Sabally

Sabally’s Heroics Power Mercury to Thrilling 84-76 Win Over Lynx, Seize Series Lead in Electrifying Semifinal Showdown

Don Watz

 

Satou Sabally came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 of her 23 points, as the Phoenix Mercury defeated the Minnesota Lynx 84-76 in Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals in Phoenix Friday Night.  With the win, the Mercury takes a 2-1 lead in the series. Phoenix can clinch the series with a home win on Sunday.

Sabally Takes Over Game in Fourth Quarter

This end of the game belonged to Sabally, who delivered when her team needed her most. After a quiet first three quarters, Sabally caught fire in the fourth, dropping 15 points to help the Mercury pull away from a tough Lynx team. Her clutch three-pointer with just over three minutes left gave Phoenix a 78-76 lead they never gave up, sealing one of the most memorable playoff performances in recent years.

With the game still hanging in the balance, Alyssa Thomas stepped up big. She came up with a game-changing steal and turned it into a layup with 21.8 seconds left, putting the Lynx away for good. The veteran forward’s effort showed the grit and determination that’s been a hallmark of this Mercury squad throughout the playoffs.

Lynx Coach Ejected at a Pivotal Moment

The game took a dramatic turn late when Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve was ejected after picking up her second technical foul. Frustrated with the officiating, Reeve left the floor during the critical final minutes, leaving her team without their leader at a crucial time. It was a tough blow for Minnesota as they fought to stay alive in the series.

The Lynx’s night got even worse when Napheesa Collier appeared to injure her ankle late in the game. Collier, one of Minnesota’s most reliable players in the series, was limping during the final moments, creating more concern for the Lynx as they face elimination in Game 4. The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for a team already on the ropes.

Despite the loss, Minnesota’s bench gave them a fighting chance. Natisha Hiedeman led the charge with 19 points, providing a huge spark that kept the Lynx competitive throughout the game. Her energy and scoring off the bench showcased the depth and resilience of this team, even in defeat.

 

Top Statistical Performances

  • Satou Sabally – 23 points (Phoenix Mercury): Sabally dominated the fourth quarter with 15 points, proving she thrives in clutch moments and cementing her place as the game’s standout performer.
  • Alyssa Thomas – 21 points (Phoenix Mercury): Thomas brought veteran leadership all night and delivered the dagger with her late steal and layup.
  • Kahleah Copper – 21 points (Phoenix Mercury): Copper’s consistent scoring kept the Mercury steady, giving Phoenix a lethal trio on offense.
  • Natisha Hiedeman – 19 points (Minnesota Lynx): Hiedeman’s energy off the bench gave the Lynx a much-needed boost, showing the value of role players in the playoffs.
  • Napheesa Collier – 17 points (Minnesota Lynx): Despite her injury, Collier fought hard, putting up 17 points.

Don recently returned to writing after a hiatus. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including the USA Today, Tallahassee Democrat, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Detroit Free Press, and Arizona Republic.

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