Phoenix Mercury Shock Top Seed to Reach WNBA Finals

The Phoenix Mercury are heading to the 2025 WNBA Finals after pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the postseason, eliminating the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in a 3–1 semifinal series victory. Their decisive 86–81 win in Game 4 showcased the resilience and late-game firepower that has defined their playoff run.

Despite falling behind 12–1 early and trailing by double digits after the first quarter, Phoenix refused to fold. A fourth-quarter surge flipped the momentum entirely as the Mercury exploded for 31 points in the final period, shutting down Minnesota on both ends of the floor.

DeWanna Bonner delivered in the clutch, scoring 11 of her 13 points in the fourth quarter, while Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally combined for over 40 points to power Phoenix’s comeback. The Mercury’s veteran leadership and poise under pressure proved too much for a Lynx squad missing key pieces and dealing with internal disruptions.

With this victory, Phoenix advances to the WNBA Finals, where they will face the winner of the Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever series. The Finals tip off October 3 under the league’s new best-of-seven format, giving the Mercury even more room to showcase their depth and grit.

Once viewed as underdogs, Phoenix now enters the Finals as the team no one wants to face — experienced, battle-tested, and peaking at the perfect moment.