LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — Natasha Howard recorded 14 points and 11 rebounds as the Minnesota Lynx defeated the Phoenix Mercury 88-84 on Tuesday at Michelob Ultra Arena. Kahleah Copper led Phoenix with 30 points. Olivia Miles added 13 points and seven assists for Minnesota. Nia Coffey contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds. The Lynx shot 50 percent from the floor and held the Mercury to 36.6 percent shooting. Minnesota outscored Phoenix 27-22 in the third quarter to take control. The Lynx improved to 1-1, while the Mercury fell to 1-2. Attendance was 10,826.