The Phoenix Mercury now possess a 2-1 advantage against the Minnesota Lynx, and this time, a 20-point comeback wasn’t necessary to achieve it.
Before a vibrant crowd at PHX Arena, the Mercury secured an 84-76 victory in Game 3 on Friday, seizing control of a series that had seemed to be escaping their grasp after seven periods of play. In a contest featuring 15 changes in the lead, neither team managed to establish a lead of more than nine points.
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The Mercury’s robust style of play ultimately determined the outcome, as they outperformed Minnesota in rebounding with a 37-29 advantage. Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally, and Kahleah Copper each surpassed 20 points, with Thomas also contributing 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks.
Sabally proved to be the most decisive player, scoring 15 of her points in the final quarter as Phoenix finally gained a significant lead.
Game 4 is scheduled to take place on Sunday evening in Phoenix.
A difficult ending for the Lynx
Surrendering that lead in Game 2 was unfavorable for Minnesota. However, the conclusion of Game 3 might have been even more detrimental.
The decisive moment occurred with fewer than 30 seconds remaining, when Thomas intercepted a pass from Napheesa Collier and executed a fast-break layup, extending the Mercury’s lead to six points. The contact during the steal caused Collier to fall, provoking an intense reaction from Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, who entered the court to confront the officials before her team could initiate play.
As Collier remained on the ground, visibly injured, Reeve had to be restrained by multiple coaches and players. She was subsequently ejected from the game, while Collier required assistance to leave the court, displaying a noticeable limp. Replays indicated that Collier’s knee made contact with Thomas, resulting in her ankle twisting.
Reeve stated in her postgame press conference that Collier might have sustained a fracture. The team with the WNBA’s best record is now on the verge of elimination and must prevail in another game in Phoenix to even have a chance to play a decisive game at home.
