Stepback Sami busts Lynx home court advantage

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WNBL MVP and Phoenix Mercury point guard Sami Whitcomb hit one of the biggest shots in the WNBA playoffs to send Game 2 into overtime against the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx as the Mercury came from 20 points down to tie the Semi-Finals series at 1-1.

"They tried to take the shot away, they just tried to run me off the line, (Alyssa Thomas), she got the rebound, kicked it," Whitcomb said on the floor seconds after the final buzzer.

"We all trust each other to take those shots and I'm blessed they trusted me with that."

Whitcomb, 37, missed a three from the top of key seconds before but Thomas crashed the offensive glass, came up with the board with eight seconds left and the Mercury kicked it around the horn to Whitcomb, who hit the three from the left wing on a relocation after a pump fake around Australian Opals teammate and co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith.

Whitcomb, who won the 2025 WNBL championship with the Bendigo Spirit, finished with 13 points, four rebounds and six assists in 33 minutes off the bench.

Key Details

• Result: Phoenix Mercury 89 def. Minnesota Lynx 83 (OT)
• When: September 24, 2025
• Where: Target Center, Minnesota
• Series: Tied at 1-1

By the Numbers

• Satou Sabally (Phoenix) starred with 24 points, nine rebounds, one assist and two turnovers in 38 minutes.
• Napheesa Collier (Minnesota) scored 24 points, and had six rebounds, one assist, three steals, and two blocks in 38 minutes.

What Happened

The Minnesota Lynx established early control, leading 21-19 after the first quarter before extending their advantage to 48-32 by halftime with a commanding 27-13 second period. Phoenix struggled to find offensive rhythm, shooting just 41.8 percent from the field compared to Minnesota's 45.3 percent through two quarters.

The Mercury mounted their comeback in the third quarter, outscoring Minnesota 22-14 to cut the deficit to eight points entering the final period. Alyssa Thomas provided critical playmaking with 13 assists while Satou Sabally heated up from beyond the arc, connecting on five three-pointers throughout the contest.

Phoenix dominated the extra period 10-4, with Thomas controlling tempo and Sabally delivering two clutch baskets. The Mercury's superior ball security proved decisive in overtime, committing zero turnovers while forcing three Minnesota miscues. Despite strong performances from McBride (21 points) and Courtney Williams (20 points, nine assists), the Lynx couldn't overcome their 17 total turnovers.

The victory evens the series at 1-1, dramatically altering the complexion of the semifinal matchup. Minnesota, who had been nearly invincible at home with a 20-2 record during the regular season, now faces pressure heading into Game 3 in Phoenix. The Mercury's defence held the Lynx to just 25 percent shooting (7-from-28) from three-point range, neutralising one of Minnesota's primary weapons.

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