The Phoenix Mercury impressed in the first half by falling behind 49-47 to the Minnesota Lynx in the first-round elimination game on Wednesday in Minneapolis.

In what could be the final game of her career, Diana Taurasi went 2-of-5 from the 3-point line for seven points. Natasha Cloud led the Mercury with 12 points, while Brittney Griner had 11.

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

Mercury went on a 9-0 run in the first quarter, holding off the Lynx offense, and took a four-point lead at the end of the quarter.

Minnesota led by nine points in the second quarter, but in the final minutes before halftime the Mercurys scored 10-4.

The Mercury are a tough opponent in rebounding, outscoring the Lynx 20-11.

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