Pili, Collier power Lynx to 95-71 victory over Mercury

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Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith, center, right, is fouled by Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, May 31, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

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Phoenix Mercury guard Natasha Cloud (0) drives against Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, May 31, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

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Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts, left, and guard Diana Taurasi (3) talk with referee Charles Watson after a foul called on the Mercury during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Minnesota Lynx, Friday, May 31, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

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Phoenix Mercury guard Natasha Cloud reacts after a foul called on the Mercury during the second half of the team’s WNBA basketball game against the Minnesota Lynx, Friday, May 31, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

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Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi, front, reacts after being called for a foul against the Minnesota Lynx during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, May 31, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

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Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) reacts after being called for a foul against the Minnesota Lynx during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, May 31, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

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Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) shoots over Phoenix Mercury guard Natasha Cloud (0) during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, May 31, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

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Minnesota Lynx forward Dorka Juhasz (14) works toward the basket as Phoenix Mercury forward Liz Dixon (20) defends during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, May 31, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

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Minnesota Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman, center, celebrates with forward Alissa Pili, left, after Pili made a basket while being fouled during the second half of the team’s WNBA basketball game against the Phoenix Mercury, Friday, May 31, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

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Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi, left, works toward the basket as Minnesota Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman, center, and forward Dorka Juhasz defend during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, May 31, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

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Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve watches play during the first half of the team’s WNBA basketball game against the Phoenix Mercury, Friday, May 31, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

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Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts watches play during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Minnesota Lynx, Friday, May 31, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

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Phoenix Mercury guard Natasha Cloud (0) celebrates after making a shot while fouled during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Minnesota Lynx, Friday, May 31, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

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Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) goes up to shoot during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Minnesota Lynx, Friday, May 31, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

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Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) shoots over Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride (21) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, May 31, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Alissa Pili scored 20 points, Napheesa Collier posted her fifth double-double of the season with 14 points and 11 rebounds, and the Minnesota Lynx cruised to a 95-71 victory over Phoenix on Friday night, handing the Mercury their fourth straight defeat.

Pili sank 7 of 9 shots from the floor, including all four of her 3-pointers.

Dorka Juhász had 13 points and Cecilia Zandalasini scored 12 for Minnesota (5-2). Courtney Williams pitched in with 11 points and five assists.

Kahleah Copper hit three 3-pointers and scored 21 to lead the Mercury (3-5). Diana Taurasi added 14 points and Sophie Cunningham scored 13. Natasha Mack had 10 rebounds to go with eight points.

Alanna Smith scored seven of her eight points in the first quarter to help the Lynx take a 21-12 lead.

Williams sank two 3-pointers and Bridget Carleton had one to cap an 11-2 run to give Minnesota a 55-26 lead with 1:12 left before halftime. Copper scored the final five points before the break and the Mercury trailed by 24.

Collier scored four of the final six points of the third quarter to put the Lynx up 72-49.

Brittney Griner continued to miss time for Phoenix because of an injury to her left ankle.

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AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/h3-4ub/wnba-basketball