had five.”

Monique Billings suffered an apparent ankle injury late in the game, further hurting Phoenix’s chances. Shortly after, Taurasi fouled out and received a standing ovation from the Minneapolis crowd, likely marking the end of her season and potentially her career.

Collier Shines as Lynx Advance to WNBA Semifinals

Collier continued her dominance in the fourth quarter, growing Minnesota’s lead to 79-66 with a layup. She came within one free throw of setting the WNBA’s single-game postseason scoring record before being pulled with 58 seconds left.

With this win, the Minnesota Lynx advance to face the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA semifinals, while the Phoenix Mercury’s season officially comes to an end.

Key Takeaways:

• Napheesa Collier ties the WNBA playoff single-game scoring record with 42 points.
• Minnesota Lynx advance to the WNBA semifinals to face the Connecticut Sun.
• Phoenix Mercury’s season ends, with questions surrounding Diana Taurasi’s future.