The Minnesota Lynx took Game 1 in Minnesota on Sunday and they were able to adjust to the impact that Phoenix made in the paint to win. The Big 3 (Collier/Williams/McBride) from Minnesota took over Game 1 and with it being a 5 game series knowing Phoenix will try to come back Game 2 ready.
The Minnesota Lynx came out in Game 2 on Tuesday night and hit the Phoenix Mercury with an elite haymaker from the start. Napheesa Collier on her 29th birthday was able to get to her spots and was making it tough on the Mercury in the paint early. Collier was able to make bucket after bucket and was able to put pressure on the Phoenix defenders that were guarding her.
Kayla McBride was on a heater throughout the night as she was able to go 4/8 from the 3 point line. It seemed as if every time the Lynx needed a big shot to keep the momentum going in that 1st half it came from KMac. Kayla was giving the Phoenix Mercury trouble all night because they couldn’t keep up with her inside and outside the paint.
Courtney Williams played an amazing game for the Lynx as she was able to get to her midrange jumper and made clutch passes for her teammates. Courtney finished with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists but it was the 7 turnovers that everyone will look at on the stat sheet. Courtney responds in big moments and she will bounce back against Phoenix after the Game 2 loss.
Both Collier and McBride combined for 45 points in Game 2 as it wasn’t enough to get the win. The Lynx didn’t come out as aggressive in the 2nd half and that gave the Mercury some life coming back from 20 points down.
Satou Sabally was on a mission all night long for the Phoenix Mercury with her aggressive play from the jump ball. Satou was able to get her 3 pointer going and she was a bully in the paint. When Satou plays this way from the beginning it’s usually a good thing for Phoenix and tonight it was as she finished with 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 assist. The swagger that the Phoenix Mercury came out with in the 2nd half wasn’t matched by Minnesota as the big lead started to slip away.
MVP Finalist Alyssa Thomas was able to do her thing playing that point forward position. Thomas was all over the place and was able to grab the most important offensive rebound of the game that led to Sami Whitcomb’s 3 pointer to send the game to OT. Thomas finished with 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 13 assists. Her leadership and passion were on full display and even when she went to the line in overtime she hit some big free throws.
Sami Whitcomb finished with 13 huge points and was able to hit the shot of the night. Without her contributions tonight this series would be 0-2 heading back to Phoenix.
Game 3 will be on Friday in Phoenix as the Lynx have to steal home court advantage back.
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