Napheesa Collier tied a WNBA playoff record by scoring 42 points in a single game, leading the Minnesota Lynx to a 101-88 victory over the Phoenix Mercury in Minneapolis on Wednesday night.
Collier equaled the record set by Breanna Stewart and Angel McCoughtry when she made a free throw with 3:18 left in the fourth quarter, finishing with just two misses out of 14 attempts from the line. She was subbed out with less than a minute remaining.
With 38 points in Game 1, Collier became the first player in WNBA history to score 38 or more points in consecutive playoff games. She also set a new WNBA record for total points (80) in a two-game playoff stretch. Collier reached the 38-point mark in Game 2 with 5:55 left in the fourth quarter.
Minnesota will face Connecticut on Sunday, as Connecticut secured its sixth consecutive semifinals appearance with an 87-81 win over Indiana on Wednesday.
Other notable scorers for Minnesota included Kayla McBride with 15 points, Bridget Carleton and Alanna Smith each with 12 points, and Courtney Williams with 11 points.
For Phoenix, Brittney Griner scored 24 points and Diana Taurasi added 10 before fouling out late in the game. Taurasi received a standing ovation from the Minnesota crowd and shared a handshake with Collier.
Although Taurasi has not confirmed if this is her last WNBA season, Phoenix recognized her at their final home regular-season game.
Collier led Minnesota’s offense with 11 first-quarter points, finishing the first half with 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting to give Minnesota a narrow 49-47 lead at halftime. The rest of her team combined to hit just 10 of their 26 attempts.
In the third quarter, after a review, Sophie Cunningham of Phoenix was given a Flagrant 1 foul and Williams received a technical foul. Following the commotion, McBride sank a three-pointer to extend Minnesota’s lead to 58-53.
Williams pushed Minnesota’s lead to double digits in the third quarter with a score of 72-60 with 2:17 left. The Lynx maintained a double-digit lead throughout the final quarter.
This victory brought Minnesota’s record against Phoenix this season to 5-1.
Collier’s streak of three consecutive playoff games with at least 30 points ties the WNBA record set by A’ja Wilson, following her 31-point performance in Game 3 against Connecticut last season.
Sun eliminate Caitlin Clark, Fever
Connecticut’s Alyssa Thomas contributed 19 points and 13 assists to help the Sun sweep Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever out of the playoffs with an 87-81 win in Uncasville, Connecticut.
This win marked a departure from previous seasons, where the Sun had to win a decisive third game on the road in the first round to advance under the league’s previous playoff format.
Clark improved her performance in Game 2, finishing with 25 points and nine assists, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory for Indiana.
Despite a valiant effort from Indiana, the Sun advanced to face Minnesota in the upcoming semifinals starting Sunday.
Additional contributors for Indiana included Aliyah Boston with 16 points and 19 rebounds, showcasing a strong performance on the court.
The game was marked by intense moments and key plays, with DeWanna Bonner making a crucial three-pointer to secure the win for the Sun.
Both teams battled fiercely, trading baskets and maintaining a competitive spirit throughout the game.
The Sun’s resilience and determination ultimately earned them a well-deserved victory.
The game showcased the competitive spirit and talent of both teams, demonstrating the intensity and excitement of WNBA playoff basketball.
Fans can look forward to more thrilling matchups and standout performances as the WNBA playoffs continue.
— The Associated Press
