Lynx Dominate Mercury in WNBA Showdown
Monday, June 1, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Mortgage Matchup Center
Minnesota Lynx 111, Phoenix Mercury 77, 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?
Minnesota Lynx beat Phoenix Mercury 111-77 at Mortgage Matchup Center on June 1, 2026.
Who was favored in Minnesota Lynx vs Phoenix Mercury?
Minnesota Lynx were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -148 (about 60% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup at the Mortgage Matchup Center, the Minnesota Lynx defeated the Phoenix Mercury with a final score of 111-77. This victory extends Minnesota's dominance over Phoenix in their recent encounters, as the Lynx have now won all three meetings this season, bringing their series record to 3-0 against the Mercury.
The Lynx entered the game with a strong record of 7-2, having won their last four games. Their recent form has seen them average 86.8 points per game while allowing 77.8 points, showcasing both offensive firepower and defensive resilience. In contrast, the Mercury struggled with a record of 2-8, having lost their last five games. They have averaged 83.9 points scored while allowing 82.8 points, reflecting a close but ultimately ineffective performance in their recent outings.
At home, the Mercury's record stood at 2-3, while they have faced difficulties on the road, recording just 1-4 in away games. The Lynx, on the other hand, boasted a perfect 4-0 record in away games, further emphasizing their strength in hostile environments. The last five games for the Mercury have been particularly challenging, with an average of 80.0 points scored and 87.2 points allowed, indicating a significant defensive lapse.
Previous meetings between these two teams have been competitive, with the Mercury winning four out of nine encounters overall. However, the Lynx's recent success has tipped the balance in their favor, particularly in the current season. Their last meeting prior to this game on May 13 resulted in a narrow 88-84 victory for the Lynx, but this latest encounter saw them pull away decisively.
In terms of injuries, the Mercury faced significant challenges, missing key players including Kelsey Plum (lower leg), Kahleah Copper (ankle), Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, and Jovana Nogic, all of whom were out for various reasons. The Lynx were also without Elena Buenavida (coach's decision) and Antonia Delaere and Dorka Juhasz for non-injury-related reasons, but their depth allowed them to maintain a strong performance.
Betting lines from DraftKings indicated Minnesota as a 2.5-point favorite, with a total set at 166.5 points. The odds reflected confidence in the Lynx's ability to secure a win, and they certainly delivered on those expectations.
The game conditions were favorable for both teams, and viewers were treated to a display of skill and strategy. Key moments included Maya Caldwell's impressive 26-foot three-point jumper, which contributed to the Lynx's commanding lead in the fourth quarter. Anastasiia Olairi Kosu also played a pivotal role, adding crucial points with free throws and a driving layup.
As the game progressed, it became clear that the Lynx were in control, with the Mercury unable to mount a significant comeback despite a late three-pointer from Jovana Nogic. The Lynx's ability to execute plays effectively and capitalize on the Mercury's defensive lapses was a highlight of their performance.
Overall, this game showcased the stark contrast between the two teams' current forms, with the Lynx solidifying their status as a formidable contender in the WNBA while the Mercury continue to seek answers amidst their struggles.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIN -2.5 | 166.5 o -108 / u -112 | Minnesota Lynx -148 · Phoenix Mercury +124 |
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
- PointsKahleah Copper18Phoenix Mercury
- AssistsMonique Akoa Makani5Phoenix Mercury
- ReboundsNatasha Mack11Phoenix Mercury
- PointsCourtney Williams30Minnesota Lynx
- AssistsOlivia Miles10Minnesota Lynx
- ReboundsAnastasiia Olairi Kosu6Minnesota Lynx
Recent form
Phoenix Mercury
Last 10: 3-7Streak L583.9 scored · 82.8 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L68-75at New York LibertyMay 29
- L74-84at New York LibertyMay 27
- L80-82at Atlanta DreamMay 24
- L88-97vs Los Angeles SparksMay 22
- L90-98vs Toronto TempoMay 20
- W91-83vs Chicago SkyMay 16
- L84-88vs Minnesota LynxMay 13
- L79-95at Golden State ValkyriesMay 11
- W99-66at Las Vegas AcesMay 9
- W86-60vs JAPANApr 30
Minnesota Lynx
Last 10: 8-2Streak W486.8 scored · 77.8 allowed per game4-0 away
- W79-58at Chicago SkyMay 29
- W96-81vs Atlanta DreamMay 28
- W85-75at Chicago SkyMay 23
- W100-72vs Toronto TempoMay 22
- L79-86vs Chicago SkyMay 17
- W90-86at Dallas WingsMay 15
- W88-84at Phoenix MercuryMay 13
- L90-91vs Atlanta DreamMay 10
- W73-66vs Toronto TempoMay 2
- W88-79vs NIGERIAApr 28
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | Minnesota Lynx | Phoenix Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 44-69 | 22-64 |
| Field goal % | 64 | 34 |
| Three-pointers | 10-17 | 10-27 |
| Three-point % | 59 | 37 |
| Free throws | 13-13 | 23-27 |
| Free throw % | 100 | 85 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 24 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 13 |
| Assists | 28 | 18 |
| Steals | 10 | 6 |
| Blocks | 5 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 23 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 50 | 18 |
| Fouls | 22 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 37 | 2 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 97 | 1 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter73-43Olivia Miles makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter75-43Courtney Williams makes 20-foot pullup jump shot (Kayla McBride assists)
- 3rd Quarter76-43Courtney Williams makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter76-45Natasha Mack makes tip shot
- 3rd Quarter78-45Olivia Miles makes 6-foot layup (Natasha Howard assists)
- 3rd Quarter78-48Kahleah Copper makes 23-foot three point jumper (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 3rd Quarter78-51Kahleah Copper makes 24-foot three pointer
- 3rd Quarter78-52Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter80-52Nia Coffey makes layup (Antonia Delaere assists)
- 3rd Quarter80-54Monique Akoa Makani makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter82-54Courtney Williams makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter83-54Antonia Delaere makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter84-54Antonia Delaere makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter85-54Olivia Miles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter86-54Olivia Miles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter86-55Lexi Held makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter86-56Lexi Held makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter88-56Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes 3-foot layup (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter88-59Jovana Nogic makes 26-foot three point jumper (Sha Carter assists)
- 4th Quarter88-61Sha Carter makes layup (Valeriane Ayayi assists)
- 4th Quarter91-61Antonia Delaere makes 23-foot three point jumper (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter94-61Antonia Delaere makes 24-foot three point jumper (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter96-61Teaira McCowan makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter96-64Lexi Held makes 25-foot three point jumper (Valeriane Ayayi assists)
- 4th Quarter96-66Kyara Linskens makes 4-foot layup (Sha Carter assists)
- 4th Quarter98-66Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes layup
- 4th Quarter98-67Sha Carter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter100-67Maya Caldwell makes 19-foot pullup jump shot (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter100-69Jovana Nogic makes 15-foot pullup jump shot (Valeriane Ayayi assists)
- 4th Quarter102-69Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes 4-foot layup (Antonia Delaere assists)
- 4th Quarter102-70Sha Carter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter102-71Sha Carter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter105-71Maya Caldwell makes 26-foot three point jumper (Antonia Delaere assists)
- 4th Quarter106-71Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-71Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-73Kyara Linskens makes 5-foot layup (Valeriane Ayayi assists)
- 4th Quarter107-74Sha Carter makes technical free throw
- 4th Quarter109-74Courtney Williams makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter111-74Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter111-77Jovana Nogic makes 25-foot three pointer
Win probability
Above the line favours Phoenix Mercury, below favours Minnesota Lynx.
Venue
- Mortgage Matchup CenterPhoenix, AZ
- Attendance9234
- OfficialsRoy Gulbeyan, Blanca Burns, Catherine Chang
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Lynx Edge Mercury in Thrilling FinishJul 13, 2026
- Lynx Edge Mercury in Close ContestMay 12, 2026
- Phoenix Mercury Defeats Minnesota Lynx 86-81 in Thrilling MatchupSep 28, 2025
- Phoenix Mercury Defeats Minnesota Lynx 84-76Sep 26, 2025
- Mercury Triumph in Overtime Against LynxSep 23, 2025