The Minnesota Lynx and Phoenix Mercury are set to light up the WNBA Playoffs in a first-round series that promises intensity, drama, and some edge-of-your-seat action. With the Lynx (30-10) and the Mercury (19-21) facing off, fans should get ready for a rollercoaster ride of basketball brilliance. Buckle up, because we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of this series, packed with power plays, injured stars, and just a touch of chaos.
The Lynx’s Roaring Success
Let’s talk about the Minnesota Lynx first. They’ve been cruising through the 2024 season like a sports car on a smooth highway, finishing with a sizzling 30-10 record. The Lynx didn’t just dominate—they decimated. Sitting pretty at the top of the Western Conference, they’ve made it clear that they’re no strangers to victory.
Leading the charge is none other than Napheesa Collier, who’s been doing everything short of pulling rabbits out of hats on the court. With an insane average of 20.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, Collier has been the Lynx’s not-so-secret weapon. Her gameplay this season has been nothing short of legendary, and she’s the reason why Minnesota has been eyeing the championship trophy all year.
The Lynx, however, aren’t just about one player. It’s a team that’s clicked on every level, with a strong bench that steps up when called upon. The Lynx have perfected the art of cohesion, playing like a well-oiled machine that’s only gotten better with every game.
The Mercury’s Fiery Comeback
On the other side of the court, we have the Phoenix Mercury, who, to put it lightly, have had more ups and downs than a yo-yo in a blender. With a 19-21 record, they’ve made it to the playoffs by the skin of their teeth. But let’s be real—their regular-season record may not blow your mind, but their star power certainly will.
Between Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi, the Mercury have enough raw talent to go toe-to-toe with any team, including the mighty Lynx. Griner’s dominance in the paint is undeniable, and Taurasi, the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer, can still make defenders look like they’re standing in quicksand.
Yet, the Mercury’s big question mark is Kahleah Copper. Phoenix’s leading scorer has been battling a pesky back injury, and no one knows for sure if she’ll be able to play the full series. It’s like buying a lottery ticket—you hope for the best, but you can’t help but wonder if luck is on your side.
The Series So Far: Lynx vs. Mercury Scores, Results, and Schedule
This best-of-three series already kicked off, and spoiler alert—the Lynx have drawn first blood. Here’s a look at the schedule and results:
| Game | Date | Result | Time (ET) | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Sept. 22, 2024 | Lynx 102, Mercury 95 | — | — |
| Game 2 | Sept. 25, 2024 | TBD | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo, Sling |
| Game 3* | Sept. 27, 2024 | TBD | 9 or 9:30 p.m. | ESPN2, Fubo, Sling |
*Game 3 will only happen if necessary.
If Game 1 was any indicator, this series is going to be closer than expected. The Lynx won with a seven-point margin, but the Mercury didn’t go down without a fight, making fans wonder if an upset could be brewing. With the second game scheduled for September 25, the pressure is on the Mercury to even the score, or it’s an early offseason for them.
Where to Watch: TV Channels and Live Streams
Can’t make it to the game? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with every streaming option under the sun.
In the U.S., the games will be aired on ESPN and ESPN2, ensuring you can enjoy the action in glorious HD, even from your couch. For those who prefer to stream, services like Fubo and Sling will keep you connected.
| TV Channels | Live Streams |
|---|---|
| ESPN | Fubo |
| ESPN2 | Sling |
| NBA TV Canada |
Got some Canadian basketball fans in the house? You can catch the series on NBA TV Canada, or stream it live on Fubo.
If you’ve been living under a rock and don’t know about Fubo, they’re offering a sweet deal right now: you can get your first month for just $49.99. That’s a $30 savings for over 200 channels, including ESPN, ABC, CBS, and more. It’s like buying a front-row seat to the WNBA Playoffs without the overpriced popcorn. But hurry, because this deal won’t last long.
Feeling Old-School? Tune Into the Radio
For those who miss the charm of listening to a game on the radio—like our ancestors did during The Great Basketball Drought of 1924—you can catch all the WNBA Playoff action on SiriusXM. They’re offering three months of service for just $1, which is basically highway robbery at this point. Who says live sports have to break the bank?
WNBA Standings 2024: How They Stack Up
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a look at how the entire league shook out this season. The New York Liberty were, unsurprisingly, the top dogs, with the Lynx trailing right behind them. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Mercury barely squeaked into the playoffs.
| Seed | Team | Record | Games Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York Liberty* | 32-8 | — |
| 2 | Minnesota Lynx* | 30-10 | 2 |
| 3 | Connecticut Sun* | 28-12 | 4 |
| 4 | Las Vegas Aces* | 27-13 | 5 |
| 5 | Seattle Storm* | 25-15 | 7 |
| 6 | Indiana Fever* | 20-20 | 12 |
| 7 | Phoenix Mercury* | 19-21 | 13 |
| 8 | Atlanta Dream* | 15-25 | 17 |
| — | Washington Mystics | 14-26 | 18 |
| — | Chicago Sky | 13-27 | 19 |
| — | Dallas Wings | 9-31 | 23 |
| — | Los Angeles Sparks | 8-32 | 24 |
*Clinched WNBA Playoff berth
Teams like the Mystics, Sky, Wings, and Sparks are now packing for their offseason vacations. Better luck next year, folks.
WNBA Playoff Bracket 2024: The Road Ahead
This first-round series is only the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable postseason. For now, all eyes are on whether the Lynx can continue their dominance or if the Mercury will rise from the ashes like their mythical namesake.
The 2024 WNBA Playoffs are a must-watch event, with a mix of veteran experience, emerging stars, and playoff intensity that’s sure to captivate even the casual fan. So grab your popcorn (and maybe a stress ball), because this battle between the Lynx and Mercury is going to be a wild ride!