WNBA: Phoenix Mercury at Minnesota Lynx – Notes From the Office

The Phoenix Mercury orbited into Target Center to meet the Minnesota Lynx who narrowly beat them just five days earlier. The opening six minutes looked like they just might avenge that loss, but it was not to be.

After five and a half minutes, it looked like another cold start for the Lynx. That was when Natisha Hiedeman entered the game, and 20 seconds later made a driving layup to pull within 3 points, making the score 11 – 8. Newly signed Haley Jones hit a 10 foot jumper, followed immediately by a 3 point shot from Alanna Smith, who scored another three right after Lexi Held scored, then Kitija Laksa hit a jumper for Phoenix, making it 17 – 14.

The Lynx looked like they were coming to life. Satou Sabally made a layup, then Held a tip shot in, and it seemed as though Phoenix had snuffed the Lynx attempt to build some steam. Down 23 – 14, Minnesota answered with a three by Karlie Samuelson and a two from Hiedeman, ending the opening quarter with Phoenix up 23 -19.

The Lynx tied the game in the opening minute of the second quarter, and with a go-ahead three from Samuelson, the Mercury would never again have the lead. Minnesota dominated the second, outscoring Phoenix 25 – 12, ending the half leading 44 – 35.

Minnesota Played Differently In The Second Half Versus Phoenix

After the half, the Minnesota Lynx came out and finally looked like the Lynx, with tighter defense and significantly better scoring. Napheesa Collier, who had only scored 9 points in the first half, started making shots, aided by Kayla McBride, Smith, Hiedeman, and Samuelson. The Mercury, held to only 12 points in the third quarter, struggled to get past Minnesota, committing several shot clock violations, and really couldn’t build any momentum. The build added 9 points to their lead, and went into the fourth quarter up 67 – 49.

The Lynx had collectively breathed some much needed new life into their game. Although Phoenix hung in trying to make a game of it, back to back threes from Bridget Carleton and McBride provided the impetus to take the Lynx to the end, with a final score of 88 -65.