The Minnesota Lynx secured their place in the WNBA Semifinals by defeating the Phoenix Mercury 101-88 on Wednesday night, effectively eliminating the Mercury from the playoffs. Napheesa Collier delivered a standout performance, tying the WNBA single-game playoff record with 42 points. Although she had a chance to break the record, a missed free throw in the fourth quarter kept her tied.
“I should make my free throws,” Collier remarked with a smile. She explained that her focus was on playing for her team and winning the game rather than breaking records, adding, “I was just taking what the defense gave me, what my teammates were giving me.”
Collier’s impressive performance included a combined total of 80 points in the series, which is a WNBA record. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve praised Collier’s capabilities, noting, “What I saw the last two games, just the greatness… Her doing what she’s doing in the WNBA is not a surprise.”
With this victory, the Lynx have advanced to the WNBA Semifinals, marking their first playoff series win since 2020. They are aiming to capture their first WNBA title since 2017. The Lynx will now face the Connecticut Sun, who previously eliminated the Indiana Fever. This loss also likely signifies the end of Diana Taurasi’s remarkable two-decade career in the WNBA; she exited the game to a standing ovation.
Looking ahead, the Lynx will take on the Connecticut Sun in the semifinals. During the regular season, Minnesota had a record of 1-2 against the Sun, with all three matchups being closely contested and decided by a total of just eight points.