Napheesa Collier scores 38 as Lynx fend off Mercury 102-95 in playoff opener

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Napheesa Collier delivered a playoff career-high performance, scoring 38 points as the Minnesota Lynx overcame a 23-point lead to defeat the Phoenix Mercury 102-95 on Sunday in Game 1 of their best-of-three series.

The Lynx, the Western Conference champions and second seed, jumped out to a strong start, leading 32-19 at the end of the first quarter and extending their advantage to 50-27 with just over five minutes left in the half. However, the Mercury fought back, narrowing the gap to 56-42 by halftime and trailing 77-69 entering the final quarter.

Kahleah Copper sparked a 10-2 run, scoring five points, and a 3-pointer followed by two free throws from Brittney Griner gave Phoenix its first lead since the opening minutes. Natasha Cloud’s layup put the Mercury ahead 92-91 with 2:06 remaining, but Myisha Hines-Allen responded with a layup, and Bridget Carleton’s 3-pointer helped the Lynx secure the victory with a 9-0 run.

Collier was impressive, making 11 of 19 shots, including three 3-pointers, and hitting 13 of 14 free throws. She also contributed six rebounds and four assists. Kayla McBride added 20 points, sinking three 3-pointers and going a perfect seven-for-seven from the line. Carleton chipped in with 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Hines-Allen scored 10 points off the bench.

For Phoenix, Cloud led with 33 points and 10 assists, matching her postseason high. Diana Taurasi scored 21 points, hitting five 3-pointers, while Copper and Griner contributed 16 and 10 points, respectively.

Collier’s 38 points came just four shy of Breanna Stewart’s playoff record of 42, set during a game for the Seattle Storm in 2022.

During the regular season, Minnesota had the upper hand against Phoenix, winning three of four meetings by double digits, with the Mercury’s only victory coming by a narrow 81-80 margin.

The Lynx will host Game 2 at the Target Center on Wednesday, with Game 3 set for Thursday in Phoenix if necessary.