Mercury Triumph in Overtime Against Lynx
Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 7:30 PM ET · Target Center
Phoenix Mercury 89, Minnesota Lynx 83, 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?
Phoenix Mercury beat Minnesota Lynx 89-83 at Target Center on September 23, 2025.
In a thrilling overtime showdown, the Phoenix Mercury edged out the Minnesota Lynx with a final score of 89-83 at the Target Center. The game was notable not only for its intense finish but also because it marked the Mercury's resilience against a Lynx team that had dominated their recent matchups. This victory allowed Phoenix to improve its standing in the league and showcased their ability to perform under pressure, especially considering they were playing without key players.
The Lynx entered the game with a strong home record of 34-10, having won their last four games leading up to this matchup. In their previous ten games, they had a record of 7-3, averaging 83.6 points scored while allowing 75.4 points. Their recent form included a convincing 82-69 victory over the Mercury just two days prior on September 21, which added to the anticipation of this rematch. However, the Lynx were missing several players, including Elena Buenavida, Antonia Delaere, and Dorka Juhasz, all listed as out for various reasons.
On the other hand, the Mercury had a record of 27-17 and were 5-5 in their last ten games. Their recent performance had been mixed, with an average of 78.6 points scored and 77.4 points allowed. They were coming off a loss to the Lynx but had previously secured victories against the New York Liberty. The absence of Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper due to injuries significantly impacted their lineup, yet they managed to rally and secure a crucial win against a formidable opponent.
Historically, the Lynx had won the series against the Mercury 3-1, which added to the stakes of this game. The two teams had faced each other multiple times in the 2025 season, with the Lynx winning the last encounter just days before this overtime thriller. The Mercury's victory in this match not only avenged their recent defeat but also demonstrated their ability to adapt and overcome challenges.
The conditions at the Target Center were conducive for a high-paced game, and both teams delivered an exciting performance. The Lynx started strong but struggled to maintain their lead as the game progressed. The Mercury capitalized on their opportunities, particularly in the overtime period, where Alyssa Thomas played a pivotal role by scoring crucial free throws that ultimately sealed the game for Phoenix.
As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a showcase of skill and determination from both teams. The scoring plays in overtime highlighted the Mercury's ability to execute under pressure, with key contributions from Thomas and Copper. The Lynx fought hard, with Napheesa Collier and Courtney Williams trying to keep their team in contention, but ultimately fell short.
The betting market had indicated a competitive matchup, reflecting the close nature of the teams' recent performances. However, the Mercury's ability to secure the win despite their injuries and previous losses to the Lynx speaks volumes about their resilience and determination.
In conclusion, this game was a testament to the unpredictability of sports, where injuries and past performances can be overturned by sheer will and skill. The Mercury's victory not only boosts their confidence but also sets the stage for an intriguing conclusion to the season as both teams continue to vie for playoff positioning.
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
- PointsNapheesa Collier24Minnesota Lynx
- AssistsCourtney Williams9Minnesota Lynx
- ReboundsAlanna Smith9Minnesota Lynx
- PointsSatou Sabally24Phoenix Mercury
- AssistsAlyssa Thomas13Phoenix Mercury
- ReboundsSatou Sabally9Phoenix Mercury
Recent form
Minnesota Lynx
Last 10: 7-3Streak W483.6 scored · 75.4 allowed per game4-1 at home
- 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
- W94-70at Connecticut SunAug 30
- L79-93vs Seattle StormAug 29
Phoenix Mercury
Last 10: 5-5Streak L178.6 scored · 77.4 allowed per game2-3 away
- 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
- W85-79vs Indiana FeverSep 3
- W80-63vs New York LibertyAug 31
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 | 33-79 | 34-75 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 13-32 | 7-28 |
| Three-point % | 41 | 25 |
| Free throws | 10-13 | 8-9 |
| Free throw % | 77 | 89 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 30 |
| Assists | 29 | 22 |
| Steals | 10 | 9 |
| Blocks | 1 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 17 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 19 | 21 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 38 |
| Fouls | 15 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 20 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter37-54Alanna Smith makes two point shot (Courtney Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter37-56Courtney Williams makes 19-foot pullup jump shot (Alanna Smith assists)
- 3rd Quarter39-56Monique Akoa Makani makes 15-foot pullup jump shot (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 3rd Quarter39-59Napheesa Collier makes 24-foot three point jumper (Courtney Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter42-59Satou Sabally makes 23-foot three point jumper (Natasha Mack assists)
- 3rd Quarter44-59Alyssa Thomas makes 3-foot layup (Sami Whitcomb assists)
- 3rd Quarter46-59Kathryn Westbeld makes layup (Monique Akoa Makani assists)
- 3rd Quarter49-59Kathryn Westbeld makes 22-foot three point shot (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 3rd Quarter51-59Alyssa Thomas makes driving layup (Monique Akoa Makani assists)
- 3rd Quarter51-62Kayla McBride makes 24-foot three point shot (Courtney Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter54-62Kathryn Westbeld makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kahleah Copper assists)
- 4th Quarter54-64Jessica Shepard makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter54-66Kayla McBride makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter57-66Satou Sabally makes 24-foot three point jumper (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter57-68Kayla McBride makes layup (Natisha Hiedeman assists)
- 4th Quarter59-68Sami Whitcomb makes 7-foot pullup jump shot (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter61-68DeWanna Bonner makes two point shot (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter64-68Satou Sabally makes 23-foot three point jumper (Sami Whitcomb assists)
- 4th Quarter64-70Alanna Smith makes 4-foot two point shot (Napheesa Collier assists)
- 4th Quarter67-70Sami Whitcomb makes 24-foot three pointer (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter69-70Satou Sabally makes two point shot (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter70-70Satou Sabally makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter70-73Kayla McBride makes 24-foot three point jumper (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter72-73DeWanna Bonner makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter72-75Napheesa Collier makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter72-77Courtney Williams makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter74-77Satou Sabally makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter76-77Alyssa Thomas makes 6-foot pullup jump shot (DeWanna Bonner assists)
- 4th Quarter76-78Courtney Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter76-79Courtney Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter79-79Sami Whitcomb makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot (Satou Sabally assists)
- OT81-79Alyssa Thomas makes 15-foot jumper (Sami Whitcomb assists)
- OT82-79Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT85-79Kahleah Copper makes 22-foot three point jumper (Sami Whitcomb assists)
- OT85-81Courtney Williams makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
- OT85-83Napheesa Collier makes 7-foot two point shot (Alanna Smith assists)
- OT86-83Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT87-83Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT88-83Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT89-83Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Minnesota Lynx, below favours Phoenix Mercury.
Venue
- Target CenterMinneapolis, MN
- Attendance10824
- OfficialsRoy Gulbeyan, Tim Greene, Ryan Sassano, Ashley Gloss
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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