WNBA Thursday Night
Minnesota Lynx vs Phoenix Mercury
The Minnesota Lynx open their 10th consecutive appearance in the WNBA Playoffs with a second-round matchup against the Phoenix Mercury, who advanced to the second round thanks to Shey Peddy’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer to knock out the defending champs. Minnesota’s 10-year streak of playoff appearances is tied with Seattle (2004-13) as the second-longest in league history, trailing only Indiana (2005-16). The Lynx have the longest active streak, followed by the Sparks (9) and the Mercury (8).
In two games against the Mercury this season, rookie Crystal Dangerfield led the Lynx in scoring (19.5 PPG), while sophomore Napheesa Collier was second in scoring (16.5) and led the Lynx in rebounds (7.5), assists (5.0), steals (3.5) and blocks (2.0).
In two games against the Lynx this season, Skylar Diggins-Smith averaged 23.0 points and 3.0 assists but also averaged 5.5 turnovers, matching her highest mark against any opponent this season. Diana Taurasi averaged 18.5 points and 7.0 rebounds, but shot just 33.3% from the field and 25% from three, with the latter percentage matching her lowest mark against any opponent this season. Brianna Turner led the Mercury in rebounds (12.0 RPG), steals (3.0) and blocks (4.0) against Minnesota.
In two games against the Mercury this season, rookie Crystal Dangerfield led the Lynx in scoring (19.5 PPG), while sophomore Napheesa Collier was second in scoring (16.5) and led the Lynx in rebounds (7.5), assists (5.0), steals (3.5) and blocks (2.0).
In two games against the Lynx this season, Skylar Diggins-Smith averaged 23.0 points and 3.0 assists but also averaged 5.5 turnovers, matching her highest mark against any opponent this season. Diana Taurasi averaged 18.5 points and 7.0 rebounds, but shot just 33.3% from the field and 25% from three, with the latter percentage matching her lowest mark against any opponent this season. Brianna Turner led the Mercury in rebounds (12.0 RPG), steals (3.0) and blocks (4.0) against Minnesota.