The Minnesota Lynx look to clinch a postseason berth on Sunday when they host the struggling Phoenix Mercury in Minneapolis.
Minnesota (18-19) resides in fifth place in the standings after ending a two-game losing streak with a thrilling 91-85 overtime win over the Atlanta Dream on Friday. Napheesa Collier collected 27 points and 17 rebounds and Kayla McBride added 20 points for the Lynx.
"This game is supposed to be hard where we're at, what we're trying to accomplish," Minnesota head coach Cheryl Reeve told twincities.com. "Kayla McBride came out after we kind of got a little bit of separation and she's like, ‘This is what it's supposed to feel like. It's supposed to feel like this.' "
Phoenix (9-27) has lost its last seven games and has the worst record in the WNBA. The Mercury's woes continued with an 84-74 setback to the Connecticut Sun on Thursday night.
Playing away from home has been extremely difficult for a Phoenix team accustomed to success. The Mercury had their run of 10 consecutive playoff appearances snapped earlier this week and are just 1-17 away from home this season.
Mercury veteran Diana Taurasi talked about the end of the streak in a pregame media session Thursday morning before the team's game against the Sun.
"We haven't been in this situation in a long time," Taurasi said. "But you know, all good things come to an end, and you know, basketball is cyclical, and I guess it's our turn to be in this situation."
Taurasi did not play that night due to a left toe injury and is questionable for Sunday's game.
Brittney Griner led the Mercury with 15 points in Thursday's loss. She boasts team-best averages in points (17.8) and rebounds (6.6) per game.
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