Alanna Smith swats Lynx to their six straight win

• Alanna Smith has 19 points and four blocks as the Lynx start the 2025 WNBA season 6-0
• Australian Sami Whitcomb scores 13 points on 5-from-11 from the field
• How to watch every 2025 WNBA game in Australia

Australian Opals centre Alanna Smith starred with 19 points and four blocks in a defensive masterclass as the 2024 WNBA finalists Minnesota Lynx (6-0) defeated Phoenix Mercury (4-2) 74-71 at Footprint Center on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

Smith went 8-from-15 from the field in 34 minutes and grabbed four boards to go along with the four blocks while Australian Opals point guard Sami Whitcomb has started to find her feet at the Mercury, playing 29 minutes and finishing with 13 points on 5-from-11 from the field including a three.

Key Details

• Result: Minnesota Lynx 74 def. Phoenix Mercury 71
• When: May 31, 2025
• Where: Footprint Center, Phoenix
• Standings: Minnesota Lynx (#1) | Phoenix Mercury (#4)

By the Numbers

• Alanna Smith (Minnesota) starred with 19 points, four rebounds, and four blocks in 34 minutes.
• Satou Sabally (Phoenix) scored 26 points, had 11 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block in 32 minutes.

What Happened

The Minnesota Lynx established control early, taking a 20-17 lead in the first quarter behind solid team defense. Phoenix responded in the second quarter, outscoring Minnesota 22-18 to take a narrow 39-38 lead into halftime. The Mercury extended their advantage in the third, outpacing the Lynx 19-15 to build a 58-53 lead heading into the final period.

Minnesota saved their best for last, mounting an impressive comeback in the fourth quarter. The Lynx outscored Phoenix 21-13 in the final frame, completely shutting down the Mercury's offense when it mattered most. The visiting team's defensive intensity proved too much for Phoenix, who couldn't maintain their earlier rhythm.

Australian Alanna Smith delivered a dominant performance for Minnesota, recording 19 points on efficient 8-from-15 shooting, including 2-from-6 from beyond the arc. Her four blocks anchored the Lynx defense, altering numerous shots and disrupting Phoenix's offensive flow. Smith's interior presence was instrumental in holding the Mercury to just 13 points in the decisive fourth quarter.

Kayla McBride led all Lynx scorers with 20 points, including a perfect 9-from-9 from the charity stripe, while Courtney Williams contributed 11 points and seven assists. For Phoenix, Satou Sabally delivered an exceptional 26-point, 11-rebound double-double, but her efforts weren't enough to secure the win. Kalani Brown added 15 points on an outstanding 7-from-8 shooting off the bench.

The game ultimately came down to three-point shooting and bench production. While both teams struggled from deep, Minnesota's 27.6 percent (8-from-29) far outpaced Phoenix's dismal 11.5 percent (3-from-26). The Lynx bench outscored the Mercury reserves 11-7, providing crucial support in the tight contest. With this victory, Minnesota remains perfect at 6-0, solidifying their position atop the WNBA standings, while Phoenix falls to 4-2 but remains in fourth place.