For the second time in the last three games early on in the [**WNBA**](https://www.swishappeal.com) season, the Minnesota Lynx faced off against the Phoenix on Tuesday night, just two games after the two squads faced off in Phoenix in a close battle on May 30.
With the Mercury once again a bit shorthanded due to injuries, Minnesota made it two in a row against Phoenix while stepping on the gas for an 88-65 blowout victory in front of a sold out Target Center crowd.
The win continues Minnesota’s impressive start to the season, now sitting at an undefeated record of 8-0 to sit atop the WNBA standings alongside New York as the lone teams to have yet to lose a game.
**Stepping on the Gas**
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The Lynx trailed the game early, in part due to errors on their own end and turnovers that have haunted Minnesota to this point in the season despite their overall success. Phoenix jumped out to a nine-point lead in the first quarter, eventually holding a 23-19 edge through the opening quarter.
But it didn’t take long for Minnesota to bounce back, and boy did it bounce back in a big way.
The Lynx exploded in the second quarter and stepped on the gas from that point on, outscoring the Mercury 48-26 in the second and third quarters combined to lead by as much as 27 at one point to cruise to victory.
To lead the starting unit was none other than Napheesa Collier, who posted a double-double of 18 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and one steal over 31 minutes. Alanna Smith added 13 points, six assists, three rebounds and three blocks, while Kayla McBride tallied 13 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals and Courtney Williams contributed six points, five assists and four boards.
But it wasn’t just the starting five that stepped up and performed well to pace Minnesota to another win.
**Boost From the Bench**
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Sparking the surge in the second quarter and the remainder of the game was Minnesota’s second unit, which hit key shots at various points throughout the contest.
Leading the charge was Natisha Hiedeman, who recorded 13 of her 18 points in the first half, setting a new season-high in scoring while posting her third double-digit scoring total of the season.
Behind Hiedeman, Karlie Samuelson was perfect from three to conclude with nine points in 15 minutes, followed by Jessica Shepard with six points and five rebounds in 16 minutes.
To go along with those performances, the state of the game in the fourth quarter allowed for some extra time for the bench players to see the floor, notably Diamond Miller, Alissa Pili and Anastasiia Olairi Kosu getting some extra run with the second unit.
**Up Next**
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After a brief stop at home, the Lynx will get back onto the road for a two-game roadtrip kicking off with a battle against the Dallas Wings on Sunday in Texas. This is the third matchup between the two teams, with Minnesota leading the season series 2-0.
You can find that game, which tips off at 3PM CT, on WNBA League Pass or locally in Minnesota on FanDuel Sports Network North.