Mercury pull off historic rally to even series with Lynx.

To square their WNBA semifinal matchup at one game apiece, the Phoenix Mercury accomplished something never before seen in league history. The Minnesota Lynx had been flawless when holding a double-digit halftime lead in the playoffs (15-0) and unbeaten in any game—regular season or postseason—when up by 16 or more at the half (61-0). That streak ended Tuesday as Phoenix stormed back from a 48–32 halftime deficit to win 89–83 in overtime at Target Center.

Minnesota, the league’s top seed after a 34-10 regular season and a 20-2 home record, appeared headed for a 2-0 series advantage. But Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts fired up his players at the break, and they responded with a 22-14 third quarter that shifted momentum. Key plays included a five-second violation by the Lynx in the final minute, which set up Alyssa Thomas for a late bucket. With 4.3 seconds remaining, after missing a first attempt, Sami Whitcomb drilled a clutch three-pointer to force overtime. “Twenty thousand practice shots for one moment,” Whitcomb said of the game-tying basket.

In the extra period, Phoenix completed the rally, matching the largest road comeback in WNBA playoff history—a 20-point deficit erased, tying the Chicago Sky’s 2014 mark. Satou Sabally led the Mercury with 24 points and nine rebounds, while Thomas added 19 points, 13 assists, and eight boards. Whitcomb contributed 13 points off the bench. Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier, who scored 24, lamented the unforced turnovers and lost composure that cost the Lynx the game. The series now shifts to Phoenix for Games 3 and 4 with the teams tied 1-1.