Lynx Defeat Mercury 82-69 in WNBA Showdown
Sunday, September 21, 2025, 5:00 PM ET · Target Center
Minnesota Lynx 82, Phoenix Mercury 69, 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 Phoenix Mercury vs Minnesota Lynx?
Minnesota Lynx beat Phoenix Mercury 82-69 at Target Center on September 21, 2025.
The Minnesota Lynx secured a decisive victory over the Phoenix Mercury, finishing the game with a score of 82-69 at the Target Center. This win adds to the Lynx's successful season, bringing their overall record to 34-10, while the Mercury's record now stands at 27-17. The Lynx have now won the season series against the Mercury 3-1, showcasing their dominance in recent matchups.
In terms of recent form, the Lynx have been strong, winning seven of their last ten games, currently riding a three-game winning streak. They have averaged 85.1 points scored while allowing 76.9 points per game during this stretch. Their last five games have seen them average 79.6 points scored and 70.8 points allowed. Conversely, the Mercury have also performed well recently, winning six of their last ten games and currently on a two-game winning streak. They have averaged 80.0 points scored and 77.1 points allowed over their last ten games, with their last five showing an average of 78.6 points scored and 78.8 points allowed.
The Lynx have been particularly effective at home, boasting a home record of 4-1 in their last five games, while the Mercury have a mixed away record of 2-2 in their last four away games. The two teams have faced each other multiple times this season, with the Lynx winning four of their last six meetings, including a significant 79-66 victory in their most recent matchup on July 16, 2025.
In terms of injuries, the Lynx were without Elena Buenavida, Antonia Delaere, and Dorka Juhasz, all ruled out for various reasons, while the Mercury were missing Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper due to injuries, along with Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, and Jovana Nogic, who were out for non-injury-related reasons. The absence of key players on both sides likely impacted the game dynamics.
The market had priced the Lynx as strong favorites, reflecting their home advantage and recent form. The odds indicated a high probability of a Lynx victory, which ultimately came to fruition as they controlled the game throughout.
Conditions during the game were typical for a late September evening in Minnesota, with fans filling the Target Center to support the home team. The Lynx's performance was highlighted by several key scoring plays in the fourth quarter, including a series of three-point shots that helped extend their lead. Notably, Kayla McBride and Bridget Carleton made significant contributions from beyond the arc, while Courtney Williams showcased her versatility with multiple scoring plays.
Overall, the Lynx's ability to maintain their scoring efficiency while limiting the Mercury's offensive opportunities was crucial to their success in this matchup. The game demonstrated the Lynx's strength at home and their capability to perform under pressure as they head into the postseason.
Injury report
- Elena BuenavidaOutCoach's DecisionMinnesota Lynx
- Antonia DelaereOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Dorka JuhaszOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Kelsey PlumOutLower LegPhoenix Mercury
- Kahleah CopperOutAnklePhoenix Mercury
- Valeriane AyayiOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Kyara LinskensOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Jovana NogicOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
Leaders
- PointsCourtney Williams23Minnesota Lynx
- AssistsCourtney Williams7Minnesota Lynx
- ReboundsNapheesa Collier9Minnesota Lynx
- PointsKahleah Copper22Phoenix Mercury
- AssistsAlyssa Thomas7Phoenix Mercury
- ReboundsDeWanna Bonner9Phoenix Mercury
Recent form
Minnesota Lynx
Last 10: 7-3Streak W385.1 scored · 76.9 allowed per game4-1 at home
- 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
- W94-70at Connecticut SunAug 30
- L79-93vs Seattle StormAug 29
- W97-84vs Indiana FeverAug 24
Phoenix Mercury
Last 10: 6-4Streak W280 scored · 77.1 allowed per game2-2 away
- 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
- W85-79vs Indiana FeverSep 3
- W80-63vs New York LibertyAug 31
- W83-79vs Chicago SkyAug 29
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 | Phoenix Mercury | Minnesota Lynx |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-75 | 34-77 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 3-23 | 9-29 |
| Three-point % | 13 | 31 |
| Free throws | 4-4 | 5-6 |
| Free throw % | 100 | 83 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 42 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 34 |
| Assists | 19 | 21 |
| Steals | 6 | 7 |
| Blocks | 0 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 15 |
| Points in the paint | 54 | 40 |
| Fouls | 6 | 10 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 13 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Quarter39-33Kahleah Copper makes 24-foot three pointer (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 2nd Quarter39-36Natisha Hiedeman makes 24-foot three point jumper (Alanna Smith assists)
- 2nd Quarter39-38Courtney Williams makes two point shot
- 2nd Quarter41-38Alyssa Thomas makes layup (Monique Akoa Makani assists)
- 2nd Quarter43-38Kahleah Copper makes two point shot (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 2nd Quarter45-38Alyssa Thomas makes driving layup
- 2nd Quarter47-38Kahleah Copper makes two point shot (Satou Sabally assists)
- 2nd Quarter47-40Courtney Williams makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter47-42Courtney Williams makes 16-foot jumper (Alanna Smith assists)
- 3rd Quarter47-44Courtney Williams makes 17-foot running pullup jump shot (Kayla McBride assists)
- 3rd Quarter49-44Kahleah Copper makes 17-foot pullup jump shot (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 3rd Quarter49-46Natisha Hiedeman makes 4-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter51-46Natasha Mack makes layup (Sami Whitcomb assists)
- 3rd Quarter53-46Sami Whitcomb makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter53-47Kayla McBride makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter53-48Kayla McBride makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter53-50Courtney Williams makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter53-52Napheesa Collier makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter53-54Napheesa Collier makes two point shot (Natisha Hiedeman assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-54Kahleah Copper makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter55-56Napheesa Collier makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (Natisha Hiedeman assists)
- 3rd Quarter57-56Kahleah Copper makes 1-foot layup (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 3rd Quarter57-58Napheesa Collier makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter59-58Alyssa Thomas makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter59-59Kayla McBride makes technical free throw
- 4th Quarter59-61Bridget Carleton makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter59-64Kayla McBride makes 28-foot three point jumper (Maria Kliundikova assists)
- 4th Quarter62-64Kahleah Copper makes 23-foot three point jumper (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter62-66Courtney Williams makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter62-68Alanna Smith makes two point shot (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter63-68Satou Sabally makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter64-68Satou Sabally makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter67-68Sami Whitcomb makes 23-foot three point jumper (DeWanna Bonner assists)
- 4th Quarter67-70Courtney Williams makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter67-73Kayla McBride makes 24-foot three point jumper (Bridget Carleton assists)
- 4th Quarter67-76Bridget Carleton makes 25-foot three point shot (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter67-78Courtney Williams makes 1-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter67-80Maria Kliundikova makes layup (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter69-80Kahleah Copper makes driving layup (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter69-82Maria Kliundikova makes 1-foot layup (Courtney Williams assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Minnesota Lynx, below favours Phoenix Mercury.
Venue
- Target CenterMinneapolis, MN
- Attendance10121
- OfficialsJeff Wooten, Angelica Suffren, Maj Forsberg, Eric Brewton
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Lynx Edge Mercury in Thrilling FinishJul 13, 2026
- Lynx Dominate Mercury in WNBA ShowdownJun 1, 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