Mercury stun first-place Minnesota Lynx behind Thomas’ performance

The Lynx started the opening minutes on a 9-2 run, with the Mercury having miscues on offense. Minnesota went 8/19 from the field and took the lead, 19-15, after the first quarter. Phoenix fought back, cutting a seven-point deficit from the first to lead, 40-37, after the second quarter.

The Mercury couldn’t hold their lead going into the second half, with the Lynx going on an 11-8 run to tie the game. Minnesota outscored Phoenix, 20-10, in the third quarter to take a 57-52 lead going into the fourth. The Lynx opened another seven-point lead in the quarter.

However, the Mercury didn’t go down quietly and went on a run to open an eight-point lead and eventually sealed the win.

Alyssa Thomas had a career-high of points with 29, with eight rebounds and five assists.

Courtney Williams led scoring for the Lynx with 21 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Bonner’s Homecoming

Phoenix Mercury’s DeWanna Bonner played her first game in the desert since 2019. She signed with Phoenix after being waived from the Indiana Fever on June 25.

Bonner made the most of her minutes off the bench, scoring seven points and having six rebounds.

Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts spoke to the media about her performance and said he wasn’t planning on playing Bonner for as much as she did. Although he said it’ll take time for the two-time WNBA Champion to adjust, Tibbetts believes Bonner will be able to figure it out due to her veteran status.

“It’s gonna help our size out there, just our length,” he said, referring to her ability to play different positions. “We’re really excited that she’s here.”

Mercury’s Next Game

The Phoenix Mercury return to action against the Golden State Valkyries on Monday, July 14.