News Summary
The Minnesota Lynx will compete against the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA semifinals, starting a best-of-five series at Target Center. The Lynx, having dominated their regular season matchups with the Mercury, aim to leverage homecourt advantage. Key players like Kahleah Copper for the Mercury will be back, and both teams are expected to meet at full strength, making this series an exciting matchup. Predictions are mixed as analysts debate the likely length of the series, highlighting the Lynx’s impressive home record.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Minnesota Lynx are set to face off against the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA semifinals, kicking off a best-of-five series with their first game scheduled for September 21 at 5:00 p.m. ET at Target Center. Both teams are vying for a coveted spot in the Finals, with the Lynx holding homecourt advantage as the top seed in the postseason.
This matchup follows an impressive regular season for the Lynx, who dominated their series against the Mercury, finishing with a record of 3-1. The Lynx’s victories over the Mercury occurred on:
- May 30: Lynx win 74-71 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, AZ
- June 3: Lynx win 88-65 at Target Center in Minneapolis, MN
- July 9: Mercury win 79-71 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, AZ
- July 16: Lynx win 79-66 at Target Center in Minneapolis, MN
Game Two will take place on September 23 at 7:30 p.m. ET, also at Target Center. If necessary, Game Three is set for September 26 at 9:30 p.m. ET at PHX Arena, followed by Game Four on September 28 and Game Five on September 30.
Player Availability and Key Matchups
For the first time in the postseason, both teams will meet at full strength. The Phoenix Mercury’s Kahleah Copper, a crucial player for the team, was unavailable during all four regular-season matchups due to injury. The Mercury’s core includes key players such as Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally, and Copper, who can greatly impact the game.
As the series unfolds, crucial factors include turnover rates, three-point shooting efficiency, and the ability to start games strong. The Minnesota Lynx have faced challenges with turnovers throughout the season and need to improve in this area to succeed against the Mercury. They have excelled in three-point shooting, boasting a high efficiency of 37.8%, compared to the Mercury’s 34.0%. Limiting turnovers will be essential for the Lynx to maintain scoring opportunities and prevent the Mercury from capitalizing on fast breaks.
Defensive Strength and Bench Support
Both teams are known for their defensive capabilities, with the Lynx currently ranked first in defensive rating. The support from the bench will play a pivotal role in this series. Players like Sami Whitcomb and DeWanna Bonner from the Mercury, as well as Natisha Hiedeman and Jessica Shepard from the Lynx, are expected to make significant contributions as the series progresses.
Expectations Moving Forward
Predictions for the series are mixed, with some analysts favoring the Lynx to win in four games, while others believe it will extend to five games. The Lynx recently swept their first-round series and aim to capitalize on their recent momentum. They are particularly strong at home, holding an impressive 20-2 record at Target Center during the regular season.
The Phoenix Mercury advanced to the semifinals by defeating the defending champions, the New York Liberty, in a closely contested three-game series. While both teams feature significant talent, experts suggest that the Lynx’s depth and proven performance throughout the season give them an edge as they head into the semifinals.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Phoenix Mercury Prepare for WNBA Playoffs Against New York Liberty
Additional Resources
- ESPN: Mercury vs Lynx Game
- Star Tribune: Lynx vs Mercury Playoffs
- CBS Sports: Lynx Mercury Playoffs Schedule
- Arizona Sports: Lynx Mercury Matchup
- Bring Me The News: Lynx Mercury Schedule
- Wikipedia: WNBA Playoffs
- Google Search: WNBA Playoffs 2023
- Google Scholar: WNBA Playoffs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WNBA
- Google News: WNBA Playoffs 2023
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
