MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 21: Napheesa Collier #24 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots the ball against the Phoenix Mercury in the third quarter during Game One of the second round of the WNBA Playoffs at Target Center on September 21, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
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In the second game of the WNBA semi-final Sunday, No. 1 overall seed Minnesota Lynx defeated the Phoenix Mercury 82-69 at home in Target Center. The Phoenix Mercury are now 0-5 in game one playoff series on the road.
The game seemed to be a tale of two halves as the Mercury had 42 paint points in the first half and only 12 in the second half. However, at halftime head coach Cheryl Reeves seemed to have fueled her team to make the adjustments as the Lynx finished the game with 42 rebounds compared to the Mercury’s 35. Additionally, Minnesota outscored Phoenix 42-22 in the second half.
Perhaps one of the most telling stats of the game was the three point shooting. Phoenix only shot 13% from beyond the arc in comparison to Minnesota’s 31%.
Leading Scorers and Contributors
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 21: Courtney Williams #10 of the Minnesota Lynx reacts after an assist to Napheesa Collier #24 against the Phoenix Mercury in the fourth quarter during Game One of the second round of the WNBA Playoffs at Target Center on September 21, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
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StudBud and point guard Courtney Williams led the charge for the Lynx and was the leading scorer of the game with 23 points, eight rebounds, and five steals. Williams’ five steals was the most in WNBA postseason history.
Williams was aided by MVP runner-up Napheesa Collier who contributed 18 points and nine rebounds, and 21 points from Kayla McBride of 4-of-9 from beyond the arc.
In the loss, Kahleah Copper provided 22 points alongside 18 points, seven assists, eight rebounds, and three steals from MVP candidate Alyssa Thomas. Additionally, guard Sami Whitcomb added 11 points off the bench.
Post Game Conference Comments from Minnesota Lynx
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 21: Cheryl Reeve head coach of the Minnesota Lynx calls to her team against Phoenix Mercury in the first quarter during Game One of the second round of the WNBA Playoffs at Target Center on September 21, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
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In the post game presser with media members Reeves addressed the fourth quarter defensive presence and change. She explained, “I think once we settled in and after setting records in the wrong direction, we spent all of halftime sort of figuring out how to defend better and defend the paint.”
She continued, “We cleaned up guarding probably the most difficult player in the entire team to guard which is their flat action for AT (Alyssa Thomas)…once we solved that a little bit and made that a little harder, they went to other areas of their offense that we were mostly prepared for.”
McBride detailed that Williams’ play is a spark for the entire team. She stated, “I think when she changes her pace, between her and T (Natisha Heidman, other half of the StudBudz duo) actually, their pace, it’s a forty minute game, so when we are able to have spurts of that, her transition, her getting to her pull-up, it gives us energy as a group. When she is out there hoopin’ and confident, its contagious and it becomes a lot of fun out there.”
The Lynx and Mercury will have just a single day off before they play again on Tuesday, September 23 at 7:30 pm EST on ESPN.
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