Courtney Williams leads Lynx to crucial Game 1 victory over Mercury
- Minnesota Lynx demonstrated a strong comeback after trailing at halftime, ultimately securing a win over Phoenix Mercury.
- Courtney Williams excelled offensively, scoring a game-high 23 points and leading crucial defensive efforts in the second half.
- The victory sets the Lynx on a promising path in the best-of-five semifinal series, with Game 2 approaching.
On September 21, 2025, the Minnesota Lynx faced the Phoenix Mercury in Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals held in Minneapolis. Despite facing a seven-point deficit at halftime, the Lynx rallied in the second half, showcasing exceptional performances from Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, and Napheesa Collier. The game marked a significant moment for the Lynx, as they capitalized on a strong defensive shift that limited the Mercury to only 22 points in the second half. Williams's five steals and ability to deliver crucial shots contributed to the Lynx’s 82-69 win, establishing a strong start in the best-of-five semifinal series. The game's first half saw the Lynx struggling defensively, allowing the Mercury to score 42 of their 47 points in the paint. This prompted a halftime discussion among the Lynx players on how to adjust their defense. Williams emerged as a leader during this conversation, which proved vital in the second half as the Lynx applied more pressure on the Mercury. McBride's three-point shot with under four minutes remaining solidified the lead for Minnesota, demonstrating the importance of their collective efforts to overcome the first-half challenges. Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with 22 points, demonstrating her scoring ability, but it was not enough to secure a win for her team. The Mercury had recently played a challenging series against the defending champion New York Liberty, and despite the quick turnaround, they came into the game looking to exploit the Lynx’s weaknesses. However, the Lynx's previous encounters with the Mercury, where they had won three out of four matchups in the regular season, seemingly prepared them for this battle. The return of a healthy Mercury lineup added complexity to the game, but ultimately, Minnesota's strategy proved successful. As the series progresses into Game 2, scheduled for Tuesday in Minneapolis, both teams will be looking to adapt based on the developments from Game 1. The Lynx’s impressive recovery and determined performance set a challenging precedent for the Mercury, while Phoenix will need to refocus and revamp its strategy to contend with the Lynx’s rising momentum in the semifinals.