The Lynx trailed Phoenix by seven at halftime in Game 1 of the WNBA semifinal series on Sunday in Minneapolis. Everything changed over the final two frames, largely thanks to the play of Minnesota’s floor general.

Courtney Williams exploded for 12 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals in the second half as Minnesota proceeded to run the Mercury off the floor in an 82-69 victory in the first game of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center.

Minnesota won the minutes that Williams player by 18 points after the intermission.

“Court was terrific,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said. “Yeah, player of the game for us.”

Williams was asked what seems to cause her to crank it up in the second halves of games. Frankly, the guard wasn’t sure how to respond.

“I think it’s just

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