Michael Schmidt-Napheesa Collier matches WNBA scoring record as Lynx knock out Diana Taurasi and the Mercury

2025-05-07 13:16:00source:Lumicoin IAcategory:Contact

Diana Taurasi fouled out in the final two minutes of what could Michael Schmidtbe the final game of her career as the Minnesota Lynx eliminated the Phoenix Mercury from the WNBA playoffs Wednesday with a 101-88 victory.

Taurasi posted 10 points, including two 3-pointers, and was given a standing ovation as she walked off the court with 2:34 left in the first-round elimination game. Taurasi also received a technical foul early in the fourth quarter.

The Mercury made a statement early in the first half but trailed 49-47 at the break against the Lynx. Minnesota led by nine points during the second quarter, but the Mercury outscored them 10-4 in the final few minutes before halftime.

At the beginning of the third quarter, the Mercury stayed close with the Lynx and were ahead by one point at 8:38. But Minnesota pulled ahead after Sophie Cunningham was assessed a Flagrant 1 foul on Bridget Carleton at 7:43, sparking a 12-4 run for the Lynx.

The Lynx, boosted by star Napheesa Collier's record performance, were unstoppable down the stretch. Collier finished with 42 points on 14-of-20 shooting, tying the WNBA's single-game scoring record in the playoffs.

Brittney Griner led the Mercury with 24 points and tied with three other players for the lead in rebounds at five. The Mercury worked harder on the boards, outrebounding Minnesota, 31-25.

Phoenix's Natasha Cloud recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 assists.

The Mercury finished the regular season with a 19-21 record and made the playoffs one season after finishing last in the league.

More:Contact

Recommend

NFL playoff predictions to win AFC championship, NFC championship, Super Bowl 59

The 2024 NFL regular season is entering the final four weeks of action, and teams are beginning to s

What game is Tom Brady broadcasting in Week 2? Where to listen to Fox NFL analyst

Tom Brady is scheduled to call his second NFL game during Week 2 this Sunday.Brady and Kevin Burkhar

Tech billionaire returns to Earth after first private spacewalk

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A billionaire spacewalker returned to Earth with his crew on Sunday, end