WNBA Playoffs – September 28, 2025

Minnesota Lynx vs. Phoenix Mercury – Game 4 (Semifinals)

Final Score: Mercury 86, Lynx 81
Series: Phoenix wins 3–1, advances to the WNBA Finals
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Attendance: 16,919

Quarter Breakdown

• Q1: Lynx 25, Mercury 14

• Q2: Lynx 13, Mercury 24

• Q3: Lynx 30, Mercury 17

• Q4: Lynx 13, Mercury 31

• Final: Lynx 81, Mercury 86

Minnesota controlled most of the game, building a 13-point lead after three quarters. But Phoenix stormed back with a 31–13 fourth quarter, erasing the deficit and clinching the series.

Minnesota Lynx – Key Stats

• Kayla McBride: 31 points (10-23 FG, 6-11 3PT, 5-5 FT), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block

• Courtney Williams: 20 points (9-22 FG, 2-6 3PT), 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals

• Jessica Shepard: 14 points (6-11 FG), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals

• Alanna Smith: 8 points (4-6 FG), 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks

• Bridget Carleton: 3 points (1-2 FG, 1-1 3PT), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals

Team totals: 41.6% FG (32-77), 37.5% 3PT (9-24), 88.9% FT (8-9).
Minnesota was without Napheesa Collier (ankle) and head coach Cheryl Reeve (suspension).

Phoenix Mercury – Key Stats

• Alyssa Thomas: 23 points (11-18 FG), 8 rebounds, 10 assists, 6 turnovers

• Satou Sabally: 21 points (6-11 FG, 3-7 3PT, 6-9 FT), 6 rebounds, 3 assists

• Kahleah Copper: 13 points (3-12 FG, 2-6 3PT, 5-5 FT), 4 rebounds

• DeWanna Bonner: 13 points (4-7 FG, 3-4 3PT), 6 rebounds, 2 blocks — 11 of her 13 points came in the fourth quarter

• Natasha Mack: 4 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block in 11 minutes

• Sami Whitcomb: 3 points, 4 rebounds in 10 minutes

Team totals: 42.6% FG (29-68), 39.3% 3PT (11-28), 73.9% FT (17-23).

Game Analysis

The Lynx looked ready to force a Game 5 behind McBride’s hot shooting, but without Collier they lacked a secondary star to close. Courtney Williams and Jessica Shepard contributed, but the offense stalled late.

Phoenix’s rally was fueled by its veterans. Alyssa Thomas directed the offense, constantly creating shots for others, while Satou Sabally’s perimeter scoring stretched Minnesota’s defense. The biggest spark came from DeWanna Bonner, who delivered a pair of clutch threes and a late free throw burst in the fourth.

The Mercury outscored Minnesota 31–13 in the final frame, marking one of the most dramatic playoff comebacks in recent memory. With the win, Phoenix advanced to its first Finals appearance since 2021.

Indiana Fever vs. Las Vegas Aces – Game 4 (Semifinals)

Final Score: Fever 90, Aces 83
Series: Tied 2–2

Indiana Fever – Key Stats

• Kelsey Mitchell: 25 points (9-18 FG, 4-8 3PT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists

• Aliyah Boston: 24 points (10-17 FG), 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks

• Odyssey Sims: 18 points off the bench (7-12 FG, 4-7 3PT)

• Katie Lou Samuelson: 11 points, 4 rebounds

Team totals: 49.3% FG, 41.7% 3PT, 81% FT.

Las Vegas Aces – Key Stats

• A’ja Wilson: 31 points (12-23 FG), 9 rebounds

• Kelsey Plum: 15 points (6-17 FG), 5 assists

• Chelsea Gray: 14 points, 8 assists

• Jackie Young: 11 points, 6 rebounds

Team totals: 43% FG, 33% 3PT, 75% FT.

Key Moment

Late in the fourth quarter, the Aces were charged with an extra timeout they didn’t have, resulting in a technical free throw and possession for Indiana. The Fever capitalized, sealing the victory and forcing a decisive Game 5.

Big Picture

• The Phoenix Mercury are back in the WNBA Finals for the first time in four years, relying on their veteran leadership and fourth-quarter execution.

• The Minnesota Lynx, despite a strong season and top seeding, bowed out after blowing a double-digit lead. Missing Napheesa Collier and head coach Cheryl Reeve was too much to overcome.

• The Indiana Fever, led by Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, extended their series with the Aces to a winner-take-all Game 5. The defending champion Aces now face elimination.

• Game 5 is Tuesday, September 30, in Las Vegas