The Minnesota Lynx outlasted the Phoenix Mercury in a thrilling 104–100 shootout at Target Center on July 14, 2026, treating the home crowd to a high-octane display of offensive firepower. The victory pushed the Lynx further up the Western Conference standings, while the Mercury fell just short in a game that featured double-digit scoring runs, clutch three-pointers, and a dramatic final minute.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams traded baskets with relentless pace. The Lynx established an early lead behind sharp ball movement and efficient shooting, but the Mercury answered every run with timely buckets in transition. By halftime, Minnesota held a narrow 54–52 advantage. The third quarter saw the Mercury briefly seize control, taking a six-point lead midway through the period. However, the Lynx responded with a 14–2 spurt, sparked by aggressive drives to the rim and crisp perimeter shooting.

Key Moments

• Third-quarter surge: Down 68–62 with 5:30 left in the third, Minnesota went on a 14–2 run, capped by a step-back three from guard Kayla McBride, to reclaim a 76–70 lead.
• Fourth-quarter duel: Phoenix cut the deficit to 94–92 with two minutes remaining, but Lynx forward Napheesa Collier answered with a mid-range jumper and then a critical block on the defensive end.
• Clutch free throws: With 8 seconds left and the Lynx leading 102–100, Collier calmly sank two free throws to ice the game.

Standout Players

Napheesa Collier was the engine for Minnesota, finishing with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. Her versatility in the pick-and-roll and ability to score from all three levels made her nearly impossible to guard.

Diana Taurasi led Phoenix with 28 points and 7 assists, showing vintage form with deep threes and crafty finishes. Brittney Griner added 22 points and 9 rebounds, dominating inside when the Mercury needed a bucket.

Kayla McBride provided crucial perimeter shooting for the Lynx, knocking down 6 of 10 from beyond the arc for 24 points.

Tactical Story

Minnesota’s defense focused on containing Mercury’s pick-and-roll game, often switching 1 through 4 to stay attached to shooters. Offensively, the Lynx exploited mismatches by running their offense through Collier at the elbow, forcing Phoenix to either double or concede mid-range looks. Phoenix countered with a spread pick-and-roll that created driving lanes for Taurasi, but costly turnovers (14 total) and poor free-throw shooting (12-of-18) ultimately undermined their comeback effort.

Season Impact

The win improved Minnesota’s record to 18–9, keeping them in a tie for second place in the competitive Western Conference. Phoenix dropped to 15–12, sliding into the fourth seed. With the playoff race tightening, both teams will look to refine their rotations in the final month of the regular season.