They don’t back down from anyone. Coming back a game down against the defending champions to win the series was special enough, but the Phoenix Mercury keep finding ways to shock the world—something that’s been true all season. Despite having just one returning starter and losing ten players, coach Tibbetts’ side has refused to be counted out. Now, in the semifinals against the Lynx, they did something special once again in front of 10,824 fans at the Target Center.

The Phoenix Mercury rallied from a 20-point deficit to beat the No. 1 Lynx in Game 2, winning 89–83 in overtime and tying the series 1–1. This comeback is now tied for the third-largest in WNBA Playoff history and marks Phoenix’s first-ever postseason victory in Minnesota, moving their record there to 1–10 all-time.

Alyssa Thomas credited rookie Kathryn Westbeld for sparking the comeback. Speaking to ESPN’s Holly Rowe after the game, Thomas said, “It’s a team win, I think Kat came in and gave us some great energy and that really sparked us and you know when we play like that we can do anything. I am just super proud that we didn’t give up today”

The Phoenix Mercury stumbled upon a gem in Kathryn Westbeld. Undrafted in 2018 after helping Notre Dame win a national title, she spent years honing her craft overseas. This season, Phoenix gave her a chance, and she made the most of it. Starting games, then embracing a key reserve role, proving that patience, grit, and talent can carve out a place in the WNBA.

With 5:45 left in the third quarter in Game 2 against the Lynx, a Napheesa Collier three-pointer had pushed the Lynx’s lead to 20 points. That’s when coach Tibbetts made a game-changing move, bringing in a 29-year-old rookie. Westbeld was active on both ends of the court, finishing with 8 points–including two crucial three-pointers–along with a rebound and two steals, helping cut the Lynx’s lead to just 8 points by the end of the third quarter. It was the kind of momentum-shifting performance every coach dreams of, as he watched his bench outscore the Lynx 25–3 in the game.

Westbeld finished the game with 8 points on 3‑of‑4 shooting, along with 4 rebounds and 4 steals, helping the Mercury edge the Lynx 89‑83 in overtime. But this wasn’t the first time she’d come through in the clutch–she had also played a key role in Phoenix’s Game 2 win over the defending champions, contributing 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists.

Westbeld’s performance set the stage for even more drama in the final moments. With just 3.4 seconds on the clock, Sami Whitcomb drilled the game-tying three to make it 79–79 and send the game into overtime. You can’t help but wonder what the Mercury would have done if Westbeld hadn’t been the spark off the bench?

And this isn’t even the first time. Game 2 against New York was crucial for Phoenix’s playoff hopes. After dropping Game 1 in overtime, 76-69, the Mercury bounced back in New York with a dominant 86-60 win. Westbeld contributed off the bench with 10 points, three rebounds, and two assists, helping provide the spark Phoenix needed to secure the victory.

Unsurprisingly, coach Tibbetts was full of praise for his team.

Nate Tibbetts pleased with the Phoenix Mercury comeback

The Mercury held the Lynx to just 25% from beyond the arc and forced fewer turnovers than Minnesota. It was truly a game of two halves, with Phoenix scoring only 32 points in the first but roaring back with 47 in the second. The difference? The players never stopped believing in themselves.

Coach Tibbetts praised the team’s mindset in the post-game press conference, saying, “I think it just says we’re very resilient. We’re a tough group. It would have been very easy for us to give-in tonight. A lot of teams would’ve.” And we agree with you, coach!

Time and again, the Mercury have shown their resilience, whether it’s bouncing back from injuries to their big three or coming back after being a game down. This is a special team, and the Minnesota Lynx will have to be at their absolute best if they want to reach the finals. What do you think—can the Mercury pull off the impossible once again and make it to the finals? Let us know in the comments below!