Minnesota Lynx Defeat Phoenix Mercury in WNBA Semifinals Game 1

Minneapolis, Minnesota – In the opening game of the WNBA semifinals, the Minnesota Lynx topped the Phoenix Mercury 82-69 on Sunday night at Target Center. Despite an impressive first half, the Mercury struggled to maintain their lead, suffering from fatigue against the Lynx’s late-game surge.

The Mercury set a playoff record with 42 points in the paint during the first half but managed only 22 points in the second half. Head coach Nate Tibbetts acknowledged physical and mental fatigue may have affected his team’s performance. “We got a group that’s well conditioned and excited. Maybe there was physical fatigue, mental fatigue, but we don’t have time to worry about it,” he said.

Phoenix had entered the semifinals after a rigorous first-round series against the New York Liberty. They were in a familiar predicament, now trailing 1-0 in the playoffs. Mercury forward said, “I still think we had a lot of open shots… we just didn’t hit open ones.”

Mercury player Thomas led her team with 18 points but did not score in the fourth quarter. The Lynx capitalized on this, outscoring Phoenix 23-10 in the final frame. Minnesota’s ability to secure second-chance points, with 20 to Phoenix’s five, proved critical.

Shaylee McBride was crucial for Minnesota, making pivotal three-pointers, while Lynx star Williams posted 23 points and added seven assists and five steals. Tibbetts commented on the rebounding effort, stating, “Twenty second-chance points is way too many.”

With Game 2 looming, the Mercury need to regroup and enhance their performance. Game 2 will take place on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. EST, with the stakes higher than ever as they look to even the series against the top-seeded Lynx.