Mercury Overcome 20-Point Deficit to Beat Lynx in Overtime

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Phoenix Mercury rallied from a 20-point deficit to defeat the Minnesota Lynx, 89-83, in overtime on September 23, 2025. This victory ties the WNBA semifinal series at one game apiece.

Satou Sabally led the Mercury with 24 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter, while Alyssa Thomas contributed 19 points and 13 assists. Sabally expressed the team’s confidence, saying, “You can’t give up a basketball game if you’re down.” This remarkable comeback marks the third-largest in WNBA playoff history.

The Lynx, who had been in control for most of the game, saw their lead collapse. Sami Whitcomb‘s three-pointer with just seconds remaining in regulation pulled the game even at 79. Napheesa Collier had a chance to seal the win for Minnesota, but her last-second jumper missed its mark, forcing overtime.

Cheryl Reeve, head coach of the Lynx, lamented the team’s decision-making in crucial moments, noting, “They ripped the game from us.” The Lynx turned the ball over four times within a critical stretch in the third quarter.

Despite their struggles, Collier celebrated her 29th birthday with a strong performance, scoring 24 points. Her teammates also made significant contributions, with Kayla McBride adding 21 points and Courtney Williams finishing with 20 points and nine assists.

After a halftime speech from Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts, the team returned with renewed energy. They outscored the Lynx in the second half, partially fueled by a 12-0 run that cut the deficit and shifted the game’s momentum.

The Mercury will look to take the lead in the series when they host Game 3 of the best-of-five matchup on Friday night.