Mercury swept by Lynx, Diana Taurasi potentially plays final game
Sep 25, 2024, 9:17 PM
Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury shoots a free throw after a defensive three seconds violation by the Minnesota Lynx in the first quarter in Game Two of Round One of the WNBA Playoffs at Target Center on September 25, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS — Napheesa Collier scored 42 to tie a WNBA playoff record for points in a game, and the Minnesota Lynx swept the Phoenix Mercury 101-88 on Wednesday night.
Collier tied Breanna Stewart and Angel McCoughtry for the 42-point record when she made 1 of 2 free throws with 3:18 left in the fourth quarter. It was one of just two misses from the free-throw line in 14 attempts for Collier, who was subbed out with 58.3 seconds left.
Collier, who scored a career-high 38 points in Game 1, became the first player in WNBA history with 38-plus points in back-to-back playoff games. She also set a WNBA record for the most points (80) through the first two games of a playoff series. Collier reached 38 points in Game 2 with 5:55 left in the fourth.
Minnesota plays again on Sunday against Connecticut, which advanced to its sixth consecutive semifinals after an 87-81 victory over Indiana earlier Wednesday.
Phoenix’s season ends with Diana Taurasi potentially playing her final game, as speculation about her potential retirement continues.
