Lynx-Phoenix game preview

A challenging back-to-back awaits the Lynx at IMG Academy.

August 30, 2020 at 4:51AM
Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) is congratulated by center Brittney Griner, left, and Skylar Diggins-Smith (4) after scoring a basket during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Sparks, Saturday, July 25, 2020, in Ellenton, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Phoenix guard Diana Taurasi was congratulated by center Brittney Griner, left, and Skylar Diggins-Smith after scoring a basket against the Sparks last month. (Ken Chia — AP/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

5 p.m. vs. Phoenix in Bradenton, Fla. • FSN

Lynx update: This is the first game in a back-to-back that includes a Monday night game with Los Angeles. And it is the start of a very difficult stretch run of the season that includes looming rematches with Chicago and Seattle. G Odyssey Sims came off the bench to score 17 points with nine assists and seven rebounds Friday. Crystal Dangerfield had 23 points, her fourth 20-plus point game of the season, the most by a Lynx rookie since Maya Moore had five in 2011. F Napheesa Collier had her fourth double-double of the season Friday. In her past six games she has averaged 20.3 points and 10.3 rebounds.

Mercury update: Phoenix is 2-1 since C Brittney Griner left the team for personal reasons. That includes a 90-80 loss to the Lynx on Aug. 21. Since then the Mercury has back-to-back wins over Washington. G Diana Taurasi had 34 points in a one-point victory over the Mystics last Sunday. G Skylar Diggins-Smith had 24 vs. Washington in a blowout win Friday. The two wins have pushed Phoenix to a winning record at 8-2 with its first winning streak since Aug. 6.

Injury report: G Bria Hartley (knee) is out for Phoenix. F Nia Coffey is questionable (hand), F Jessica Breland (medical exemption for season) and Griner (personal) are out. Lynx C Sylvia Fowles (calf ) is out.

Kent Youngblood

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