Lynx Dominate Mercury with 111-77 Victory, Williams Leads with 30 Points

PHOENIX (AP) — In a commanding performance, Courtney Williams netted 30 points on 13-of-20 shooting, while Olivia Miles contributed 19 points and nine assists as the Minnesota Lynx triumphed over the Phoenix Mercury 111-77 on Monday night.

The Lynx surged ahead early, establishing a 35-22 advantage by the end of the first quarter. They continued their momentum into the second, launching an 11-4 run and amassing a remarkable total of 67 points by halftime. This figure marks the third-highest scoring half in WNBA history for a road team. In the first half alone, Williams showcased her talent, hitting eight of ten shots to score 19 points, allowing Minnesota to hold a 67-40 lead at the break. Miles added 13 points and five assists during the same stretch, while Natasha Howard chipped in with 11 points on an efficient 5-of-6 shooting.

Heading into the fourth quarter, the Lynx maintained a solid 88-56 lead. Off the bench, Antonia Delaere made her presence felt with 13 points, while Anastasiia Olairi Kosu contributed 12 points and Howard rounded out the scoring with 11 points for Minnesota, who now boasts a 7-2 record. Impressively, Miles has scored in double digits in each of the first nine games this season, equaling the franchise rookie record set by Seimone Augustus and Tonya Edwards.

Kahleah Copper was the standout for Phoenix (2-8), scoring 18 points. Noemie Brochant and Monique Akoa Makani added 11 and 10 points, respectively, while Natasha Mack secured 11 rebounds. The Mercury managed to go 23 of 27 from the free-throw line but struggled offensively, shooting just 34% from the field with 22 of 64 made shots.

Looking ahead, Minnesota will kick off a three-game homestand on Thursday against Golden State, while Phoenix will embark on a four-game road trip starting with a match against Seattle on Wednesday.