Minnesota Lynx hold off Phoenix Mercury comeback in Game 1 of WNBA playoffs

The Phoenix Mercury erased a 23-point deficit against the Minnesota Lynx, but surrendered 10 points in the final minute to lose 102-95 in Game 1 of the first round of the WNBA playoffs in Minneapolis Sunday.

The Mercury fell to a 56-42 deficit at halftime, but attacked the Lynx from the 3 to start the second half, shooting seven 3-pointers to outscore the Lynx 27-21 in the third quarter.

Led by Natasha Cloud and Kahleah Copper’s 19 points, the Mercury closed the gap in the fourth quarter and regained the lead at 4:44 in the fourth, their first lead since 9:14 in the first quarter.

From there, both teams traded baskets until Bridget Carleton hit a big 3 with 39 seconds left to give the Lynx more breathing room. The Mercury were held to one field goal in the final minute.

Napheesa Collier posted a remarkable performance, scoring 38 points and grabbing six rebounds. She went 11-of-19, only trailing Cloud for the most field goals made.

Cloud’s efforts lifted the Mercury as she led with 33 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds. Diana Taurasi had another big playoff performance, adding 21 points and making five 3-pointers. Copper finished with 16 points.

The Lynx were hard to defend from the 3-point line in the first half, sinking six 3s on 14 attempts (42.9%). The Lynx still were proficient in the second half, shooting 40% (4-for-10). However, the Mercury pressured from the 3 with 14 3-pointers on 27 attempts (51.9%).

The Lynx earned more trips to the free throw line, shooting 24-for-25.

The Lynx have a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series and can advance to the semifinals at Target Center on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., in Game 2.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Lynx spoil Mercury’s comeback in Game 1 of playoffs