PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury take Game 3 at home against the Minnesota Lynx on Friday, 84-76, and a 2-1 WNBA semifinals series lead.
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Sep 26, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) shields the ball from Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) during game three of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Both teams began the game evenly matched, but midway through the first quarter, the Lynx took a 22-19 lead. Phoenix started to have fouling troubles in the next quarter, allowing Minnesota to score six points on free throws.
However, the Mercury bounced back to take a 48-44 lead into halftime.
Sep 26, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani (8) drives the ball past Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith (8) during game three of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The Lynx opened the second half on a 7-2 run, with the Mercury countering it with a 7-3 run of their own. Both teams exchanged leads until Minnesota went on a 6-2Â run to close the third quarter and take a 67-63 lead.
Emotions flared in the fourth quarter, as Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve was given two technical fouls and ejected from the game. Minnesota scored only nine points in the quarter, while Phoenix scored 21.
Sep 26, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Jessica Shepard (15) talks to head coach Cheryl Reeve during game three against the Phoenix Mercury of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Head coach Reeve condemned the officiating in the game, calling for a change in leadership. She alleged that a top star on her team pulled her shoulder and may have fractured her foot towards the end of the game. Lynx forward Napheesa Collier was seen crying on the broadcast as she was helped to the locker room late in the fourth quarter.
“The officiating crew that we had tonight, for the leadership to deem those three people semifinals playoff worthy, is f—ing malpractice,” she said post-game. “… They’re f—ing awful.”
While the Lynx hope Collier will be healthy enough to play on Sunday, the Mercury aim to seal the series and secure their spot in the Finals.
Big dawgs only. pic.twitter.com/uNyIJxPjpY
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) September 27, 2025
The Phoenix Mercury and the Minnesota Lynx play Game 4 of the WNBA semifinals on Sunday, Sept. 28.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
