Lynx Edge Mercury in Thrilling 104-100 Victory on July 13

In a game that went down to the wire on July 13, the Minnesota Lynx edged the Phoenix Mercury 104‑100, snapping a brief surge by the visiting team and preserving their grip on a top‑seed in the Western Conference.WNBA

Game recap and key moments

The matchup unfolded as a classic WNBA showdown, with both squads trading leads throughout the first half. Minnesota built a modest cushion early, but Phoenix answered with a run that pushed the score within a single basket before halftime.WNBA

In the second half, the Lynx reclaimed momentum, stringing together a series of baskets that stretched the lead to six points midway through the fourth quarter. The Mercury, however, refused to fold, narrowing the gap to two with under two minutes left.WNBA

The climax arrived in the final 30 seconds. A clutch three‑pointer by Minnesota’s backcourt gave them a four‑point advantage, but Phoenix answered with a quick two‑point field goal, setting up a final possession that could have forced overtime. The Lynx held the ball, executed a decisive pass, and sealed the win with free throws, leaving the Mercury just four points shy of a comeback.WNBA

Season context: From blowout to nail‑biter

This narrow victory follows a dominant 111‑77 win by Minnesota over Phoenix on June 1, a result that underscored the Lynx’s offensive firepower earlier in the season.ESPN The July 13 contest, however, demonstrated that the Mercury have adjusted, turning a lopsided loss into a competitive battle within a span of six weeks.

Both teams entered the game with similar records, making the outcome pivotal for playoff positioning. Minnesota’s win kept them a half‑game ahead of the fourth‑place Seattle Storm, while Phoenix fell to a tie for the final playoff spot with the Chicago Sky.Covers.com

Betting outlook and predictions

Odds Shark’s preview listed the game as a tight betting line, reflecting the teams’ comparable performance metrics and the uncertainty surrounding the late‑season stretch.Odds Shark

DraftKings Network’s analysts projected a Lynx victory, citing their efficient transition offense and stronger defensive rebounding in recent outings. Their pick aligned with the actual result, reinforcing the credibility of the outlet’s preseason modeling.DraftKings Network

How to watch the action

Fans who missed the live action could have streamed the game via the NBA’s official platform, ESPN+, or the WNBA’s own subscription service, according to Fubo’s streaming guide. The article also noted that local markets carried the broadcast on regional sports networks, ensuring broad accessibility for both fan bases.Fubo

Why it matters

The win bolsters Minnesota’s case for home‑court advantage throughout the postseason. A higher seed not only guarantees a first‑round bye but also matches the Lynx against lower‑ranked opponents, a strategic edge in a league where travel fatigue can influence outcomes.

For Phoenix, the loss intensifies the pressure to secure a win in their next two games to avoid slipping out of the playoff picture. The Mercury’s recent surge in offensive efficiency suggests they can still contend, but the margin for error has narrowed dramatically.Covers.com

Differing viewpoints and reactions

While DraftKings Network’s pre‑game analysis favored Minnesota, some pundits highlighted Phoenix’s improved perimeter shooting as a potential equalizer, a view echoed in the Odds Shark preview that described the contest as “too close to call.” The actual result validated the Lynx’s defensive adjustments but also confirmed the Mercury’s ability to stay within striking distance until the final buzzer.Odds Shark DraftKings Network

Post‑game commentary from regional sports analysts, cited in the WNBA recap, praised the Lynx’s composure under pressure and noted that the Mercury’s late‑game execution will be a focal point for their coaching staff moving forward.WNBA

What’s next for both clubs

Following the victory, Minnesota heads into a back‑to‑back series against the Los Angeles Sparks, a matchup that could further solidify their top‑seed status if they continue their recent run.

Phoenix, meanwhile, travels to face the Washington Mystics, a game that presents a chance to rebound and keep their postseason hopes alive. Both teams will need to manage player fatigue as the regular season approaches its final stretch, where every win can shift the playoff bracket.

With the Western Conference landscape tightening, the Lynx‑Mercury series serves as a microcosm of the broader battle for positioning, making the next few weeks crucial for both franchises.DraftKings Network