Lynx Edge Mercury in Thrilling Finish
Monday, July 13, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Target Center
Minnesota Lynx 104, Phoenix Mercury 100, 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 104-100 at Target Center on July 13, 2026.
Who was favored in Phoenix Mercury vs Minnesota Lynx?
Minnesota Lynx were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -750 (about 88% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Minnesota Lynx triumphed over the Phoenix Mercury with a final score of 104-100. This victory solidifies the Lynx's dominance in the series, as they have now won all three meetings against the Mercury this season. The game showcased a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging leads in the fourth quarter, but the Lynx ultimately secured the win at their home venue, the Target Center.
The Lynx entered the game with a strong home record of 18-6 and were riding a two-game winning streak, having scored an average of 88.0 points while allowing 82.3 over their last ten games. Their recent form included a notable 90-85 victory against the New York Liberty just days prior to this matchup. In contrast, the Mercury struggled with an 8-17 overall record and were on a three-game losing streak, averaging 85.1 points scored but allowing 88.7 during their last ten games. Their most recent outing resulted in a heavy 58-106 loss to the Las Vegas Aces.
Historically, the Lynx have fared well against the Mercury, with a head-to-head record of 6-4 in their last ten meetings. This season alone, the Lynx secured victories of 111-77 and 88-84 in their previous encounters. The Lynx's success has been further enhanced by their home court advantage, where they have a home record of 2-2 in their last four games, while the Mercury have struggled on the road with a 2-4 away record.
In terms of injuries, the Lynx were missing Elena Buenavida, Antonia Delaere, and Dorka Juhasz, all of whom were out for various reasons not related to injury. The Mercury faced a more significant challenge, with Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper both out due to injuries, alongside Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, and Jovana Nogic, who were also unavailable for the game.
The betting market reflected the Lynx's strong position, with DraftKings setting the spread at MIN -11.5 and a total of 169.5 for the game. The moneyline odds were -750 for the Lynx and +525 for the Mercury, indicating a clear expectation of a Lynx victory.
As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to several key moments. The fourth quarter was particularly intense, featuring a series of scoring plays that kept the outcome in suspense until the final moments. Monique Akoa Makani made a crucial layup to tie the game at 96, followed by free throws from Olivia Miles that put the Lynx ahead. DeWanna Bonner responded with a pull-up jumper to tie it again at 98, but Kayla McBride's three-pointer gave the Lynx a critical lead.
In the end, the Lynx's ability to execute under pressure and their strong offensive performance proved decisive. The game not only showcased the Lynx's home dominance but also highlighted the challenges faced by the Mercury as they continue to seek improvement in their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIN -11.5 | 169.5 o -110 / u -110 | Phoenix Mercury +525 · Minnesota Lynx -750 |
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
- PointsKayla McBride37Minnesota Lynx
- AssistsOlivia Miles8Minnesota Lynx
- ReboundsCourtney Williams7Minnesota Lynx
- PointsKahleah Copper26Phoenix Mercury
- AssistsAlyssa Thomas12Phoenix Mercury
- ReboundsDeWanna Bonner9Phoenix Mercury
Recent form
Minnesota Lynx
Last 10: 7-3Streak W288 scored · 82.3 allowed per game2-2 at home
- W90-85vs New York LibertyJul 11
- W86-80at Connecticut SunJul 8
- L89-90vs Connecticut SunJul 7
- L86-99at New York LibertyJul 3
- W85-77at Dallas WingsJun 28
- W78-76at Washington MysticsJun 24
- L79-84vs Washington MysticsJun 21
- W81-75at Golden State ValkyriesJun 20
- W99-83at Los Angeles SparksJun 18
- W107-74vs Portland FireJun 16
Phoenix Mercury
Last 10: 4-6Streak L385.1 scored · 88.7 allowed per game2-2 away
- L58-106at Las Vegas AcesJul 11
- L89-92vs Indiana FeverJul 10
- L66-77vs Chicago SkyJul 8
- W90-67vs Seattle StormJul 3
- W89-80at Toronto TempoJun 27
- W111-109at Indiana FeverJun 24
- L77-86at Indiana FeverJun 23
- W93-73vs Seattle StormJun 20
- L76-86vs Las Vegas AcesJun 18
- L102-111vs Los Angeles SparksJun 14
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 | 35-63 | 34-61 |
| Field goal % | 56 | 56 |
| Three-pointers | 11-25 | 12-29 |
| Three-point % | 44 | 41 |
| Free throws | 19-21 | 24-26 |
| Free throw % | 90 | 92 |
| Rebounds | 26 | 24 |
| Offensive rebounds | 4 | 4 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 20 |
| Assists | 28 | 20 |
| Steals | 5 | 9 |
| Blocks | 0 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 40 |
| Fouls | 18 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 23 | 23 |
| Time in front | 65 | 29 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter73-67Sami Whitcomb makes 24-foot three point jumper (Lexi Held assists)
- 3rd Quarter73-69Eliska Hamzova makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter75-69DeWanna Bonner makes driving layup (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter77-69Alyssa Thomas makes 12-foot jump bank shot (Sami Whitcomb assists)
- 4th Quarter77-72Olivia Miles makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter77-74Eliska Hamzova makes running layup (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter78-74Valeriane Ayayi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter79-74Valeriane Ayayi makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter79-77Olivia Miles makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter79-80Olivia Miles makes 28-foot three point jumper (Natasha Howard assists)
- 4th Quarter81-80Alyssa Thomas makes 1-foot layup (DeWanna Bonner assists)
- 4th Quarter81-82Eliska Hamzova makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter83-82Kahleah Copper makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter83-83Kayla McBride makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter83-84Kayla McBride makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter85-84Kahleah Copper makes 18-foot pullup jump shot (DeWanna Bonner assists)
- 4th Quarter85-85Eliska Hamzova makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter85-86Eliska Hamzova makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-86Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-86Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-87Kayla McBride makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter87-88Kayla McBride makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter87-89Kayla McBride makes free throw 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter88-89Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-89Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-92Kayla McBride makes 25-foot three point jumper (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter89-93Olivia Miles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-94Olivia Miles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter92-94Sami Whitcomb makes 25-foot three point jumper (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter92-96Olivia Miles makes 3-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter93-96Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-96Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-96Monique Akoa Makani makes running layup (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter96-97Olivia Miles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-98Olivia Miles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-98DeWanna Bonner makes 15-foot pullup jump shot (Monique Akoa Makani assists)
- 4th Quarter98-101Kayla McBride makes 22-foot three point jumper (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter100-101Monique Akoa Makani makes 17-foot jumper (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter100-103Natasha Howard makes 2-foot layup (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter100-104Olivia Miles makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Minnesota Lynx, below favours Phoenix Mercury.
Venue
- Target CenterMinneapolis, MN
- Attendance10221
- OfficialsFatou Cissoko-Stephens, Charles Watson, Kelly Broomfield
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- 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
- Mercury Triumph in Overtime Against LynxSep 23, 2025