Quick Read
- DeWanna Bonner scored 11 of her 13 points in the fourth quarter, leading Mercury’s comeback.
- Phoenix Mercury overcame a 13-point deficit against Minnesota Lynx to reach the WNBA Finals.
- Alyssa Thomas contributed 23 points and 10 assists; Satou Sabally added 21 points.
- Minnesota Lynx played without star Napheesa Collier and suspended coach Cheryl Reeve.
- Phoenix will face Indiana Fever or Las Vegas Aces in the championship series.
DeWanna Bonner’s Fourth-Quarter Heroics Seal Mercury’s Finals Berth
There are moments in basketball that feel like a spark—one that catches, grows, and ultimately transforms doubt into belief. For the Phoenix Mercury, Sunday night’s WNBA semifinal against the Minnesota Lynx was one of those moments, and at the center of it all stood DeWanna Bonner. The veteran forward, known for her clutch performances, once again delivered when it mattered most, scoring 11 of her 13 points in the fourth quarter and propelling her team to an 86-81 victory. With the win, Phoenix booked its ticket to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2021.
The Mercury entered the fourth quarter trailing by 13 points—a daunting deficit against the league’s top seed. The Lynx, despite missing star forward Napheesa Collier and suspended head coach Cheryl Reeve, had the advantage. But as the final period unfolded, it became clear that the Mercury were not ready to see their season end.
Mercury’s Resilience Shines in Historic Comeback
It wasn’t just Bonner’s heroics that defined the night. Alyssa Thomas, a force all game long, scored 23 points, dished out 10 assists, and grabbed eight rebounds. Satou Sabally added 21 points, including 14 in the first 14 minutes of play, setting a tone of aggression and energy. Together, they embodied the resilience that has come to define Phoenix’s postseason run.
But the fourth quarter was Bonner’s stage. With the Mercury down 68-55, the veteran forward started to find her rhythm. Her first three-pointer, launched with confidence, brought Phoenix within striking distance. Moments later, another three gave the Mercury their first lead of the game at 72-70, electrifying the 16,919-strong sellout crowd at PHX Arena. When Minnesota’s Kayla McBride—who had a career playoff-high 31 points—responded with her sixth three of the second half, Bonner answered with two clutch free throws and a third three-pointer, extending Phoenix’s lead and shifting the momentum for good.
The Mercury defense, often overshadowed by their offensive stars, clamped down in the final frame. Minnesota was held to just 13 points in the fourth quarter, with only McBride able to score more than two until a last-gasp three from Courtney Williams. It was a performance that underscored Phoenix’s identity—one built not just on talent, but on an unyielding will to win.
Historical Significance: Mercury Defy Playoff Odds
This game was more than just a win; it was a statement. Phoenix became the first team in WNBA history to win two playoff games after trailing by at least 14 points. Their ability to withstand adversity—whether in the form of injuries, suspensions, or scoreboard pressure—has set them apart in a postseason defined by unpredictability.
For Bonner, Thomas, and Sabally, the victory also carries personal significance. All three played together for the Connecticut Sun last season, falling short in the 2022 WNBA Finals. Now, as teammates in Phoenix, they have another chance at the elusive championship—a testament to their perseverance and adaptability.
Lynx’s Season Ends in Heartbreak
On the other side, the Minnesota Lynx’s quest for a second consecutive finals appearance ended in disappointment. McBride’s brilliance kept her team afloat, but the absence of Collier was palpable. The Lynx started strong, jumping to a 12-1 lead and maintaining control through three quarters. However, their inability to close out games—particularly in the face of Phoenix’s relentless pressure—proved costly. Minnesota became the first top seed in league history to lose two playoff games when leading by 14 points or more, a bitter statistic that will linger as they head into the offseason.
The loss of coach Cheryl Reeve to suspension further complicated matters, leaving the Lynx without their emotional anchor. In the final minutes, the weight of missed opportunities and mounting Mercury momentum turned every possession into a struggle, every shot into a test of resolve.
The Road Ahead: Finals Await
For Phoenix, the journey isn’t over. They now await the winner of the Indiana Fever vs. Las Vegas Aces Game 5, set for Tuesday. If Indiana advances, the Finals will begin in Phoenix, giving Mercury a chance to ride their home-court energy. If Las Vegas prevails, Phoenix will take their tenacity on the road. Either way, the Mercury’s pursuit of their first championship since 2014 is alive and well.
Bonner’s leadership and poise in crunch time will be vital. The Mercury’s supporting cast—Copper, Whitcomb, Sabally—have proven they can deliver under pressure. But the Finals bring new challenges, fresh opponents, and the highest stakes. Will Phoenix’s resilience carry them through one last test?
The answer, as always in sports, lies ahead. But if Sunday night is any indication, DeWanna Bonner and the Mercury are more than ready for what’s to come.
Looking at Phoenix’s remarkable comeback, Bonner’s clutch shooting, and the team’s collective resilience, it’s clear this Finals run is built on more than just talent—it’s a story of grit, experience, and unwavering belief. The Mercury’s ability to seize the moment when it matters most could make all the difference in the championship series.