Natisha Hiedeman sank a crucial three-point shot with 5.5 seconds remaining, lifting the Minnesota Lynx to a 74-71 win against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night. This key basket preserved the Lynx’s perfect 6-0 record despite the absence of their star player Napheesa Collier, who missed the game with a knee injury.
Strong Contributions from Lynx Players Keep Them Ahead
Alongside Hiedeman’s nine points, Kayla McBride led Minnesota with 20 points, and Alanna Smith added 19. Courtney Williams contributed across multiple facets, finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. These performances were vital in maintaining the Lynx’s composure and momentum during the tightly contested match.
Sabally Stands Out for Phoenix Despite Team Challenges
Satou Sabally carried the offensive load for the Mercury, scoring 26 points with 11 rebounds and three steals. Phoenix, missing their star Alyssa Thomas due to a calf injury, also saw Kalani Brown add 15 points and Sami Whitcomb tally 13 points with six assists. Despite these efforts, Phoenix struggled from long range and ultimately fell short in the final moments.
Crucial Moments in Final Minute Decide the Outcome
With the game tied at 71 following a three-pointer by Williams with under a minute left, Phoenix had the opportunity to set up a last shot. However, Whitcomb’s errant pass was intercepted by McBride with 13.6 seconds remaining. Quickly advancing the ball, Williams found Hiedeman wide open, who then converted the decisive three-pointer. Whitcomb’s desperation attempt from beyond the arc after that missed its mark, and Bridget Carleton secured the rebound to clinch the result for Minnesota.
Game Progression Marked by Shifting Leads and Defensive Stands
Earlier in the fourth quarter, Lexi Held gave Phoenix a 65-60 advantage with a jump shot, but the Mercury endured a scoring drought for nearly four minutes as the Lynx rallied to take the lead. Hiedeman, Jessica Shepard on a putback, and Williams with a midrange shot pushed Minnesota ahead 66-65 with around three and a half minutes left. Sabally then responded with consecutive layups to regain a slim Phoenix lead, but Minnesota’s resilience prevailed in the closing seconds.
Strong First Half Sets the Tone for a Competitive Duel
The Mercury held a narrow one-point halftime lead, 39-38, thanks largely to Sabally’s 12 first-half points. McBride was the top scorer for Minnesota at the break with 17 points. In the third quarter, Phoenix extended its lead to 49-43, but Smith’s late surge in the quarter, including seven straight points, brought Minnesota back within reach heading into the final period.
Significance of the Win for Minnesota Lynx’s Season Outlook
By winning without Napheesa Collier, the Lynx demonstrated considerable depth and determination, with the Natisha Hiedeman game-winning three-pointer symbolizing their capacity to perform under pressure. Maintaining an undefeated record bolsters their confidence and positions them strongly as the season progresses. Meanwhile, Phoenix will need to regroup and find solutions to overcome critical moments in close games, especially given the impact of missing key players like Alyssa Thomas.