By Harshit | September 24, 2025 | New York, NY | 2:00 AM EDT
Phoenix Mercury Rally Past Minnesota Lynx in Overtime
The WNBA playoffs delivered another dramatic night as the fourth-seeded Phoenix Mercury overcame a 20-point deficit to defeat top-seeded Minnesota Lynx 89-83 in overtime, evening their best-of-five semifinal series at 1-1.
Alyssa Thomas nearly recorded another triple-double, finishing with 19 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds, while the Mercury capitalized on clutch shooting and defensive stops in the extra period. The victory marked the first playoff loss of the postseason for the Lynx, who swept the Golden State Valkyries in the opening round.
“It wouldn’t have been as fun going back 0-2,” Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts said. “This is a five-game series. We haven’t done anything yet. (But) we needed to get one here for sure.”
Las Vegas Aces Dominate Indiana Fever
Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Aces returned to form with a commanding 90-68 victory over the Indiana Fever, also evening their semifinal matchup at 1-1. MVP A’ja Wilson led the charge with 25 points, nine rebounds, five steals, and two blocks, demonstrating why she has earned the league’s top honor four times.
NaLyssa Smith added a playoff career-high 18 points and seven rebounds, while Jewell Loyd and Dana Evans contributed 10 points apiece off the bench. The Aces’ balanced scoring and tight defense ensured that the Fever never gained traction.
Key Player Performances
Both games highlighted the importance of star power in playoff basketball. Thomas’ near triple-double underscored her all-around influence for the Mercury, while Wilson’s stat-stuffing performance for the Aces reaffirmed her MVP-caliber impact.
Analyst Simone Carter of ESPN noted, “These performances illustrate how playoff basketball isn’t just about scoring—it’s about leadership, defense, and momentum. Both teams showed resilience under pressure.”
Fans React to Playoff Drama
Social media lit up as fans celebrated Phoenix’s comeback and the Aces’ dominance. Mercury supporters praised Thomas’ effort, with many calling it “the heart of the playoffs,” while Aces fans lauded Wilson for cementing her legacy in a crucial semifinal game.
Local sports bars in Las Vegas and Phoenix reported near-capacity crowds watching live, reflecting the growing popularity and excitement surrounding the WNBA postseason.
Looking Ahead: Series Shift Cities
Both semifinal series will switch venues for Game 3 on Friday night. Minnesota hosts Phoenix in what promises to be a high-stakes rematch, while Las Vegas takes on Indiana with hopes of seizing momentum in front of a home crowd.
“Every game counts in a five-game series,” Tibbetts said. “We need to carry this energy into the next city and fight for every possession.”
Analysts expect both series to remain tightly contested. With standout players like Thomas and Wilson consistently delivering high-level performances, fans can anticipate further dramatic finishes and potentially multiple overtime thrillers as the WNBA semifinals continue.
Implications for the WNBA Playoffs
With the series now tied, both matchups have set the stage for pivotal Game 3 showdowns. Momentum, home-court advantage, and player health will play critical roles in determining which teams advance to the WNBA Finals.
The league continues to showcase top-tier talent, competitive depth, and the growing fan engagement that makes women’s professional basketball an increasingly compelling product for U.S. sports audiences.
