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After dominating for most of the game, the Minnesota Lynx nearly dropped what seemed to be a solid win early on. However, the Lynx were able to hold on to win Wednesday night, beating the Phoenix Mercury 85-78 on the road and improving to a perfect 4-0 record.
Minnesota didn't waste any time on Wednesday, jumping out to an early 13-6 lead — thanks in part to Lynx forward Sylvia Fowles, who had six of their first nine points. By the end of the first quarter, Minnesota had built up an eight-point lead.
The second quarter came in similar fashion, with Minnesota dominating inside. While a brief Mercury run put them within five, the Lynx were able to head into the break with a 48-38 lead.
The Lynx extended their lead to 12 heading into the fourth quarter, and seemed in control of the game. Yet a huge 14-0 Mercury run in the middle of the final period brought Phoenix right back into the game, tying it at 66-66.
The two teams bounced back and forth until the Lynx were able to jump up by three with just one minute left in the game. With just under 50 seconds left, Phoenix guard Penny Taylor hit a bucket from behind the arc to tie the game up 77-77.
Lynx guard Maya Moore responded with a layup, followed by a single Phoenix free throw to give the Lynx a one-point lead. With 21.1 seconds to go, Moore dropped a pair of free throws to put the Lynx up 81-78.
Phoenix guard Diana Taurasi would attempt a long three, however she was not successful. Fowles would then knock down two free throws to put the game out of reach.
Moore led the Lynx with 34 points, going 11-of-18 from the field. Fowles also finished in double-figures for the Lynx with 18 points and eight rebounds. Taylor led the Mercury with 25 points, going 8-of-13 from the field with three three-pointers. Taurasi and DeWanna Bonner each finished with 12 points for the Mercury.
The Lynx will be back in action again on Friday, when they host the Indiana Fever in an attempt to start the season with five-straight wins. The Mercury will look for their first win of the season on Sunday, when they host the Washington Mystics.