Looking to return to the WNBA finals – and this time come out on top – the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx should be well-rested as they host the Phoenix Mercury in the opening game of their semifinal playoff series on Sunday, Sept. 21.
Minnesota completed a first-round sweep of the Golden State Valkyries, rallying from a 17-point deficit for a 75-74 victory on Sept. 17. Meanwhile, the No 4-seeded Mercury had to win a decisive Game 3 against the defending champion New York Liberty, which they did 79-73 on Friday.
Both teams are led by finalists for league MVP honors. Minnesota forward Napheesa Collier just became the second player in WNBA history to shoot at least 50% from the field, 40% from 3-point range and 90% from the free-throw line in a single season.
Meanwhile, Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas is coming off a record fifth career triple-double in the playoffs after tallying 20 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists against the Liberty. ‘We aren’t ready for this to be over,’ Thomas said postgame. ‘We got a special group, we want to keep playing.’
What time is Phoenix Mercury at Minnesota Lynx?
The Minnesota Lynx host the Phoenix Mercury in the opening game of their WNBA playoff semifinal series at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 21, at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
How to watch Phoenix Mercury at Minnesota Lynx: TV, stream
Time: 5 p.m. ET
Location: Target Center (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
TV channel: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN+, Disney+, Fubo (free trial to new subscriber
Phoenix Mercury starting lineup
Head coach: Nate Tibbetts
25 Alyssa Thomas | F 6′ 2′ – Maryland
0 Satou Sabally | F 6′ 4′ – Oregon
2 Kahleah Copper | G 6′ 1′ – Rutgers
4 Natasha Mack | C 6′ 4′ – Oklahoma State
8 Monique Akoa Makani | G 5′ 11′ – Cameroon
Minnesota Lynx starting lineup
Head coach: Cheryl Reeve
24 Napheesa Collier | F 6′ 1′ – UConn
6 Bridget Carleton | F 6′ 2′ – Iowa State
8 Alanna Smith | F 6′ 4′ – Stanford
10 Courtney Williams | G 5′ 8′ – South Florida
21 Kayla McBride | G 5′ 11′ – Notre Dame
Mercury arrivals
Alyssa Thomas in stripes.
Lynx arrivals
Napheesa Collier serving in Jordan
StudBudz salute
Minnesota Lynx vs. Phoenix Mercury: WNBA playoffs schedule
All times Eastern
Game 1: Mercury at Lynx — Sunday, Sept. 21, 5 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo
Game 2: Mercury at Lynx — Tuesday, Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo
Game 3: Lynx at Mercury — Friday, Sept. 26, 9:30 p.m. | ESPN2, Fubo
Game 4: Lynx at Mercury — Sunday, Sept. 28, Time TBD | Broadcast details TBD (if necessary)
Game 5: Mercury at Lynx — Tuesday, Sept. 30, Time TBD | Broadcast details TBD (if necessary)