The Phoenix Mercury have a 2-1 lead over the Minnesota Lynx, and it didn’t even take a 20-point comeback this time.
In front of a raucous PHX Arena crowd, the Mercury won Game 3 84-76 on Friday to take over a series that was previously slipping through his hands after seven quarters. In a game with 15 lead changes, no team ever led by double digits.
The Mercury’s physicality ultimately proved the difference, outrebounding Minnesota 37-29. Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper all topped 20 points, with Thomas also posting nine rebounds, eight assists, four steals and two blocks.
It was once again a disastrous ending for the Lynx. The louder problem was head coach Cheryl Reeve needing to be held back as she was ejected from the game in the final minute, but the bigger concern going forward will be Napheesa Collier leaving the court with an apparent ankle injury around the same time.
Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday evening in Phoenix.