Lynx Secure 74-71 Win Over Mercury, Remain Undefeated
With just 5.1 seconds left on the clock, Natisha Hiedeman sank a crucial 3-pointer, propelling the Minnesota Lynx to a narrow 74-71 victory against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night. This win marks the Lynx's impressive start to the season, now standing at 6-0.
Hiedeman's decisive shot was pivotal, granting Minnesota only its second lead in a tightly contested fourth quarter. Following a timeout, Phoenix's Sami Whitcomb attempted a long-range shot but missed, sealing the game for the Lynx.
Trailing 71-68 with under a minute remaining, Courtney Williams stepped up for Minnesota, hitting a 3-pointer that tied the game with 53 seconds left. Kayla McBride led the Lynx with 20 points, while Alanna Smith contributed 19. Williams rounded out the performance with 11 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.
On the opposing side, Satou Sabally shone for Phoenix, scoring 26 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Kalani Brown added 15 points on an efficient 7-for-8 shooting night, and Whitcomb chipped in with 13 points.
McBride's strong start included 10 points in the first quarter alone, highlighted by a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line, giving the Lynx a slight edge at 20-17 by the end of the first quarter.
As the second quarter progressed, Whitcomb's pull-up 3-pointer shifted momentum, putting Phoenix ahead 29-26 with four minutes remaining. The Mercury maintained a four-point lead late in the half until McBride struck again with a buzzer-beater 3-pointer, leaving Phoenix ahead 39-38 at halftime.
In the first half, McBride's scoring prowess was evident as she netted 17 points, while Sabally led Phoenix with 12. The Mercury extended their lead to seven points in the final minute of the third quarter, finishing that period with a 58-53 advantage after outscoring the Lynx 19-15.
Napheesa Collier, who has been averaging an impressive 26.8 points per game this season, sat out due to a lingering knee injury. The Lynx will look to continue their winning streak as they face Golden State on Sunday, while the Mercury prepare for a matchup against Los Angeles.