Phoenix Mercury secure spot in WNBA Finals

The Lynx opened the game on a 12-1 run against the Mercury, with Phoenix making its first field goal nearly five minutes after the game began. Four turnovers and missed shots left them down by 11 points after the first quarter.

Phoenix played more aggressively on defense in the second quarter, keeping Minnesota to 13 points. After an 11-point deficit to begin the game, Phoenix was able to tie the game, 38-38, heading into halftime.

Minnesota went on an 8-3 run to begin the second half, once again extending its lead to double digits with critical 3-pointers. The Lynx kept the Mercury to 17 points, as they led 68-55 after the third quarter.

The Mercury went on a run of their own, opening the final quarter with a 7-0 run to cut the lead to six. Once again, Sami Whitcomb has a crucial 3-pointer that made it a one-possession game mid-way through the fourth. Phoenix went on to score 31 points in the fourth quarter, while Minnesota was kept to 13 points.

Sunday’s victory sealed a 3-1 semifinals series win for Phoenix.

The Phoenix Mercury will face either the Indiana Fever or the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA Finals, starting on Friday, Oct. 3.