The Minnesota Lynx can advance to the following around of the WNBA playoffs on Wednesday after they opt for a first-round collection sweep of the Phoenix Mercury in Minneapolis.
Minnesota, the No. 2 seed within the playoffs, gained 102-95 in Recreation 1 of this best-of-three set in the back of a season-high 38 issues, six rebounds and 4 assists from ahead Napheesa Collier. Kayla McBride added 20 issues and hit 4 an important unfastened throws past due to place the sport on ice.
The Lynx had long past forward by way of as many as 23 issues sooner than the Mercury took a one-point lead with 2:06 to play on a layup from Natasha Cloud, who led Phoenix with 33 issues. Minnesota scored on 10 of its ultimate 12 possessions to take the lead again and seal the victory.
“We simply play so smartly in combination,” Collier stated. “We now have such a lot of assists on all of our baskets, and I were given a large number of simple pictures (Sunday) on account of our unselfishness on our group.”
However Minnesota additionally is aware of that, whilst its offensive efficiency in Recreation 1 used to be spectacular, it has to play higher protection to close the door on Phoenix. The Mercury shot 50 % from the ground and 51.9 % from 3-point land within the collection opener.
“We are OK with the win,” Lynx trainer Cheryl Reeve stated. “We additionally know we take a large number of pleasure in our protection, and that used to be no longer one of the vital most sensible defenses within the league within the remaining sport we performed. And we’ve got were given to be that for the following sport.”
Collier has been one of the vital WNBA’s superb defenders this yr, score 2d in steals in step with sport (1.9) and primary in defensive win stocks (0.233) all the way through the common season. She used to be additionally tied for 6th in blocks in step with sport (1.4).
For Phoenix, a loss in Recreation 2 would possibly mark the tip of 42-year-old guard Diana Taurasi’s WNBA profession. She had 21 issues in opposition to the Lynx on Sunday.
“It isn’t truly anything else we’ve got mentioned as a gaggle,” Mercury trainer Nate Tibbetts stated. “Clearly, we all know there’s a likelihood this can be it. I believe everybody desires to move on a run, no longer just for ourselves, however most commonly for (Taurasi). I imply, it will be her determination after the season. I believe she’s made that lovely transparent. However we like having her round. And you’ll see it (Sunday), she will be able to nonetheless play.”
–Box Degree Media
