WNBA Surprise: Phoenix Mercury Comeback 20 Points and Ties Series Against Lynx
In an unexpected turn, the Minnesota Lynx seemed headed for a comfortable victory, but the Phoenix Mercury staged an epic comeback to tie the WNBA playoff series.
The number 6 team, Phoenix Mercury, overcame a 20-point deficit to beat the number 1 team, the Lynx, with a final score of 89-83 in overtime. According to data, this is only the second time in WNBA playoff history that a team has achieved a 20-point comeback on the road.
The series moves to Phoenix for Game 3, which will be played on Friday.
A match for the ages
Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts had anticipated an adjustment period in the first game of the series. Although this seemed to continue in the second game, with the Mercury losing by 16 points at halftime, the team’s tenacity was key. Phoenix finally found its aim from the three-point line, scoring 13 triples, and also remained strong in the paint. Alyssa Thomas’s 13 assists (along with 19 points) are the most for a Mercury player in a playoff game.
This was an almost must-win game for a team that wasn’t facing elimination. Now, the Mercury return home with the opportunity to win two games.
Alofoke Deportes
What does defeat mean for Minnesota?
In many games this season, Minnesota raised their level of play after halftime. However, there was no magic in the second half on Tuesday. Now, the Lynx must travel to Phoenix and try to regain their advantage.
With a record of 14-8, the Lynx tied for the best road record during the regular season. Playing away from home generally doesn’t affect their confidence, and that will have to be the case in Game 3.
Who will be the key figures?
Phoenix’s bench outscored Minnesota’s 22-3 on Tuesday, a key factor in their impressive comeback. Only Jessica Shepard scored from the bench for Minnesota. In the first game, the Lynx’s second unit had the advantage.
So far, the stars of the series have met expectations. Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride have been consistent scorers. Thomas and Satou Sabally have dominated. Therefore, the contributions of other players could define this series.
On Tuesday, Sami Whitcomb scored 13 points for Phoenix, including a three-pointer that tied the score and sent the game to overtime. Kathryn Westbeld added eight points and DeWanna Bonner had four. In the first game of the series, Maria Kliundikova and Natisha Hiedeman were important in closing out the game. These contributions could be crucial in Game 3 and in the series.
Should the Lynx still be the favorites now that Phoenix has the home-court advantage in the series?
The series between the Mercury and the Lynx has proven to be a “make or break” showdown. Minnesota’s poor shooting from the three-point line (7 of 28, 25%) was the worst of the playoffs so far, while Phoenix had a percentage above 40% from beyond the arc, including 9 of 21 (43%) after halftime. In a game that went to overtime, that shooting was the difference, and there’s no reason to expect that to change.
On the other hand, the Mercury must feel very good about splitting the series on the road. Game 2 could also have revealed the absence of the injured Lynx guard, DiJonai Carrington. Four of Minnesota’s five starters played more than 36 minutes, including Bridget Carleton, who exceeded 40 minutes for the second time in her career, and Kayla McBride, who played 42 minutes.
That fatigue could have affected the Lynx at the end of the game and in overtime. It’s up to coach Cheryl Reeve to find a way to give her perimeter players rest without Carrington, who is out for the rest of the season.
The Aces bounce back with a dominant win over the Fever
After losing the first game, the Aces not only needed to win the second, but also to send a message. And that’s exactly what they did.
The Aces regained momentum in the series. With a concerted effort to take the ball inside, the Aces scored 48 points in the paint. A’ja Wilson led the way and returned to her MVP form with 25 points and nine rebounds.
The defense, which couldn’t stop the Fever’s backcourt in Game 1, also improved significantly. Coach Becky Hammon rotated Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and Jewell Loyd to defend Kelsey Mitchell, and the trio managed to limit Mitchell’s penetration. Without Mitchell’s dominance, Indiana didn’t have a counter-offensive.
What does victory mean for the Aces?
After losing the first game, the Aces not only needed to win Game 2, but also to send a message. And that’s exactly what they did. Las Vegas might not have the home-court advantage, but the Aces have regained momentum in the series.
What does defeat mean for Indiana?
Winning a game in Las Vegas is still positive for the Fever, who will play the next two games at home. The Aces made the necessary adjustments to win Game 2. Now, it’s Indiana’s turn to strike back on Friday.
The playoff series will be decided in the adjustments. Wilson was an important part of the Aces’ winning streak. Mitchell played one of the best games of her career on Sunday and the Fever stole the first game. The victory could be Mitchell’s, who finished fifth in the MVP voting, playing at that elite level for the Fever to pull off the series upset.
