Perhaps it was a transfer of power… While Napheesa Collier broke the scoreboard with her 42 points (WNBA record equaled in the playoffs), world basketball may have said goodbye to Diana Taurasi, one of the greatest players, and even sportswomen, in history. In the wake of their All-Star winger, the Lynx won 101-88 against the Mercury and won their ticket to the semi-finals.
Substituted with one minute to go to a standing ovation, Napheesa Collier equals the record set by Breanna Stewart and Angel McCoughtry, and she becomes the first player to string together two consecutive matches with 38 points or more. It's also her third straight game with 30 points or more in the playoffs, and she equals A'ja Wilson's record. Standing ovation also for Diana Taurasi, who came out for six fouls, with 10 points on 3 of 10 shooting. At 42, the six-time Olympic champion may have played her last career game.
A clash of styles in the semi-final
Trailing twice by 8 points in the first half, it was at the end of the 3rd quarter, as is often the case, that the Lynx made the difference to take a lead of more than 10 points (72-60) thanks to Courtney Williams (11 points) and an impeccable team (28 assists on 34 baskets!). Opposite, Brittney Griner (24 points) and Taurasi threw their last forces into the battle, but the Mercury never managed to get below the 10-point gap. The end of the game allowed Olivia Epoupa to tread the floor with the other Lynx substitutes.
In the semi-finals, the Lynx will face the Sun, the best defense in the country, winners of the Fever, for a superb clash of styles.
“It's going to be a war” warned Napheesa Collier. “They're a very good defensive team, but we're playing our best basketball at the best time.”. In the other semi-final, it's very, very tough with Liberty trying to end the reign of Becky Hammon's Aces, the two-time reigning NBA champions.
How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-pointers / 3-pointers attempted; LF = Free throws made / Free throws attempted; O = Offensive rebound; D = Defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = Assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Steals; Bp = Loose balls; Ct: Blocks; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the court; Pts = Points; Eval: Player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
