Napheesa Collier scores 42 to tie a WNBA playoff record for points, and the Lynx swept the Mercury

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Napheesa Collier put on a spectacular performance, scoring 42 points to tie the WNBA playoff record for points in a single game, leading the Minnesota Lynx to a decisive 101-88 victory over the Phoenix Mercury. With this achievement, Collier joins Breanna Stewart and Angel McCoughtry in the record books. Her incredible shooting included making 13 of 15 from the field and 11 of 14 from the free-throw line, demonstrating her scoring prowess throughout the game.

Collier’s 42-point game followed her impressive 38-point outing in Game 1, making her the first player in WNBA history to score 38 or more in back-to-back playoff games. She also set a record for the most points (80) over a two-game playoff stretch. The Lynx held a narrow lead at halftime, 49-47, thanks to Collier’s early contributions, and extended their advantage in the second half, never relinquishing a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter.

Kayla McBride supported Collier with 15 points, while Bridget Carleton and Alanna Smith each added 12. For the Mercury, Brittney Griner led with 24 points, and Diana Taurasi contributed 10 before fouling out. The game marked a significant moment for Taurasi, who received a warm ovation from the crowd as she left the court.

With this win, Minnesota advanced to face the Connecticut Sun in the semifinals, continuing their strong performance this season against the Mercury, improving to 5-1 in their matchups. Collier’s scoring streak also tied A’ja Wilson for the longest consecutive playoff games with 30 points, highlighting her status as a key player in this postseason.