Phoenix Mercury’s Thrilling Road to the Finals
On a night that will be remembered in Phoenix basketball lore, the Mercury rose from a double-digit deficit to eliminate the Minnesota Lynx, punching their ticket to the 2025 WNBA Finals. Their 86-81 victory in Game 4 wasn’t just another playoff win—it was a testament to grit, resilience, and an unwavering belief in their championship dreams.
Just hours before tip-off, the Mercury faced a daunting challenge. Minnesota, the top seed and a dominant force throughout the regular season, had swept the Golden State Valkyries in the first round and looked poised for another Finals run. Yet, the Lynx arrived shorthanded. Napheesa Collier, their All-Star anchor, was sidelined by an ankle injury sustained in a tense Game 3 finish. Head coach Cheryl Reeve watched from afar, suspended for comments criticizing officiating after the previous loss. The stage was set for a clash not just of talent, but of willpower.
Fourth-Quarter Heroics Seal the Win
The Lynx burst out of the gates, quickly building a 12-1 lead and keeping Phoenix at bay for much of the game. By the end of the third quarter, Minnesota led 68-55, seemingly on the verge of forcing a decisive Game 5. But the Mercury refused to fold. Led by veteran DeWanna Bonner, whose calm in chaos has become her signature, Phoenix began to chip away at the deficit.
Sami Whitcomb’s clutch three-pointer midway through the fourth cut the lead to a single point. Moments later, Bonner’s own triple gave Mercury their first lead since early in the game. She added another dagger from beyond the arc and then calmly sank two free throws, extending Phoenix’s advantage and quieting a raucous Minnesota crowd. Bonner finished with 11 of her 24 points in the final period, while Satou Sabally led the team overall with 21 points. Kahleah Copper provided the spark after halftime, hitting a key three-pointer to ignite Phoenix’s rally.
For Minnesota, Kayla McBride put on a shooting clinic, draining six three-pointers in the second half and tallying 31 points. Courtney Williams contributed 20, but the absence of Collier and Reeve ultimately proved too much to overcome. As reported by AZFamily and CBS Sports, the Lynx’s early momentum faded as Phoenix’s veterans seized control down the stretch.
Playoff Drama: Upsets and Surprises Define the 2025 Bracket
The Mercury’s path to the Finals was anything but easy. Their first-round series saw them overcome the defending champion New York Liberty, rallying after an overtime loss in Game 1. Across the bracket, the Indiana Fever shocked third-seeded Atlanta Dream on their home floor, while Las Vegas Aces survived a nail-biter against Seattle Storm after a 17-game winning streak was snapped.
This year’s playoff format introduced a new wrinkle: the semifinals expanded to a best-of-five, with the Finals now a best-of-seven. The Mercury took full advantage, outlasting Minnesota in a four-game slugfest. Meanwhile, the Aces and Fever are locked in their own battle, with Indiana forcing a decisive Game 5 after Sunday’s dramatic win.
The Mercury will now await the winner of that clash, set to face either Las Vegas or Indiana in the Finals beginning Friday, October 3. It marks Phoenix’s first championship appearance since 2021, and their first shot at a title since their 2014 triumph.
What Lies Ahead: The Finals and the Legacy at Stake
For Phoenix, the journey is far from over. Their Finals opponent will emerge from a grueling Aces-Fever series, with both teams displaying resilience and star power in equal measure. The stakes couldn’t be higher: a shot at the WNBA’s ultimate prize, redemption after years of near-misses, and the chance to cement their legacy among the league’s elite.
Fans can catch every moment on ESPN, ABC, and ESPN2, with all games also available for streaming on fubo. The best-of-seven Finals schedule promises high drama, tactical battles, and, perhaps, another chapter in Phoenix’s storied history.
For the Mercury, the story isn’t just about basketball. It’s about overcoming adversity—whether it’s injuries, suspensions, or the weight of expectation. It’s about veteran leadership rising to the occasion and young stars finding their moment. As the city of Phoenix rallies behind its team, the Mercury stand on the brink of something extraordinary.
In the end, the Mercury’s victory over Minnesota wasn’t just a win on the scoreboard—it was a statement of resolve. With veterans like Bonner leading the way and new heroes emerging, Phoenix has transformed adversity into opportunity. As they prepare for the Finals, their mix of experience, heart, and timely execution makes them a formidable contender for the 2025 WNBA crown.