Phoenix – Natisha Ilicanman made a triple with 5.1 remaining seconds to take the undefeated Minnesota Lynx to a 74-71 victory over Phoenix Mercury on Friday night.
Insman’s clutch shot gave Minnesota the advantage for the second time in the last quarter. After a waiting time, Sami Whitcomb lost a 25 -foot foot for Phoenix.
Minnesota continued 71-68 with a minute for the end, but Courtney Williams connected a triple to tie with remaining 53 seconds.
Kayla McBride scored 20 points and Alanna Smith had 19 for Lynx (6-0). Williams had 11 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
Satou Sabally had 26 points and 11 rebounds for Phoenix (4-2). Kalani Brown had 15 points in 7 of 8 shots, and Whitcomomb added 13 points.
McBride scored 10 points in the first quarter, including 7 of 7 from the free throw line, and the Lynx led 20-17 in the direction of the second quarter.
Whitcomomb’s Triple of pullup gave Phoenix an advantage of 29-26 with four remaining minutes in the second quarter. The Mercury led for four points at the last minute of half before McBride reached a triple with 1.1 seconds when Phoenix led 39-38 in the half time.
McBride scored 17 points in the first half and Sabally led Phoenix with 12.
The Mercury built a seven-point advantage in the last minute of the third quarter and took an advantage of 58-53 to the final period after exceeding Lynx 19-15 in the third.
Napheesa Collier, who averages 26.8 points per game, has a persistent knee injury and did not play for Minnesota.
Lynx plays in Golden State on Sunday, and Mercury visits Los Angeles. ___
