Target Center showdown as Lynx look to build on momentum
The Minnesota Lynx return to Target Center on Monday night to host the Phoenix Mercury in the teams' final meeting of the season. Minnesota (17-6) has rebounded from a brief two‑game skid with consecutive victories and can string together its third three‑game winning streak of the year with a win.
Rookie guard Olivia Miles made a notable return after missing the first two games of the season, scoring 23 points with five rebounds and four assists while connecting on 4 of 7 from long range in her most recent outing. Her season averages — 18.7 points, 5.6 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game — rank among the most productive starts by a first‑year player in the league.
Veteran wing Kayla McBride has been a key catalyst for Minnesota's recent success. Over the Lynx's last three games she has totaled 76 points and shot an efficient 11‑for‑22 from three‑point range, providing perimeter scoring that has stretched opposing defenses.
- Game: Minnesota Lynx vs. Phoenix Mercury
- Date and time: Monday, July 13, 2026 — 9:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Target Center
- TV: KPHE, KTVK; streaming options include Fubo
The Mercury enter the matchup struggling. Phoenix (8-16) was recently routed by the Las Vegas Aces, 106‑58, one of the more lopsided defeats in WNBA history. That loss extended Phoenix's slide to three straight defeats by a combined 62 points.
Despite the club's difficulties, Kahleah Copper has been a consistent scoring presence for Phoenix, averaging 20.3 points per game and logging a six‑game streak of 20‑plus point performances before the loss to Las Vegas.
| Team | Record | Recent note |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Lynx | 17-6 | Won back-to-back games; Miles returned; McBride hot from deep |
| Phoenix Mercury | 8-16 | Three straight losses; 106-58 loss to Las Vegas |
For the Lynx, the matchup carries both short‑term and season‑long stakes. A victory would extend their momentum heading into the middle of a four‑game homestand and strengthen their positioning as one of the WNBA's top teams this season. For the Mercury, a win on the road would be an opportunity to halt a damaging slide and restore confidence after a demoralizing defeat.
Fans can watch the game locally on KPHE and KTVK or stream through services such as Fubo, subject to regional restrictions.
With Minnesota's backcourt balance — a high‑scoring rookie and a veteran perimeter threat — the Lynx will look to exploit Phoenix's defensive lapses. The Mercury will rely on Copper to produce and hope for a collective response after a rough stretch.
The outcome will have implications for both teams' narratives this season: Minnesota chasing sustained excellence at home, and Phoenix seeking to stop a slide before it affects the remainder of its campaign.
