Diana Taurasi and the Phoenix Suns look to even their first round series against the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday.
The Minnesota Lynx (1-0) have the opportunity to advance to the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs on Wednesday. They came out like a house on fire in Game 1, building a 23-point lead in the first half, but Diana Taurasi and the Phoenix Mercury (0-1) were not going to lay down and accept the loss. Phoenix caught fire, shooting 10-for-14 from three-point range between the second and third quarters to close the gap and even take the lead. Natasha Cloud paced the team all game with 33 points and 10 assists, while Taurasi reminded the world how dangerous she can be on the big stage with 21 points on 5-of-10 shooting from three in a thrilling comeback that fell just short.
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Game Date: Sept. 25, 2024
Game Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
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Minnesota built its lead in the first period with balanced scoring around a monster start from the MVP runner-up Napheesa Collier. Every starter scored and dished out an assist with the team shooting 12-for-20 from the field, 4-of-9 from three and ending the period with 11 assists on 12 made baskets.
The balance around Collier is what gave Minnesota the second-best record in the league this season and makes them a championship contender. Kayla McBride (21 points) and Bridget Carleton (12 points) stressed the defense from three, Courtney Williams (nine points, eight assists and four steals) controlled the pace and Alana Smith (seven points and three blocks) sealed the win with back-to-back blocks in the final seconds.
Collier finished with a career-best and franchise playoff record of 38 points in the win on just 19 shot attempts. She was dominant all game and helped close out the win with eight of her points in the final quarter on 2-of-3 shooting from the field and 4-of-5 from the free throw line. Collier was nearly the unanimous runner-up for MVP and in most other seasons would have won the award.
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