Minnesota Lynx defeated Phoenix Mercury 104-100 on Monday, July 13, 2026, in the Women’s National Basketball Association, with Kayla McBride proving the decisive figure as her 37-point display carried the home side through a tense final quarter at Target Center.
This was a high-level attacking contest from the opening tip, with both teams shooting efficiently and moving the ball well. Phoenix started the sharper of the two, putting up 27 points in the first quarter to take an early grip on the fixture, while Minnesota managed 21 and had to spend much of the night responding to Mercury pressure.
The Lynx settled in during the second quarter and began to tilt the rhythm of the contest back in their favor. McBride’s shot-making gave Minnesota a reliable outlet, and the hosts added 29 points in the period to edge into halftime with a 50-49 lead. That one-point margin reflected how little separated the sides, but it also hinted at Minnesota’s growing control in the half-court.
Phoenix responded well after the break. Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with 26 points, while Alyssa Thomas knitted together much of the away side’s attacking structure with 19 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists. The Mercury’s ball movement was a real strength throughout, and their 28 assists underlined how effectively they created quality looks. By the end of the third quarter, Phoenix had moved back in front 75-69, leaving Minnesota with work to do in the closing period.
That final quarter decided the match. The Lynx poured in 35 points in the fourth, their most productive spell of the night, and finally found the blend of pace, spacing and composure needed to pull the Mercury apart at key moments. Minnesota’s ability to get to the line also mattered: the home side went 24-of-26 on free throws, a crucial edge in a fixture settled by only four points.
McBride was the standout performer, finishing with 37 points, six rebounds and four steals in a complete display at both ends. Courtney Williams added important all-around work, leading Minnesota with seven rebounds, while Olivia Miles provided control and creativity with eight assists. For Phoenix, Copper’s scoring punch kept the Mercury in the contest deep into the fourth, and Thomas’ playmaking ensured the visitors remained dangerous even when Minnesota threatened to take over.
From a tactical perspective, there was little to choose between the teams in pure shooting efficiency. Minnesota shot 55.7 percent from the floor, while Phoenix posted 55.6 percent. The difference came in the details: Minnesota made one more three-pointer, earned more trips to the line and converted those opportunities at a 92.3 percent clip. In a match where both attacks hummed, those marginal gains proved decisive.
Key performers
Minnesota Lynx: Kayla McBride, 37 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals; Olivia Miles, 8 assists; Courtney Williams, 7 rebounds.
Phoenix Mercury: Kahleah Copper, 26 points; Alyssa Thomas, 19 points, 8 rebounds, 12 assists; DeWanna Bonner, 9 rebounds.
NerdSports Stat: Minnesota scored 35 points in the fourth quarter after totaling 69 through the first three periods, meaning 33.7 percent of the Lynx’s offense came in the final 10 minutes.
The result strengthens Minnesota’s position near the top of the table at 18-6, while Phoenix drops to 8-17 and is left to rue a missed road opportunity after leading entering the fourth. For the Lynx, this was another reminder of their late-match composure; for the Mercury, the next fixture now carries added importance as they try to halt the slide.
Frequently Asked Questions
No goal scorers were recorded in the official match data for this Women’s National Basketball Association fixture. Kayla McBride led all scorers with 37 points for Minnesota, while Kahleah Copper had 26 for Phoenix.
Minnesota Lynx 104 – 100 Phoenix Mercury.
Minnesota improved to 18-6 and remains firmly in the upper tier of the table, while Phoenix fell to 8-17 and faces increasing pressure in the standings.
Kayla McBride was the standout performer with 37 points, six rebounds and four steals.
