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WNBA · Final

Phoenix Mercury Defeats Minnesota Lynx 86-81 in Thrilling Matchup

Minnesota Lynx
Minnesota Lynx34-10
81
Phoenix Mercury
Phoenix Mercury27-17
86

Sunday, September 28, 2025, 8:00 PM ET · Mortgage Matchup Center

Phoenix Mercury 86, Minnesota Lynx 81, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Minnesota Lynx vs Phoenix Mercury?

Phoenix Mercury beat Minnesota Lynx 86-81 at Mortgage Matchup Center on September 28, 2025.

In a tightly contested game, the Phoenix Mercury secured a narrow 86-81 victory over the Minnesota Lynx at the Mortgage Matchup Center. This win was significant as it marked the Mercury's third consecutive victory over the Lynx in their recent matchups, having also won their previous two encounters on September 23 and September 27. The Mercury's performance in this game showcased their resilience, particularly given the absence of key players due to injuries.

The Mercury entered this game with a home record of 27-17 and had been showing a mixed form lately, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games. However, they were riding a two-game winning streak, averaging 79.4 points scored and allowing 79.1 points during this stretch. Their recent victories included a solid win against the Lynx just two days prior, where they triumphed 84-76, and another win against the New York Liberty, where they scored 79 points while allowing 73.

On the other hand, the Lynx boasted a strong away record of 34-10 and had a record of 6-4 in their last ten games leading up to this matchup. However, they were also on a two-game losing streak, averaging 82.2 points scored and allowing 76.4 points during this period. Their last two games included losses to the Mercury and a previous defeat against the Indiana Fever.

The matchup was particularly noteworthy as the Mercury had to contend with significant injuries. Kelsey Plum, Kahleah Copper, Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, and Jovana Nogic were all out for the game, which could have impacted their depth and strategy. The Lynx were also without Elena Buenavida, Antonia Delaere, and Dorka Juhasz, but they still had a stronger roster overall.

Historically, the Lynx had dominated the series against the Mercury, winning three out of four previous meetings this season. The Mercury's victory in this game was crucial, as they aimed to shift the momentum in their favor. The Lynx had won the last meeting before this game on September 21, where they defeated the Mercury 82-69.

The conditions at the Mortgage Matchup Center were conducive for a competitive game, with both teams showcasing their strengths. Fans were treated to a thrilling fourth quarter where the score remained tight. Key scoring plays included a driving layup by Alyssa Thomas and crucial free throws by Kahleah Copper that helped the Mercury maintain their lead. The Lynx fought back with a three-point jumper by Courtney Williams, but the Mercury managed to hold on to their advantage.

The market had priced the game with the Mercury favored, reflecting their home advantage and recent form. According to the odds provider, the Mercury's win probability was set at 1.0, indicating strong confidence in their ability to secure the victory.

Overall, this matchup not only highlighted the competitive nature of the WNBA but also showcased the Mercury's ability to overcome adversity in the face of injuries. With this win, the Mercury will look to build on their momentum as they head deeper into the season.

Injury report

  • Kelsey PlumOutLower LegPhoenix Mercury
  • Kahleah CopperOutAnklePhoenix Mercury
  • Valeriane AyayiOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
  • Kyara LinskensOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
  • Jovana NogicOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
  • Elena BuenavidaOutCoach's DecisionMinnesota Lynx
  • Antonia DelaereOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
  • Dorka JuhaszOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx

Leaders

  • PointsAlyssa Thomas23Phoenix Mercury
  • AssistsAlyssa Thomas10Phoenix Mercury
  • ReboundsAlyssa Thomas8Phoenix Mercury
  • PointsKayla McBride31Minnesota Lynx
  • AssistsCourtney Williams6Minnesota Lynx
  • ReboundsAlanna Smith8Minnesota Lynx

Recent form

Phoenix Mercury

Last 10: 5-5Streak W279.4 scored · 79.1 allowed per game2-2 at home

  • W84-76vs Minnesota LynxSep 27
  • W89-83at Minnesota LynxSep 23
  • L69-82at Minnesota LynxSep 21
  • W79-73vs New York LibertySep 20
  • W86-60at New York LibertySep 18
  • L69-76vs New York LibertySep 14
  • L76-97at Dallas WingsSep 12
  • L83-88vs Los Angeles SparksSep 10
  • L84-87at Connecticut SunSep 6
  • W75-69at Washington MysticsSep 4

Minnesota Lynx

Last 10: 6-4Streak L282.2 scored · 76.4 allowed per game2-3 away

  • L76-84at Phoenix MercurySep 27
  • L83-89vs Phoenix MercurySep 23
  • W82-69vs Phoenix MercurySep 21
  • W75-74at Golden State ValkyriesSep 18
  • W101-72vs Golden State ValkyriesSep 14
  • W72-53vs Golden State ValkyriesSep 12
  • L72-83at Indiana FeverSep 9
  • W78-72at Golden State ValkyriesSep 7
  • L87-97at Las Vegas AcesSep 5
  • W96-71vs Dallas WingsSep 2

Standings

TeamGames behindLostStreakWin %Won
Minnesota-9L2.77531
Golden State211W4.72529
Las Vegas413W3.67527
Dallas716W4.60024
Portland1524L1.40016
Los Angeles1625W2.37515
Phoenix1726W1.35014
Seattle2332L1.2008

Box score

StatMinnesota LynxPhoenix Mercury
Field goals32-7729-68
Field goal %4243
Three-pointers9-2411-28
Three-point %3839
Free throws8-917-23
Free throw %8974
Rebounds3438
Offensive rebounds47
Defensive rebounds3031
Assists1920
Steals82
Blocks63
Turnovers612
Team turnovers40
Technical fouls10
Technical fouls, total10
Flagrant fouls00
Points off turnovers514
Fast-break points2011
Points in the paint3634
Fouls1810
Largest lead147

How the scoring went

  1. 3rd Quarter44-41Jessica Shepard makes free throw 2 of 2
  2. 3rd Quarter46-41Alanna Smith makes 3-foot layup (Jessica Shepard assists)
  3. 3rd Quarter46-43Kahleah Copper makes driving layup (Alyssa Thomas assists)
  4. 3rd Quarter46-44Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 1
  5. 3rd Quarter49-44Bridget Carleton makes 23-foot three point shot (Courtney Williams assists)
  6. 3rd Quarter52-44Kayla McBride makes 25-foot three point shot (Courtney Williams assists)
  7. 3rd Quarter52-45Satou Sabally makes free throw 2 of 2
  8. 3rd Quarter55-45Kayla McBride makes 32-foot running pullup jump shot
  9. 3rd Quarter55-47Alyssa Thomas makes two point shot
  10. 3rd Quarter58-47Courtney Williams makes 26-foot three point jumper (Natisha Hiedeman assists)
  11. 3rd Quarter58-50Kathryn Westbeld makes 26-foot three point jumper (Sami Whitcomb assists)
  12. 3rd Quarter61-50Kayla McBride makes 26-foot three pointer (Maria Kliundikova assists)
  13. 3rd Quarter61-53Kahleah Copper makes 25-foot three point shot (Alyssa Thomas assists)
  14. 3rd Quarter63-53Courtney Williams makes 6-foot pullup jump shot
  15. 3rd Quarter66-53Kayla McBride makes 28-foot three point shot (Courtney Williams assists)
  16. 3rd Quarter66-55Satou Sabally makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
  17. 3rd Quarter67-55Kayla McBride makes free throw 1 of 2
  18. 3rd Quarter68-55Kayla McBride makes free throw 2 of 2
  19. 4th Quarter68-57Alyssa Thomas makes 3-foot layup (Monique Akoa Makani assists)
  20. 4th Quarter68-59Sami Whitcomb makes 3-foot two point shot
  21. 4th Quarter68-62DeWanna Bonner makes 24-foot three point jumper (Monique Akoa Makani assists)
  22. 4th Quarter70-62Courtney Williams makes 11-foot two point shot
  23. 4th Quarter70-64Alyssa Thomas makes driving layup
  24. 4th Quarter70-66Alyssa Thomas makes 3-foot layup (Satou Sabally assists)
  25. 4th Quarter70-69Sami Whitcomb makes 23-foot three point jumper (Alyssa Thomas assists)
  26. 4th Quarter70-72DeWanna Bonner makes 23-foot three point jumper (Satou Sabally assists)
  27. 4th Quarter70-74Alyssa Thomas makes 14-foot two point shot (DeWanna Bonner assists)
  28. 4th Quarter73-74Kayla McBride makes 31-foot three pointer
  29. 4th Quarter73-77DeWanna Bonner makes 35-foot three point jumper (Alyssa Thomas assists)
  30. 4th Quarter76-77Kayla McBride makes 28-foot three pointer
  31. 4th Quarter76-78DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 1 of 2
  32. 4th Quarter76-79DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 2 of 2
  33. 4th Quarter76-81Alyssa Thomas makes driving layup (Sami Whitcomb assists)
  34. 4th Quarter76-82Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 2
  35. 4th Quarter76-83Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 2
  36. 4th Quarter79-83Courtney Williams makes 27-foot three point jumper (Natisha Hiedeman assists)
  37. 4th Quarter79-84Sami Whitcomb makes free throw 2 of 2
  38. 4th Quarter81-84Natisha Hiedeman makes 3-foot two point shot (Bridget Carleton assists)
  39. 4th Quarter81-85Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 2
  40. 4th Quarter81-86Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 2

Win probability

Above the line favours Phoenix Mercury, below favours Minnesota Lynx.

Venue

  • Mortgage Matchup CenterPhoenix, AZ
  • Attendance16919
  • OfficialsRoy Gulbeyan, Amy Bonner, Fatou Cissoko-Stephens, Kevin Fahy

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.