Lynx Overcome Mercury in WNBA Semifinals Game 1

A Strategic Approach to Defending a Triple-Double Threat

Before Game 1 of the WNBA playoff semifinals on Sunday against the Phoenix Mercury, Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve was asked about her plan to defend Alyssa Thomas, a player known for her triple-double capabilities and who had finished third in MVP voting that morning. In a lighthearted moment, Reeve joked, “Eat your Wheaties.” However, she quickly shifted to a more serious tone, acknowledging Thomas's skills and stating, “She’s great at what she does. And we’ll try to be intelligent about … her physicality or her disrupting and all the things that she does.”

The Lynx managed to overcome another slow start, defeating Phoenix 82-69 to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five semifinals. The fourth quarter proved crucial as Minnesota outscored Phoenix 23-10, with guard Courtney Williams leading the way with a team-high 23 points.

Despite Thomas's impressive performance—18 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists—only two of those points came after halftime. Kahleah Copper emerged as the top scorer for Phoenix, tallying 22 points. The Lynx struggled in the first half again, similar to their previous games, where they had to come from behind in both the Round 1 sweep of Golden State and Game 2.

Phoenix led 47-40 at halftime, scoring 42 points in the paint, which marked the most in a half in WNBA playoff history. This highlighted the challenges the Lynx faced in the early stages of the game.

The Lynx now hold an early advantage in the best-of-five series, with a spot in the WNBA Finals on the line. Sunday’s game demonstrated that if the Lynx want to return to the finals and avenge last year’s runner-up finish, defeating a healthy Phoenix team will be a significant challenge.

This matchup was particularly notable because the Lynx had not yet faced Phoenix with its full "Big Three" of Satou Sabally, Copper, and Thomas during their four regular-season meetings, which all occurred before July 16.

Key Moments and Player Contributions

In the third quarter, Collier scored eight consecutive points for the Lynx, followed by a free throw from Kayla McBride that tied the score at 59-59. Bridget Carleton made her first two points of the night with a fadeaway jumper, giving Minnesota its first lead of the game at 61-59. The Lynx maintained this lead throughout the remainder of the game.

Carleton added a three-pointer with 2:16 left, extending the lead to 76-67, which was the largest of the night. Reflecting on her impact, Carleton said, “I think it’s just my IQ, my attention to detail, knowing that little things can make a difference in winning a possession. Even if I’m not scoring or I’m not assisting, I’m helping the team be successful. And I take pride in that.”

With under four minutes remaining, Carleton drove down the baseline and passed to McBride, who hit her fourth three-pointer of the night. This shot put the Lynx ahead 73-67. Williams, who had attempted only 19 shots in the first two playoff games, was efficient in Game 1, making 11 of 19 shots. She also contributed eight rebounds, seven assists, and five steals.

Collier ended the game with 18 points and nine rebounds, while McBride added 21 points. Williams’ performance was instrumental in securing the victory.

Challenges and Team Adjustments

The Lynx were without guard DiJonai Carrington, who was ruled out for the rest of the season due to a left foot sprain. Carrington, a 2024 All-Defense honoree acquired via a trade with Dallas in August, was a key addition for a team aiming for a championship. Maria Kliundikova stepped in for eight minutes, contributing four points and four rebounds.

The Lynx will host Game 2 at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The winner of the series between the No. 2 seed Las Vegas Aces, led by MVP A’ja Wilson, and the No. 6 Indiana Fever will face the Lynx or Mercury. On Sunday afternoon, the Fever shocked the Aces by winning 89-73, taking a 1-0 lead in their series.