Coming back from a 17-point deficit, the Minnesota Lynx eliminated the Golden State Valkyries in a nail-biter, 77-74 on Wednesday (September 17), winning the series 2-0.

Energized by being in front of their home crowd, the Valkyries led by as many as 17 points in the third quarter.  But the battle-tested Lynx proved why they’ve been the top team in the WNBA all season by walking the first-year team down, outscoring Golden State 26-11 in the final minutes.

Napheesa Collier once again made the case for her first MVP or “MVPhee,” scoring 24 points and making the go-ahead shot with just over a minute left. The Valkyries had a chance to win at the buzzer, but the shot missed.

After the game, Collier explained the mindset of the Lynx during clutch time.

"Coach said, 'There is nothing I can draw for you that's going to get you an easy bucket. You have to go out there and just play,” Collier said.

"I am just so proud of our effort," she continued. "I think it shows the grit and the resilience that this team has and what we've been talking about for two years. I was really proud of us today."

Cecilia Zandalasini led the Valeries with 14 points.

With the win, the Lynx are the first team to advance to the semifinals. 

The Phoenix Mercury were not ready to go home and responded by dominating the New York Liberty, with a final score of 86-60, evening the series at one game apiece.

After a tough Game 1 loss, the Mercury were all business, and in the second quarter, they went on a 13-0 run and never looked back. They also held the Liberty to just 10 points in the third quarter.

Mercury star Alyssa Thomas scored 15 points, seven assists, and six rebounds.

"It's a series for a reason," Thomas said. "We were disappointed in the way that we shot in the first game. We knew today was going to be a different day. We were just going to come out there for 40 minutes and give them everything we had."

Five Mercury players scored double-digits in the win: Satou Sabally (15 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals), Kahleah Copper (14 points), DeWanna Bonner (14), and Kathryn Westbeld (10).

After suffering a MCL sprain in her left knee in Game 1, Breanna Stewart was limited to six points in 20 minutes.

The decisive Game 3 will be played on Friday in Phoenix.