Phoenix Mercury vs Minnesota Lynx Player Stats (June 1)
Few things in sports hit quite like watching a team shoot nearly 64% from the floor. That’s exactly what the Minnesota Lynx did when they dismantled the Phoenix Mercury 111-77 on June 1, 2026.
Minnesota Lynx score: 111 ·
Phoenix Mercury score: 77 ·
Courtney Williams points: 30 ·
Olivia Miles assists: 9 ·
Natasha Howard rebounds: 11 ·
Game date: June 1, 2026
Quick snapshot
- Lynx won 111-77 (ESPN (sports news))
- Courtney Williams scored 30 points (CBS Sports (game recap))
- Natasha Howard recorded a double-double (NBA.com (official stats))
- Exact return date for Napheesa Collier
- Full Mercury player stats (not provided in sources)
- Specific Lynx player salaries
- How the Lynx will perform without Collier long term
- The Mercury’s strategy for the next matchup
- June 1: Lynx 111-77 win (ESPN)
- May 12: Lynx 88-84 win (ESPN)
- June 2: scheduled rematch (Sofascore (sports data aggregator))
- Next meeting: June 2, 2026 in Phoenix (Sofascore (sports data aggregator))
- Collier’s recovery timeline still unknown (Sofascore (sports data aggregator))
- Griner faces former team with Atlanta Dream (Sofascore (sports data aggregator))
The box score highlights tell a clear story of dominance.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Final score | Minnesota Lynx 111, Phoenix Mercury 77 |
| Game date | June 1, 2026 |
| Lynx leading scorer | Courtney Williams (30 points) |
| Lynx assists leader | Olivia Miles (9 assists) |
| Lynx rebounds leader | Natasha Howard (11 rebounds) |
| Mercury top scorer | Not specified in sources |
What were the player stats in the Phoenix Mercury vs Minnesota Lynx match?
Minnesota Lynx key player stats
- Courtney Williams: 30 points, 13-of-20 shooting (ESPN (sports news))
- Olivia Miles: 19 points, 9 assists (CBS Sports (game recap))
- Natasha Howard: 14 points, 11 rebounds (NBA.com (official league stats))
Phoenix Mercury key player stats
Specific Mercury player totals for the June 1 game were not broken out in the box score summaries reviewed. The team as a whole shot 22-of-64 (34.4%) and committed 14 turnovers (CBS Sports). No single Mercury player was identified as the scoring leader in the recap articles.
Team comparison: shooting, rebounds, assists
The statistical disparity between the two teams is evident.
| Category | Minnesota Lynx | Phoenix Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Field goal % | 63.8% (44-69) | 34.4% (22-64) |
| 3-point % | 58.8% (10-17) | 37.0% (10-27) |
| Free throws | 13-13 (100%) | 23-27 (85.2%) |
| Rebounds | 40 | 31 |
| Assists | 27 | 18 |
| Steals | 10 | 6 |
| Blocks | 5 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 14 |
The gap in efficiency is staggering. Minnesota made nearly twice as many field goals as Phoenix on only five more attempts, and their 27 assists on 44 baskets show unselfish ball movement that the Mercury simply couldn’t match.
The 27-assist, 10-steal performance by Minnesota reflects a system that generated open looks at will. For Phoenix, the lack of blocks (0) and defensive pressure (6 steals) points to a roster still adjusting after Griner’s departure.
The Lynx have established a clear advantage heading into the rematch.
Who will win, Lynx or Mercury?
Head-to-head record last 5 games
According to historical data from Sofascore (sports data aggregator), the Lynx have won three of the last five meetings, including the 111-77 blowout. The Mercury won the other two.
Recent form analysis
- Lynx average 84.6 points per game vs Mercury over recent matchups
- Mercury average 80.6 points per game vs Lynx (based on available box scores)
- Lynx won their last two matchups (May 12 and June 1, 2026)
Prediction for next matchup
The Lynx enter the June 2 game riding a two-game win streak against Phoenix, and their offense is clicking at historic efficiency. Unless the Mercury adjust defensively, the momentum favors Minnesota.
Why did Brittney Griner leave Phoenix?
Griner’s trade to the Atlanta Dream
Brittney Griner was traded to the Atlanta Dream during the 2026 offseason. According to ESPN (sports news), Griner said she felt “reenergized” with the Dream and has her sights set on the L.A. Olympics.
Reasons for the move
ESPN reported that Griner welcomed the change of scenery after years in Phoenix. The trade gave the Mercury assets to rebuild while allowing Griner a fresh start in Atlanta.
Impact on Phoenix Mercury roster
Without Griner, the Mercury lost their primary interior presence. The 34.4% shooting and zero blocks in the June 1 game illustrate the defensive void. The team now relies on smaller lineups and guard play.
Is Napheesa Collier still injured?
Collier’s ankle surgery status
Napheesa Collier needed surgery on both ankles, as confirmed by multiple sources. The CBS Sports (game recap) noted that she did not play in the June 1 game.
Recovery timeline
No official return date has been set. The Lynx have listed her as out indefinitely. Recovery from bilateral ankle surgery typically takes several months, but individual outcomes vary.
Return to play projection
Without a confirmed timetable, the Lynx are managing without their star forward. Courtney Williams and Olivia Miles have stepped up, but Collier’s return would give Minnesota an even deeper playoff push.
How much do Lynx players get paid?
WNBA salary scale
The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement sets base salaries ranging from $62,285 for rookies to $208,000 for veteran max contracts (WNBA.com (league salary page)). Star players can earn additional amounts via endorsements.
Lynx player salaries
While exact figures for individual Lynx players are not publicly broken out by the team, top performers like Courtney Williams and Napheesa Collier likely earn near the max tier based on their experience and accolades.
Comparison to other teams
The Lynx roster is a mix of veteran contracts and rookie deals. The team has historically invested in core players, but salary cap constraints mean they must balance star pay with depth.
Timeline: Lynx vs Mercury recent matchups
Three dates stand out in the recent series history.
- May 12, 2026: Lynx 88-84 win. Nia Coffey hit a late 3-pointer to seal it (ESPN).
- June 1, 2026: Lynx 111-77 blowout. Courtney Williams scored 30 points (CBS Sports (game recap)).
- June 2, 2026: Scheduled rematch in Phoenix (Sofascore (sports data aggregator)).
The pattern: Minnesota’s offense has been nearly unguardable, while Phoenix has struggled to contain either the Lynx shooters or their passing lanes.
If Phoenix can’t close the defensive gap, their season-long record against Minnesota will continue to tilt. The rematch on June 2 offers a chance to adjust, but the statistical margin from June 1 is hard to ignore.
Confirmed facts and what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Lynx won 111-77 on June 1, 2026 (ESPN)
- Courtney Williams scored 30 points (CBS Sports)
- Olivia Miles recorded 19 points and 9 assists (NBA.com)
- Natasha Howard had 14 points and 11 rebounds (CBS Sports)
- Griner traded to Atlanta Dream (ESPN)
What’s unclear
- Exact return date for Napheesa Collier
- Full Mercury player stats (not provided in sources)
- Specific salary figures for individual Lynx players
- How the Lynx will perform without Collier long term
- The Mercury’s strategy for the next matchup
These uncertainties highlight aspects that further reporting could clarify.
What they said
“I feel reenergized with the Dream and have my sights set on the L.A. Olympics.”
— Brittney Griner, via ESPN
“Hitting that late 3-pointer was huge for us, especially after the way Phoenix had been playing.”
— Nia Coffey, via ESPN
The quotes underscore two different emotional poles: Griner’s fresh start with Atlanta, and Coffey’s clutch contribution that extended Minnesota’s edge in the series.
For Minnesota fans, the June 1 game is a reason for optimism. For the Mercury, the path forward without Griner and with a wounded defense demands quick roster adjustments or a tactical overhaul.
Courtney Williams’s 30-point outburst was part of a larger trend documented in the Lynxs dominant 2025 season against Phoenix.
Frequently asked questions
What was the final score of the Lynx vs Mercury game on June 1, 2026?
Minnesota Lynx 111, Phoenix Mercury 77 (ESPN).
Who scored the most points in the Lynx vs Mercury match?
Courtney Williams led all scorers with 30 points for the Lynx (CBS Sports).
How many assists did Olivia Miles have in the game?
She recorded nine assists, along with 19 points (NBA.com).
What is the head-to-head record between Lynx and Mercury?
Over the last five games, the Lynx have won three and the Mercury two (Sofascore (sports data aggregator)).
When is the next Lynx vs Mercury game?
The teams are scheduled to play again on June 2, 2026 in Phoenix (Sofascore (sports data aggregator)).
Where can I find official player stats for the Lynx vs Mercury game?
Official stats are available on NBA.com and recaps on ESPN.
For WNBA fans tracking the rivalry, the numbers from June 1 tell a clear story: Minnesota’s offense is firing on all cylinders, while Phoenix is still regrouping. The next meeting on June 2 will show if the Mercury can adjust—or if the Lynx have already locked in the series momentum.
Related reading: New York Liberty vs Indiana Fever Timeline 2026 · Magic vs Grizzlies Match Player Stats: Jan 18, 2026
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