WARNING: This story may contain strong language.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!PHOENIX — WNBA fans are divided over a late-game play in Game 3 between the Phoenix Mercury and Minnesota Lynx, where a foul was not called during a critical moment.
Sep 26, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) scores over 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
The play occurred during the final 28 seconds of the fourth quarter, with the Mercury having the lead, 80-76. Lynx forward Napheesa Collier threw an inbound pass to teammate Natisha Hiedeman, who flipped it back to Collier as she ran a route.
Phoenix forward Alyssa Thomas was able to steal the ball and make a layup uncontested, but inadvertently collided with Collier as she was making the steal. The Minnesota forward rolled her ankle as the play happened and took some time to get up under her own power.
Sep 26, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve calls the play against the Phoenix Mercury during game three of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, who was given one technical foul for arguing with the referees over missed calls earlier in the game, stormed onto the court after a foul wasn’t called on Thomas. Reeve was given a second technical foul and was ejected from the game.
In the post-game press conference, Reeve didn’t take any questions from the media and instead spoke about the officiating during the game, calling for change. She also alleged that Collier may have a fracture in her foot due to the play.
Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve speaks on tonight’s officiating against the Phoenix Mercury. #WNBA pic.twitter.com/bip6CzHss7
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) September 27, 2025
Sep 26, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) shoots over Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) during game three of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Many WNBA and basketball fans are divided on whether the play that helped seal the Mercury’s win was a foul or if it was a clean play and Collier’s injury was simply an unfortunate accident.
Even if her overall point is valid, the problem is that the incident which led to a possible Napheesa injury was not a foul. The contact was totally incidental and came after Alyssa Thomas cleanly won the ball. She’s crashing out bcos her team dropped a winnable game. https://t.co/0lTuFAucKC
— Gboye (@mcgboye) September 27, 2025
She told no lies. It’s been bad all season long. I’ve never seen this many injuries in one season. Some teams were favored all season long by the refs. Chicago sky players Angel and Kamilla didn’t start getting fouls called in their favor until they were out of the playoffs. 🤔🤔 https://t.co/PlAAebylcm
— Nani (@choklet1) September 27, 2025
Yes. They were awful. ON BOTH SIDES. DON’T PLAY DUMB. https://t.co/JTZskjBjft
— Veronica (@suns_tutu_fan) September 27, 2025
Okay they were but that last play was a clean steal. The contact after was accidental & she fell into AT. https://t.co/L7AyKguQ1N
— 👸🏾💕♒️ (@spillingtheti) September 27, 2025
Wasn’t a steal. It was a foul. Roll the video please. Reeves was correct. https://t.co/NMTuwJ4RdP
— Peter Edgar (@pedro26914) September 27, 2025
According to Dana Scott from Arizona Central, Collier was seen after the game using a scooter to help her get around. The Lynx haven’t provided a medical update on their star forward and it’s unclear if she’ll play in Game 4 of the semifinals series.
Sep 6, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) waits for action to start before the game against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Mercury will look to secure their spot in the WNBA Finals as they take on the Minnesota Lynx in Game 4 on Sunday, Sept. 28, at 5 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Mercury take Game 3 and a 2-1 semifinals series lead against Lynx
