WNBA Playoffs: Lynx Advance, Mercury Force Game 3

Last night’s WNBA playoff action delivered a mix of nail-biting finishes and dominant performances, with one team punching its ticket to the semifinals and another series getting sent to a decisive Game 3.

Minnesota Lynx 75, Golden State Valkyries 74

In a thrilling, down-to-the-wire contest, the No. 1 Minnesota Lynx survived a massive scare from the No. 8 Golden State Valkyries, securing a 75-74 victory to sweep their best-of-three series.

• • Minnesota’s resilience — The Lynx showed why they’re the top seed, bouncing back from a big deficit to close out the Valkyries in tight, gritty fashion. Their composure down the stretch in Game 2 was critical.

  • Game Recap: The Valkyries came out hot, jumping to a 17-point lead in the third quarter and appearing poised to force a Game 3. However, the top-seeded Lynx mounted a furious comeback. Led by Napheesa Collier’s 24 points and a crucial go-ahead jumper with just over a minute left, Minnesota chipped away at the lead. Ultimately, they held on for a one-point victory, ending the Valkyries’ impressive inaugural season.

Phoenix Mercury 86, New York Liberty 60

The Phoenix Mercury bounced back from a Game 1 loss with a commanding performance in Brooklyn, blowing out the New York Liberty 86-60 to tie the series at 1-1.

• Game Recap: The Mercury’s defense was the story of the night, shutting down the Liberty’s high-powered offense and holding them to just 60 points. Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas each scored 15 points to lead a balanced Phoenix attack. The lopsided victory swings the momentum back to Phoenix, where the series will be decided in a winner-take-all Game 3.