Napheesa Collier scores 42 to tie a WNBA playoff record for points, and the Lynx swept the Mercury
Napheesa Collier achieved a remarkable feat by scoring 42 points, equaling a WNBA playoff record for points in a single game, as the Minnesota Lynx triumphed over the Phoenix Mercury with a score of 101-88 on Wednesday evening.
Collier matched the record previously set by Breanna Stewart and Angel McCoughtry when she converted 1 of 2 free throws with 3:18 remaining in the fourth quarter. This was one of only two missed free throws out of 14 attempts for Collier, who exited the game with 58.3 seconds left on the clock.
Having recorded a career-high 38 points in Game 1, Collier became the first player in WNBA history to score 38 or more points in consecutive playoff games. Additionally, she established a WNBA record for the most points (80) accumulated over a two-game playoff span. She reached the 38-point mark in Game 2 with 5:55 remaining in the fourth quarter.
The Minnesota Lynx are set to face the Connecticut Sun on Sunday, following Connecticut's advancement to the semifinals for the sixth consecutive year after their 87-81 victory over Indiana earlier on Wednesday.
Kayla McBride contributed 15 points, while Bridget Carleton and Alanna Smith each added 12 points for Minnesota. Courtney Williams scored 11 points.
For the Phoenix Mercury, Brittney Griner led with 24 points, and Diana Taurasi finished with 10 points before fouling out with 2:34 left in the game. Taurasi received a standing ovation from the Minnesota crowd as she departed, and Collier took a moment to shake hands with her fellow UConn alum on the Mercury bench.
While Taurasi has not confirmed whether this will be her final season in the WNBA, the Phoenix Mercury paid tribute to her during their last home regular-season game.
Collier was instrumental in the first quarter, scoring 11 of Minnesota's 21 points and making 5 of 6 shots.
Collier concluded the first half with an impressive 23 points, shooting 8-of-12, which propelled Minnesota to a 49-47 advantage at halftime. Her teammates collectively managed to convert 10 of 26 attempts.
During the third quarter, officials reviewed a physical altercation involving Carleton and Phoenix guard Sophie Cunningham, resulting in Cunningham being assessed a Flagrant 1 foul. Additionally, Williams received a technical foul. Once the situation was resolved, McBride successfully made a wide-open three-pointer, extending Minnesota's lead to 58-53.
With 2:17 remaining in the third quarter, Williams secured Minnesota's first double-digit lead of the second half at 72-60. The Lynx maintained a double-digit advantage throughout the entirety of the fourth quarter.
This victory marked Minnesota's fifth win against the Mercury this season.
Collier's performance marked her third consecutive playoff game with 30 points, equaling A’ja Wilson's record for the longest such streak in WNBA history, following her 31-point effort in a Game 3 defeat to Connecticut last season.
SportsLigue