Defense, Courtney Williams Spark Lynx To Semi’s Game 1 W

It was truly the tale of two halves Sunday night for the Minnesota Lynx. In a game in which the WNBA’s top seeded playoff club gave up 47 points in the first half (18 on countless powerful drives from Phoenix all-star Alyssa Thomas), the gritty squad bounced back with a dominant second half performance on the defensive end, holding the surging Phoenix Mercury to a paltry 22 points in the Lynx’s 82-69 Game 1 victory.

“After we settled in after setting record in the wrong direction, we spent all of halftime trying to figure out how we could defend better and defend the paint and address what their concerns were,” explained Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve. “It was a collaborative effort, I asked them what they wanted to do in some of the schemes, so it was collaborative.”

Collaborative it was, indeed.

The Lynx held Thomas to just two second half points and did a remarkable job of keeping one of the W’s post powerful guards out of the paint. Phoenix, who ranked 5th in the W regular season in 3-pointers made (414 3PTM) and 6th in 3-point percentage (34 percent) were held to an abysmal 3-of-23 from 3-point range. The key to victory wasn’t all defense, though.

The three headed monster of Napheesa Collier (18 points, 9 rebounds), Kayla McBride (21 points, 6 rebounds with 4 3PTM), and Courtney Williams (23 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 steals) combined for 62 points. The impact that Natisha Hiedeman‘s change of pace and ability to get into the paint had, as well as Maria Kliundikova’s +14 in limited minutes, made a much bigger impact than the box score indicated. Just as big of an intangible was the infectious energy Courtney Williams brought to both ends of the floor.

“When we’re able to have spurts like that and she’s getting to her pull-up, it gives us energy as a group. That’s her bread and butter,” Lynx five time all-star Kayla McBride said of Williams. “When she’s out there hooping and confident, it’s contagious and it’s a lot of fun out there hooping, playing the game within the game.”

Courtney Williams today 🔥

• 23 points • 8 rebounds • 7 assists • 5 steals• 11/19 FG• 33 minutes playedpic.twitter.com/oJD9KhEX7M

— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) September 21, 2025

Reeve added: “She was in the conversation at halftime, and she was like ‘can we try this, can we do this’… so she kind of put her money where her mouth is. She was our deflections winner, career high five steals, tied a franchise record in steals…Court was terrific.”

The group effort of McBride, Williams, and Collier opened up things for everyone on the floor throughout the game. Whether it be Kayla’s threat as a shooter or ability to turn corner off pindowns, Williams’ ability to get into the paint or automatic pull-up jumper, or Collier’s ability to score all over the court and constantly command a double team, it makes that game that much easier for everyone. There are obviously going to be highs and lows within a playoff game, but the confidence Reeve has in her team gives them the players confidence to keep letting it fly no matter what the situation may be.

“You know that’s my dog, so I feel we have a very genuine, very real relationship,” Williams said of her relationship with Reeve. “Sometimes we butt heads but, it’s like your family, right? You always figure it out and that’s what we do. So that’s my dog”

Minnesota Lynx vs Phoenix Mercury game 2 will be on Tuesday September 23rd at 7:30 PM EST on ESPN