PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury stunned the first-place Minnesota Lynx, taking a 79-71 victory on Wednesday afternoon.
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Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) lays the ball in past Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) during the first quarter at PHX Arena on July 9, 2025. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Lynx started the opening minutes on a 9-2 run, with the Mercury having miscues on offense. Minnesota went 8/19 from the field and took the lead, 19-15, after the first quarter. Phoenix fought back, cutting a seven-point deficit from the first to lead, 40-37, after the second quarter.
The Mercury couldn’t hold their lead going into the second half, with the Lynx going on an 11-8 run to tie the game. Minnesota outscored Phoenix, 20-10, in the third quarter to take a 57-52 lead going into the fourth. The Lynx opened another seven-point lead in the quarter.
Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani (8) is defended by Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) during the first quarter at PHX Arena on July 9, 2025. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
However, the Mercury didn’t go down quietly and went on a run to open an eight-point lead and eventually sealed the win.
Alyssa Thomas had a career-high of points with 29, with eight rebounds and five assists.
Courtney Williams led scoring for the Lynx with 21 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Bonner’s Homecoming
Jul 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) reacts against the Minnesota Lynx during the second half at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Phoenix Mercury’s DeWanna Bonner played her first game in the desert since 2019. She signed with Phoenix after being waived from the Indiana Fever on June 25.
Bonner made the most of her minutes off the bench, scoring seven points and having six rebounds.
Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) is grabbed by Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) as forward Alyssa Thomas (25) sets a pick during the first quarter at PHX Arena on July 9, 2025. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts spoke to the media about her performance and said he wasn’t planning on playing Bonner for as much as she did. Although he said it’ll take time for the two-time WNBA Champion to adjust, Tibbetts believes Bonner will be able to figure it out due to her veteran status.
“It’s gonna help our size out there, just our length,” he said, referring to her ability to play different positions. “We’re really excited that she’s here.”
Mercury’s Next Game
DeWanna Bonner makes her first points back in the desert.
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The Phoenix Mercury return to action against the Golden State Valkyries on Monday, July 14.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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