The WNBA playoffs are heating up, and basketball fans are eager to know where to watch the Phoenix Mercury vs. Minnesota Lynx first-round matchup. This best-of-three series promises intense competition as the second-seeded Lynx take on the seventh-seeded Mercury. Get ready for thrilling basketball action!
For those wondering where to catch the Phoenix Mercury vs. Minnesota Lynx games live, ESPN and ESPN2 are your go-to networks. Game 1 and Game 2 will be broadcast on ESPN, while Game 3 (if necessary) will air on ESPN2. Make sure to check your local listings for specific channel information. Streaming options are also available through ESPN+, the ESPN app (with cable authentication), and potentially other streaming services that carry ESPN channels. Don’t miss a moment of the excitement – find your preferred way to watch and tune in!
This preview dives into what makes this series so compelling, beyond just where to watch the Phoenix Mercury vs. Minnesota Lynx. Let’s break down the key aspects of this playoff clash.
Series Schedule: Mark Your Calendars
Knowing when and where to watch the Phoenix Mercury vs. Minnesota Lynx is crucial. Here’s the schedule to ensure you don’t miss any of the action:
- Game One: Target Center — 5 p.m. ET on September 22 (ESPN)
- Game Two: Target Center — 9:30 p.m. ET on September 25 (ESPN)
- Game Three (if necessary): Footprint Center — TBD on September 27 (ESPN2)
Make sure to set your reminders and plan where you will be watching the Phoenix Mercury vs. Minnesota Lynx as these dates approach!
Key Matchups to Watch: Point Guards and Bigs Take Center Stage
While star power abounds with players like Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride, Kahleah Copper, Brittney Griner, and Diana Taurasi, some fascinating matchups lie beneath the surface. When you watch the Phoenix Mercury vs. Minnesota Lynx, keep a close eye on these battles:
Point Guard Duel: Courtney Williams vs. Natasha Cloud
The point guard matchup between Minnesota’s Courtney Williams and Phoenix’s Natasha Cloud is particularly intriguing. In their regular-season encounters, both showcased their all-around skills. Williams averaged 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists against Phoenix, while Cloud countered with 9.8 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds.
This matchup may not grab headlines like the star players, but it’s vital to observe when you watch the Phoenix Mercury vs. Minnesota Lynx. The floor general who controls the tempo and distribution could significantly influence their team’s success in each game you watch live.
Battle in the Paint: Griner vs. Collier
For fans who love watching battles in the paint, the Griner vs. Collier matchup is a must-see when you watch the Phoenix Mercury vs. Minnesota Lynx. Brittney Griner’s shot-blocking prowess will be tested against Napheesa Collier’s aggressive and versatile post game. Collier’s ability to attack the basket and secure rebounds will challenge Griner defensively.
It will be interesting to see if Griner can contain Collier, who operates as the Lynx’s post-scoring engine. This frontcourt clash will be a key factor in determining which team controls the paint and ultimately, the game when you watch Phoenix Mercury vs. Minnesota Lynx.
Guard Play Dynamics: Lynx’s Depth vs. Mercury’s Experience
Beyond the point guard matchup, the overall guard play will be a deciding factor. Minnesota boasts a dynamic and distribution-heavy backcourt with Williams, McBride, and Natisha Hiedeman, who excel at moving the ball and creating scoring opportunities. Phoenix, while featuring experienced guards like Cloud, Taurasi, and Sophie Cunningham, has sometimes struggled with offensive rhythm, leaning more on isolation plays.
Natasha Cloud’s playmaking abilities will be crucial for the Mercury to break this cycle and ensure ball movement, especially against the Lynx’s assist-leading offense. When you watch the Phoenix Mercury vs. Minnesota Lynx, observe how effectively each team’s guards facilitate their offense and control the game’s flow. Currently, Minnesota’s guard depth appears to have an edge.
X-Factors: Depth and Copper’s Performance
Every playoff series has its X-factors, and this matchup is no different.
Minnesota Lynx: Bench Depth
For the Lynx, their depth is a significant X-factor. Throughout the season, Minnesota’s bench has consistently contributed, averaging the fourth-best mark in the WNBA with 19.3 points per game. Players like Bridget Carleton, Dorka Juhász, Natisha Hiedeman, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Myshia Hines-Allen have all stepped up at crucial moments.
This depth could prove to be a game-changer as the series progresses. When you watch Phoenix Mercury vs. Minnesota Lynx, pay attention to how Minnesota’s second unit performs and impacts the game’s momentum.
Phoenix Mercury: Kahleah Copper
For the Mercury, Kahleah Copper is the undeniable X-factor. Averaging 21.2 points per game, Copper is Phoenix’s offensive weapon. Her ability to score in multiple ways – driving to the basket, shooting from outside, and hitting clutch shots – makes her incredibly valuable. Defensively, her versatility allows her to guard multiple positions.
Copper’s three-point shooting will be particularly important to offset Minnesota’s proficiency from beyond the arc. If Copper performs at her peak, it will significantly boost Phoenix’s chances of competing with the Lynx. Keep a close eye on Copper’s impact when you watch the Phoenix Mercury vs. Minnesota Lynx.
Bold Predictions: Sweep or Extended Series?
Let’s delve into some bold predictions for this series.
Minnesota Lynx: Series Sweep
Minnesota is entering the playoffs on a hot streak, boasting a 13-2 record in their last 15 games. They have both a top-four offense and defense, and a dominant 16-4 home record. With Games 1 and 2 at Target Center, the Lynx have a significant advantage.
Their balanced offense, strong defense, and impressive depth lead to the prediction that Minnesota will sweep the series. While Phoenix might aim to steal Game 1, the Lynx are expected to maintain their stellar play and advance to the semifinals decisively. Will this prediction hold true when you watch Phoenix Mercury vs. Minnesota Lynx?
Phoenix Mercury: Series Extends to Three Games
Going against the grain, the prediction for Phoenix is that they will push the series to three games. Despite being the lower seed, the Mercury have significant postseason and championship experience on their roster. With Diana Taurasi’s potential retirement looming, there’s an added urgency and motivation for Phoenix.
While winning the series outright might be a tall order, Phoenix has the potential to steal a game, especially leveraging their experience and passion. The key for them will be to overcome Minnesota’s depth. Will Phoenix defy expectations and extend the series when you watch Phoenix Mercury vs. Minnesota Lynx?
Where To Watch Phoenix Mercury Vs Minnesota Lynx: Remember to tune into ESPN and ESPN2 for live broadcasts of this exciting WNBA playoff series. Don’t miss out on the action as these two teams battle for a spot in the semifinals!
Stats as of 9/20. Unless otherwise noted, stats courtesy of WNBA.com.
