The WNBA postseason has been nothing short of dramatic. After a historic comeback victory to even the series up, the Lynx try to regroup as they travel to the desert to take on the red-hot Phoenix Mercury.
Behind Thomas, Sabally, and Copper, expect Phoenix to hang in there this game with all the momentum on their side.
Copper has had an up-and-down postseason thus far, averaging 14.2 PPG on just 41% shooting from the field in Phoenix’s five games. With that being said, she is averaging 34 minutes per contest, and the team still trusts her to make some big-time plays down the stretch of games with the ball in her hands.
Kahleah has hit this mark three times this postseason while serving as the focal point of the offense when Sabally isn’t getting to her spots. Copper is an experienced player in the clutch, and with 30 career playoff games, I’m trusting her to get to her spots tonight and knock down some key shots as Phoenix tries to battle to take control of this series.
Collier’s efficiency has slightly dropped since the regular season from beyond the arc, shooting less than 30% from range. With that being said, the MVP candidate can impact the game in a variety of ways and during their finals run last season, averaged a playoff career-high 3.3 APG for the Lynx.
With shooters surrounding her, I expect the ball to stick in Collier’s hands tonight as the Lynx try to go up 2-1 away from home. This postseason, Napheesa has gone for 22/28/20/25 points & assists. Look for her to branch out as a playmaker tonight.
After a massive away come-from-behind victory, the Phoenix Mercury have put themselves in position for a trip to the WNBA Finals behind a completely revamped squad that is led by a superstar trio of Thomas, Sabally, and Copper, mixed with a perfect storm of role shooters and defenders.
Minnesota was caught on the wrong side of history last game, and that momentum might continue into tonight’s game in Phoenix. The Mercury are 15-7 in the desert this season, and Minnesota has struggled to separate itself from any other team this postseason.
With a one-possession win to escape Golden State, and now, a devastating loss to a Phoenix team that just needs to get hot from beyond the arc to dominate opponents offensively. I’m taking Phoenix and their coaching and bench depth to keep it close and potentially take a series lead.