Minnesota Lynx at Phoenix Mercury
· WNBA Commissioner's CupCopper scores 34, hits last-second winner in Griner's return as Mercury top Lynx 81-80
Copper sank 13 of 23 shots, none bigger than her final one, in helping Phoenix (5-6) win for just the second time in its last seven games under first-year coach Nate Tibbetts. Griner, fully recovered from a toe fracture that kept her out until now, debuted with 11 points, four rebounds and a block in just over 21 minutes.
Diana Taurasi scored 12 points but made just 4 of 19 shots, including 1 of 7 from beyond the arc, for Phoenix. Copper said Tibbetts originally designed the final play for Taurasi, but the veteran lobbied for Copper to take the shot instead.
Natasha Cloud had 10 assists to go with eight points.
Kayla McBride sank a career-best eight 3-pointers and scored 25 to lead Minnesota (7-3), which had a three-game win streak end. Napheesa Collier added 20 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Alanna Smith had 12 points and six assists before fouling out.
Copper had nine points in the first quarter to lead Phoenix to a 21-15 advantage.
McBride made a 3-pointer with 5:19 left in the second quarter, putting the Lynx on top for the first time at 29-28. Griner, who had nine points by halftime, followed with a three-point play and the Mercury stayed in front in building a 38-35 lead at the break. Griner helped Phoenix outscore Minnesota 22-6 in the paint in the first 20 minutes.
Copper hit a 3-pointer midway through the third quarter to give the Mercury a 49-42 lead. McBride buried three 3-pointers in an 18-5 run and the Lynx took a 60-54 advantage into the final period.
Phoenix improved to 4-1 at home.
Regular Season Series
MIN wins series 3-1
Recent Plays
4th 0.0 | End of Game | 80 - 81 | |
4th 0.0 | End of the 4th Quarter | 80 - 81 | |
4th 0.0 | Lynx offensive team rebound | 80 - 81 | |
4th 0.0 | Kayla McBride misses 29-foot three point jumper | 80 - 81 | |
4th 0.1 | Rebecca Allen enters the game for Sophie Cunningham | 80 - 81 |
Statistics
MIN | PHX | |
---|---|---|
28-72 | FG | 29-70 |
38.9 | Field Goal % | 41.4 |
15-34 | 3PT | 9-26 |
44.1 | Three Point % | 34.6 |
9-11 | FT | 14-18 |
81.8 | Free Throw % | 77.8 |
36 | Rebounds | 39 |
7 | Offensive Rebounds | 10 |
29 | Defensive Rebounds | 29 |
24 | Assists | 18 |
5 | Steals | 6 |
5 | Blocks | 7 |
13 | Turnovers | 14 |
1 | Team Turnovers | 0 |
14 | Total Turnovers | 14 |
0 | Technical Fouls | 1 |
0 | Total Technical Fouls | 1 |
0 | Flagrant Fouls | 0 |
12 | Points Conceded Off Turnovers | 13 |
21 | Fast Break Points | 10 |
18 | Points in Paint | 34 |
20 | Fouls | 13 |
9 | Largest Lead | 9 |
WNBA News
Dijonai Carrington lays it in for Sun
Dijonai Carrington drives to the hoop and lays it in for an easy bucket for the Sun.
Caitlin Clark sinks an electrifying trey
Caitlin Clark sinks a step-back 3-pointer for the Fever in the third quarter.
Caitlin Clark splashes a deep 3 for the Fever
Caitlin Clark knocks down a 3-pointer to cut the Sun's lead to six points in the third quarter.
Caitlin Clark gets rejected by Dewanna Bonner
Dewanna Bonner denies Caitlin Clark with a monster block for the Sun in the second quarter.
Caitlin Clark throws a dime to Aliyah Boston
Caitlin Clark makes a pass inside to Aliyah Boston, who lays it in for a Fever bucket.