The Phoenix Mercury are back home in action tonight to host the Minnesota Lynx to kick off a four-game homestand. Phoenix is 1-1 to start the season, most recently losing to the Golden State Valkyries 95-79. In their season opener, they blew out the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces, 99-66.
Minnesota, on the other hand, came up one point short in a 91-90 loss against the Atlanta Dream at home opener and are now looking to return to winning ways as they hit the road for their first away game of the season.
The Mercury have been impressive. Against Las Vegas, all their starters scored in double figures. Alyssa Thomas led the way with 20 points, nine assists and six rebounds. Serbian Jovana Nogic had 19 points in her WNBA debut. DeWanna Bonner and Kahleah Copper combined for 26 points, while Natasha Mack added 10 points and 15 rebounds.
That same pattern almost continued in the game against the Valkyrie, except Bonner was the lone starter not to hit double figures in the loss. Nate Tibbetts has a young and talented roster supplemented by strong veterans, and the squad looks poised to make a similar run to last year when they reached the WNBA Finals.
The Lynx, on the other hand, were given a dose of reality without Napheesa Collier, dropping their season and home opener to the Atlanta Dream. They blew a late 19-point lead, spoiling a strong debut for rookie Olivia Miles, who led the team with 21 points. Kayla McBride had 20 points, while Courtney Williams added 14 points. Minnesota free agent signing Emma Cechova also impressed in her debut with 12 points off the bench.
The team added several veteran pieces despite losing most of the starters from last season, but with such a young core, it will take time before they are truly contenders. It will be interesting to see how they respond tonight.
Minnesota Lynx vs Phoenix Mercury Injury Reports
Minnesota Lynx Injury Report
The Lynx have listed Dorka Juhasz and Napheesa Collier as out. Juhasz is sidelined with a foot strain, while Collier is nursing an ankle injury.
Phoenix Mercury Injury Report
The Mercury have ruled Sami Whitcomb out for four to six weeks as she is set to undergo knee surgery.
Minnesota Lynx vs Phoenix Mercury Starting Lineups
Minnesota Lynx Starting Lineup
PG: Olivia Miles, SG: Courtney Williams, SF: Kayla McBride, PF: Nia Coffey, C: Natasha Howard
Phoenix Mercury Starting Lineup
PG: Jovana Nogic, SG: Kahleah Copper, SF: DeWanna Bonner, PF: Alyssa Thomas, C: Natasha Mack
How to Watch Minnesota Lynx vs Phoenix Mercury
Tonight’s game will be on Arizona’s Family 3TV and Victory+ Sports Network, with a 10:00 PM ET tipoff. Fans can also catch the action via live streaming on the WNBA app and WNBA League Pass.
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