The Phoenix Mercury have a tough battle on their hands. They are facing the Minnesota Lynx, which is a team that reached the WNBA Finals last year. They also beat the Mercury in the playoffs that year. Then, they had an incredible regular season where they lost very few home games.
Minnesota picked up a big win over Phoenix, and after sweeping the Golden State Valkyries, they now have a 1-0 lead in this series.
Phoenix has a chance to pick up a win in Game 2, and in order for that to happen, they need their best players.
Kahleah Copper was the team’s leading scorer in the first game, as she finished the game with 22 points. She is a strong scorer, and when the Mercury need her, she answers the call.
Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) shoots the ball against the Minnesota Lynx in the second half during game one of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images / Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
This is going to be a difficult series for Phoenix, and if they want to pick up a win in the next game, Copper has to be involved. It does not matter if she is the team’s leading scorer, or one of their players in double figures while someone like Satou Sabally leads, Copper will still be involved.
Sabally was one of four players who scored in double figures for the Mercury in the first game. She had 10 points, and she also had six rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Lynx in the second half during game one of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images / Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Phoenix’s star forward is also a great scorer, and when she gets going, the Mercury are at their best. She had a big double-double in Game 3 of the Liberty series, and if she performs like that at some point in the series, Phoenix can pick up a victory.
DeWanna Bonner had a quiet night offensively, as she went scoreless in this game. While she did have nine rebounds and two assists, the Mercury will need more from her. Phoenix’s bench may be the key to this series, and Bonner plays a major role in their success. If Bonner, Sami Whitcomb and others are scoring off the bench, the Mercury put themselves in a position to win.
Sep 19, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) and Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) react after a foul call against the New York Liberty during the first half of game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The Mercury want to tie the series in the next game, and if these three players have good games, they can get a victory.
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