Napheesa Collier Reveals Lynx's Keys to Success Before Game 3 vs Mercury

The Minnesota Lynx star knows how the team can bounce back after a crushing Game 2 loss.

Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) celebrates after defeating the Phoenix Mercury 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

The Minnesota Lynx are coming off a crushing Game 2 loss against the Phoenix Mercury, tying the series as they head to Phoenix for Games 3 and 4. The Lynx blew a 20-point lead in Game 2, which is very uncharacteristic of them, and now they have to find out what they did wrong and take back control of the series on Friday.

While the Lynx ultimately lost on Tuesday, there were some bright spots. MVP runner-up Napheesa Collier led the way with 24 points, six rebounds, three steals, and two blocks, while Courtney Williams had a near triple-double with 20 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, and three steals.

Besides struggling from beyond the arc, shooting 7-28, and losing the turnover battle, the Lynx played a good game, but just crumbled in the second half and could not pull out a win.

see you Friday. pic.twitter.com/8LL6zul19U

— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) September 24, 2025

What needs to change?

After the Game 2 loss, Collier was asked what the Lynx need to do in Game 3 to get back in the win column after such a crushing defeat.

"Just playing our defense," Collier responded. "And making sure that we limit our turnovers. I don't think our defense was the same in the second half as it was in the first half. We need to get back to taking the easy things away, making their shots hard, and taking care of the ball on the other end."

Of course, everyone knows that Game 2 was a tale of two halves. In the first 20 minutes, the Lynx outscored the Mercury 48-22, and whether they got too comfortable in the locker room or Phoenix finally woke up, the second half was completely different. The Mercury outscored the Lynx 47-21 in the second half.

And, unfortunately for Minnesota, overtime was not any better, as they scored just four points in the extra period.

Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) holds the ball as Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) plays defense in the first 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

The Lynx know what they have to do for Game 3, because it is exactly what they were doing for the last 20 minutes of Game 1 and the first 20 minutes of Game 2. The Lynx have struggled to play a complete game of basketball throughout their four playoff games, but Game 3 could make-or-break their whole postseason run.

For a team that has high championship hopes, the Lynx need to get back on track on Friday in Phoenix. Game 3 will tip off at PHX Arena at 9:30 p.m. ET on Friday night.

Related Articles

feed