And so, on to the semi-finals. The Minnesota Lynx, after a slow start to the first quarter, shifted gears and pulled ahead of the Phoenix Mercury to take the first round of the playoffs with a 101-88 win. Napheesa Collier tied the playoff record with 42 points which, when combined with the 38 points in game 1, set a WNBA record for most points scored over two games in the playoffs.
The Mercury pulled out to a 13-5 lead on a three-pointer by Diana Taurasi, which was followed a minute later with a three from Kayla McBride. That seemed to get the Lynx a little more in sync, and by the end of the first quarter, the Lynx were within four points at 25-21. At about 2:30 into the second, Alanna Smith made a layup to tie the game at 29, and with a free throw took the lead.
But the Mercury were not to be denied and managed to pull within two at the half. It was the third quarter that saw Minnesota pull away, and while both teams went toe to toe in the fourth, Phoenix never got any closer than 10 points. With 2:34 left in the game, Taurasi fouled out and left the court to a boisterous ovation, and with a big smile on her face.
No Shortage Of Offense At The Target Center
This was a game of starters, and neither bench contributed much save for Natasha Mack for Phoenix who scored 12, and Natisha Hiedeman for Minnesota who scored 8. Of the ten starters, only Sophie Cunningham scored in single digits with 5. All Lynx starters were in double digits, and the rest of the Phoenix starters did as well. Brittney Griner led the way for the Mercury with 24.
THAT’S TWO. 🧹🧹 pic.twitter.com/U7gP86yG2S
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) September 26, 2024
Not a stellar year for Phoenix, but new coach Nate Tibbetts got his team to the playoffs, which for them must be encouraging. Of course, the looming question is whether or not Taurasi’s career has come to an end. As much as I stay away from speculation, I will say yes, Taurasi will retire. There was a look on her face as she left the court that seemed to say “Yes, that’s it.”
I suspect we’ll know soon enough. I wonder as well if perhaps Griner might hang it up. Watching her on the court, Griner doesn’t seem to have the fire that was once there. I don’t think anyone outside Griner’s inner circle knows the extent of the toll that was taken during her imprisonment in Russia. There is a visible difference in her game, and even though she scored 24 for the Mercury, there was definitely something missing. Again, just speculation.
What Is Next For The Lynx In The WNBA Playoffs?
The Lynx will now prepare for the Connecticut Sun. Having finally beaten them in the penultimate regular season game, it should give the Lynx something to build on. Connecticut is always going to be a tough team to play. With the addition of Marina Mabrey, and Most Improved Player DiJonai Carrington as well as DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas, the Sun still poses quite a threat.
Minnesota is going to have to find a way to slow the Sun down, which means the defense will need to stay in overdrive. Both teams will have had a couple of days to rest and regroup. Of course, the Sun has to travel for these first two games, and Minnesota, looking to get back to the finals for the first time since 2017, will take advantage of being at home to stave off the fatigue of the playoffs. The teams meet on Sunday, and each has a legitimate shot to make it to the finals. Let’s see who throws the first punch.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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