WNBA playoffs: Mercury surge to take 2-1 lead over Lynx as Napheesa Collier exits with injury in final minute

That was a bad, bad ending for the Lynx.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 26: Kathryn Westbeld #24 of the Phoenix Mercury celebrates with Kahleah Copper #2 after a three-point shot against the Minnesota Lynx during the first half of Game Three of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at PHX Arena on September 26, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Mercury are halfway to stunning the Lynx. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Christian Petersen via Getty Images

The Phoenix Mercury have a 2-1 lead over the Minnesota Lynx, and it didn't even take a 20-point comeback this time.

In front of a raucous PHX Arena crowd, the Mercury won Game 3 84-76 on Friday to take over a series that was previously slipping through his hands after seven quarters. In a game with 15 lead changes, no team ever led by double digits.

The Mercury's physicality ultimately proved the difference, outrebounding Minnesota 37-29. Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper all topped 20 points, with Thomas also posting nine rebounds, eight assists, four steals and two blocks.

It was once again a disastrous ending for the Lynx. The louder problem was head coach Cheryl Reeve needing to be held back as she was ejected from the game in the final minute, but the bigger concern going forward will be Napheesa Collier leaving the court with an apparent ankle injury around the same time.

Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday evening in Phoenix.

Category: General Sports