The Phoenix Mercury pulled off one of the most dramatic comebacks in WNBA playoff history, erasing a 20-point deficit to beat the Minnesota Lynx 89-83 in overtime on Tuesday night. The Game 2 win in Minneapolis evened the best-of-five semifinal series at 1-1, shifting momentum firmly in Phoenix’s favor.
Sabally and Thomas Lead the Charge
Satou Sabally delivered under pressure, scoring 24 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Eleven of those points came in the fourth quarter as Phoenix clawed its way back into contention. Alyssa Thomas nearly recorded another triple-double, finishing with 19 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds while keeping the Mercury’s offense alive during their late surge.
Sami Whitcomb’s clutch three-pointer from the left wing with just 4.3 seconds remaining tied the game at 79-all, stunning the Target Center crowd. On the other end, Napheesa Collier’s potential game-winner rimmed out, sending the contest into overtime.
Overtime Belongs to Phoenix
In the extra frame, Phoenix struck first and never looked back. Thomas opened overtime with a jumper, before Kahleah Copper buried a corner three to extend the lead to six. From there, the Mercury controlled the pace, outscoring Minnesota 10-4 to seal a statement win.
The rally was the third-largest comeback in WNBA postseason history and marked Phoenix’s first-ever playoff victory in Minnesota after ten straight losses.
Lynx Let It Slip
For much of the game, the Lynx appeared poised to take a commanding 2-0 series lead. Collier scored 24 points on her 29th birthday, while Kayla McBride (21 points) and Courtney Williams (20 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds) carried the offense. Alanna Smith added 13 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.
Minnesota led 59-39 midway through the third quarter and still held a late five-point cushion in regulation. But a string of unforced turnovers, missed assignments, and a costly five-second violation opened the door for Phoenix’s comeback.
“They ripped the game from us,” admitted Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve. “We just didn’t maintain our composure.”
A Defining Win for Phoenix
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts praised his team’s resilience.
“A lot of teams would’ve packed it in,” Tibbetts said. “But our group showed fight. That’s who we are.”
The win not only resets the series but also highlights Phoenix’s depth. The Mercury bench outscored Minnesota’s reserves 25-3, a decisive factor in the outcome.
The action now shifts to Phoenix, where the Mercury will host Game 3 on Friday night with the series tied and everything to play for.