The Minnesota Lynx look to clinch a postseason berth on Sunday when they host the struggling Phoenix Mercury in Minneapolis.
Minnesota (18-19) resides in fifth place in the standings after ending a two-game losing streak with a thrilling 91-85 overtime win over the Atlanta Dream on Friday. Napheesa Collier collected 27 points and 17 rebounds and Kayla McBride added 20 points for the Lynx.
Phoenix (9-27) has lost its last seven games and has the worst record in the WNBA. The Mercury’s woes continued with an 84-74 setback to the Connecticut Sun on Thursday night.
Playing away from home has been extremely difficult for a Phoenix team accustomed to success. The Mercury had their run of 10 consecutive playoff appearances snapped earlier this week and are just 1-17 away from home this season.
Mercury veteran Diana Taurasi talked about the end of the streak in a pregame media session Thursday morning before the team’s game against the Sun.
Taurasi did not play that night due to a left toe injury and is questionable for Sunday’s game.
Brittney Griner led the Mercury with 15 points in Thursday’s loss. She boasts team-best averages in points (17.8) and rebounds (6.6) per game.
