Lynx Stay Perfect at Home, Beat Mercury 79-66 Ahead of All-Star Break

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Kayla McBride led the way with 18 points as the Minnesota Lynx remained unbeaten at home, defeating the Phoenix Mercury 79-66 on Wednesday to head into the All-Star break with a 12-0 home record.

The Lynx (20-4) held a narrow 37-33 lead at halftime before catching fire in the third quarter. They drained 3-pointers on three consecutive possessions, stretching the lead to 57-44. While Phoenix started the second half strong—hitting four of their first five shots—they went cold, missing six straight as Minnesota pulled away.

Jessica Shepard capped the dominant third quarter with a one-handed putback at the buzzer, giving Minnesota a 64-49 advantage. The Lynx hit five triples in the quarter and outscored the Mercury 27-16.

Napheesa Collier scored eight of her 10 points during that third-quarter surge, while Alanna Smith added 11 points. Courtney Williams contributed across the board with 12 points, seven rebounds, and five assists—her seventh straight game with five or more assists.

For Phoenix (15-7), Alyssa Thomas led with 12 points and nine assists. Kalani Brown posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, and DeWanna Bonner also had 11 points, shooting 5-of-12 from the field.

Minnesota’s defense was once again a difference-maker, holding an opponent under 40% shooting for the 11th time this season. The Mercury shot just 35.7% from the field (25-for-70).