Lynx Outlast Mercury in Defensive Battle at Home

In a gritty matchup between two Western Conference contenders, the Minnesota Lynx held off the Phoenix Mercury 75-70 at Target Center on July 16, leaning on strong interior defense and clutch late-game execution.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 16: Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride (21) drive baseline on Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) during the second half of a WNBA game between the Minnesota Lynx and Phoenix Mercury on July 16, 2025, at Target Center in Minneapolis, MN. (Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire)

The Minnesota Lynx secured a hard-fought 75-70 win over the Phoenix Mercury in a game defined by physical play and defensive grit. Napheesa Collier led the way with 22 points and 11 rebounds, dominating both ends of the floor in a game where every possession counted. The Lynx improved to 16-8 with the victory, keeping pace near the top of the Western Conference standings.

Phoenix struggled to find offensive rhythm early, shooting just 35% from the field in the first half. Despite the slow start, Diana Taurasi sparked a third-quarter surge with three straight triples, cutting into Minnesota’s double-digit lead and setting up a tense final frame. Taurasi finished with 18 points, while Brittney Griner added 14 and 7 rebounds.

Minnesota’s bench stepped up in critical moments, with Dorka Juhász and Bridget Carleton providing timely buckets and defensive stops. The Mercury closed the gap to two points with just under two minutes to play, but a pair of free throws from Kayla McBride and a key steal by Collier sealed the game.

Rebounding proved crucial down the stretch, as the Lynx outrebounded Phoenix 41-32, including 13 offensive boards that led to crucial second-chance points. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve praised her team’s composure, especially in crunch time, saying, “We knew it wouldn’t be pretty, but we gritted it out.”

The Mercury fell to 13-11 with the loss, snapping a three-game winning streak. While Phoenix showed flashes of their high-powered offense, Minnesota’s defensive schemes and rebounding effort ultimately tipped the balance in a tightly contested matchup.

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