The Minnesota Lynx secured their place in the WNBA Semifinals by defeating the Phoenix Mercury 101-88 on Wednesday night at Target Center. In a standout performance, Napheesa Collier matched a WNBA single-game playoff record by scoring 42 points, just shy of setting a new record after missing a free throw in the fourth quarter.
“I should make my free throws,” Collier joked. “I was just taking what the defense gave me, along with what my teammates provided. I play for my team, focused on winning rather than breaking records.”
Collier’s impressive scoring contributed to a combined total of 80 points over the series, establishing a new WNBA record for points in a two-game playoff series.
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve praised Collier’s abilities, noting, “Phee has an incredible sense of how to achieve her scoring goals.” Reflecting on her performance, Reeve added, “Seeing her score 22 points in the first half was remarkable. Her excellence in the WNBA is no surprise.”
With this victory, the Lynx have advanced to the WNBA Semifinals for the first time since 2020, aiming for their first title since 2017. They will now face the Connecticut Sun, who defeated the Indiana Fever. This series win signifies the end of the Mercury’s playoff run, likely concluding Diana Taurasi’s illustrious two-decade career in the WNBA, as she was honored with a standing ovation as she left the game.
Looking ahead, the Lynx will face the Connecticut Sun in the semifinals, having previously played three closely contested games during the regular season, with the Lynx holding a 1-2 record against them, all decided by a mere eight points.