Lynx-Mercury Game 2 preview: TV-radio information, injury report, key players

The second game of the best-of-three WNBA playoff series is Wednesday night at Target Center.

The Minnesota Star Tribune
September 24, 2024 at 7:51PM
Lynx forward Napheesa Collier had 38 points in Minnesota's Game 1 win over the Phoenix Mercury. (Richard Tsong-Taatariii/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Phoenix Mercury at Lynx

WNBA first-round best-of-three playoff series

Game 1: Lynx 102, Mercury 95

Game 2: Wednesday, 8:30 p.m., Target Center

Game 3: (if necessary) at Phoenix, time TBA

Game 2 preview

TV, radio: ESPN, 100.3-FM.

Opening bell:. The Lynx were able to win Game 1, despite losing a 23-point first-half lead, thanks to a 24-7 edge in free throws made. That made up for Phoenix hitting more field goals, shooting better than any Lynx opponent this year and hitting 14 three-pointers. The first game was an offensive display, one the Lynx closed out with an 11-3 run. The Lynx are now 4-1 vs. the Mercury this season.

Watch her: Napheesa Collier’s 38 points Sunday were a career high and the second-most by a Lynx player in franchise history. Collier, who turned 28 Monday, made 11 of 19 shots, had six rebounds, four assists and a block. She also hit 13 of 14 free throws, tying Seimone Augustus for most makes by a Lynx player in the playoffs.

Injuries: For the Mercury, Rebecca Allen (back surgery) is out.

Forecast: The Lynx will need to play better defense to prevent a Game 3. That starts with doing a better job on Natasha Cloud, who scored 33 points with 10 assists.

about the writer

Kent Youngblood

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Kent Youngblood has covered sports for the Star Tribune for more than 20 years.

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