Phoenix Mercury make a statement in elimination game against Minnesota Lynx, trailing by 2 points at halftime

The Phoenix Mercury made a statement in the first half when they fell behind 49-47 to the Minnesota Lynx in their first-round elimination game in Minneapolis on Wednesday.

In what could be the final game of her career, Diana Taurasi made 2 of 5 three-pointers for seven points. Natasha Cloud led the Mercury with 12 points, while Brittney Griner had 11 points.

Lynx star Napheesa Collier is the top scorer with 23 points.

The Mercury went on a 9-0 run in the first quarter, stifling the Lynx offense and building a four-point lead at the end of the quarter.

Minnesota led by nine points in the second quarter, but the Mercury outscored them 10-4 in the final minutes before halftime.

The Mercury were strong at the basket and got more rebounds than the Lynx (20:11).

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mercury stays close in elimination game in Minnesota