By: Jennifer Portee
5/13/2026
The Minnesota Lynx showed poise under pressure Tuesday night, closing strong to secure an 88-84 win over the Phoenix Mercury in a tightly contested matchup defined by late-game execution.
With the game on the line, Nia Coffey delivered the dagger a wide-open three-pointer with 25.6 seconds left that pushed Minnesota ahead by four. The play started with rookie Olivia Miles, who continues to look more comfortable by the game. She drove with confidence, drew the defense in, and kicked it out to Coffey, who knocked down her third three of the night without a second thought.
And Miles wasn’t finished making winning plays. On the very next possession, she tracked down a crucial rebound off a Phoenix miss, then stepped to the line and calmly hit one of two free throws to help seal it.
Minnesota didn’t rely on just one player they got production from everywhere when they needed it. Natasha Howard led the interior with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Coffey added a double-double of her own with 13 points and 10 boards. Miles filled the stat sheet with 13 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, continuing to establish herself as a all-around playmaker. Kayla McBride chipped in 14 points, and both Courtney Williams and Emma Cechova contributed 11 apiece.
Phoenix, despite the loss, had standout performances of its own. Kahleah Copper had a game-high 30 points, attacking aggressively and going 10-for-13 from the free-throw line. DeWanna Bonner added 16 points, and Alyssa Thomas contributed 10 points and eight assists. Natasha Mack controlled the glass with 10 rebounds alongside nine points.
The Mercury controlled much of the first half, building a 45-41 lead behind hot perimeter shooting seven of their 14 first-half field goals came from beyond the arc. But that rhythm didn’t carry over. Phoenix managed just two three-pointers after halftime and finished 23-for-33 (70%) from the line, leaving key opportunities on the table.
What makes it even more impressive Minnesota is doing all of this without Napheesa Collier, still sidelined as she recovers from ankle surgery. With her expected to be out until at least early June, the Lynx are leaning into depth, chemistry, and timely execution and it paid off in this one.
Next up, Minnesota heads to Dallas looking to build momentum, while Phoenix returns home to host Chicago as it searches for consistency early in the season.