PHOENIX — For the sixth time in franchise history, the Phoenix Mercury are heading to the WNBA Finals after defeating the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday, 86-81.
Sep 28, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) shoots over Minnesota Lynx forward Bridget Carleton (6) in the first half during game four of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The Lynx opened the game on a 12-1 run against the Mercury, with Phoenix making its first field goal nearly five minutes after the game began. Four turnovers and missed shots left them down by 11 points after the first quarter.
Phoenix played more aggressively on defense in the second quarter, keeping Minnesota to 13 points. After an 11-point deficit to begin the game, Phoenix was able to tie the game, 38-38, heading into halftime.
Sep 28, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) drives past Minnesota Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman (2) and forward Jessica Shepard (15) in the first half during game four of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Minnesota went on an 8-3 run to begin the second half, once again extending its lead to double digits with critical 3-pointers. The Lynx kept the Mercury to 17 points, as they led 68-55 after the third quarter.
The Mercury went on a run of their own, opening the final quarter with a 7-0 run to cut the lead to six. Once again, Sami Whitcomb has a crucial 3-pointer that made it a one-possession game mid-way through the fourth. Phoenix went on to score 31 points in the fourth quarter, while Minnesota was kept to 13 points.
Sunday’s victory sealed a 3-1 semifinals series win for Phoenix.
Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) shoots the ball over Minnesota Lynx forward Maria Kliundikova (77) during their WNBA semifinal playoff game at PHX Arena on Sept. 28, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Phoenix’s 31 points in the fourth quarter are the most the team has scored in a fourth quarter this season. Head coach Nate Tibbetts credits the Mercury’s late-game defense as the reason they were able to score as much and overcome a 13-point deficit.
“We really didn’t have a choice,” Tibbetts said post-game. “We were down 13, we needed to get stops. When we get stops, we’re pretty good offensively… We made some great plays, some really good passes and that’s what it took.”
One heck of a finish by the one and only. pic.twitter.com/kAvXvdDTAn
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) September 29, 2025
The Phoenix Mercury will face either the Indiana Fever or the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA Finals, starting on Friday, Oct. 3.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
