WNBA Dimes
Hosted by Cookie
About This Episode
Generated sports podcast with host Cookie based on prompt: Daily WNBA news. Scores, highlights, and general news. Call it WNBA Dimes
Transcript
Hey! It's Cookie O'Clock! Welcome to "WNBA Dimes" with your host, Brooke. We've got plenty to dish out today—from semifinal showdowns to MVP moments and some spicy front-office news. Grab a snack, because it's going to be a full plate!
Let's dive right into the action from yesterday’s semifinals. First up, the Indiana Fever pulled off a stunning 89-73 upset over the Las Vegas Aces. Kelsey Mitchell was on fire, dropping a playoff-career high of 34 points. She was shooting lasers out there—52.2% from the field, including four bombs from downtown. She's only behind Tamika Catchings by a single point for the Fever’s playoff record. Talk about leaving a legacy!
But it wasn't just the Kelsey Show. Odyssey Sims added flair with 17 points and three steals, while Natasha Howard and rookie Aliyah Boston held down the fort with double-doubles and key assists. The Aces tried to cool off the Fever, but even MVP A’ja Wilson was held to 16 points. Indiana’s defense was tighter than my jeans after a pizza binge, forcing 16 turnovers!
Coach Stephanie White raved about Mitchell being “the head of the snake,” while Aces Coach Becky Hammon admitted they “had no answer.” Next up, Game 2 in Vegas—grab your popcorn!
Now, let's talk about the Minnesota Lynx, who toppled the Phoenix Mercury 82-69. It was a game of two halves. Trailing by seven at halftime, the Lynx roared back, outscoring Phoenix 42 to 22 in the latter half. Courtney Williams was everywhere—23 points, eight boards, and five steals! That’s right, she wore a superhero cape and anklets!
Kayla McBride and Napheesa Collier weren’t too shabby either, with McBride’s triples raining like a confetti storm. Phoenix’s Kahleah Copper shone with 22 points, but the second-half Mercury collapse was real.
Minnesota’s amazing turnaround was guided by Head Coach Cheryl Reeve and Williams’ leadership. Next up, Game 2 in Minnesota—expect more fireworks!
In league news, let's give a standing ovation to A’ja Wilson, crowned MVP for a historic fourth time. She’s rewriting the record books faster than I can write a grocery list! Averaging 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds, Wilson carried the Aces to an intense season finish. If anyone’s making a “who’s who” of WNBA greats, she’s on it!
Now, in some surprising front-office news, the Seattle Storm have decided not to renew Head Coach Noelle Quinn’s contract for 2026. She’s been a staple for the last five years, leading the team to four postseasons. General Manager Talisa Rhea is now on the hunt for her successor, aiming to keep the Storm as fierce as ever.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on Game 2 of the semis. Will Indiana keep their streak in Vegas? Can the Lynx fend off the Mercury again? The courts are heating up, and so are the stories off the court. From MVP accolades to the coaching carousel, there’s never a dull moment in the world of WNBA!
That’s all for today, folks! Tune back in for more WNBA Dimes as we keep serving up the latest and greatest from the league. Until next time, keep it breezy and stay dunkin’!
## WNBA Dimes – September 21, 2025
**Yesterday’s slate in the WNBA featured the opening games of the semifinal round, record‐setting individual honors, and front‐office changes, all setting the stage for the next chapter of the league’s 29th season.**
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### Indiana Fever 89, Las Vegas Aces 73
**Series: Indiana leads 1–0**
• **Kelsey Mitchell’s breakout performance**
– Scored a playoff‐career high 34 points on 12-of-23 shooting (52.2%), including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, and a perfect 6-for-6 on free throws ([fever.wnba.com](https://fever.wnba.com/news/game-recap-fever-aces-250921?utm_source=openai)).
– Her 34 points are the second-most by a Fever player in a postseason game in franchise history, trailing only Tamika Catchings’ 35 in 2009 ([fever.wnba.com](https://fever.wnba.com/news/game-recap-fever-aces-250921?utm_source=openai)).
– Registered 17 first‐half points to set the tone, and nailed a clutch three‐pointer late in the third quarter that pushed Indiana’s lead to double digits for good ([sbnation.com](https://www.sbnation.com/womens-sports/1081283/kelsey-mitchell-indiana-fever-las-vegas-aces-recap-stats-box-score-stephanie-white-becky-hammon?utm_source=openai)).
• **Supporting cast and depth**
– Odyssey Sims added 17 points and three steals, showcasing her defensive prowess ([fever.wnba.com](https://fever.wnba.com/news/game-recap-fever-aces-250921?utm_source=openai)).
– Natasha Howard produced a 12‐point, 11‐rebound double‐double, anchoring the frontcourt both offensively and on the boards ([fever.wnba.com](https://fever.wnba.com/news/game-recap-fever-aces-250921?utm_source=openai)).
– Rookie Aliyah Boston contributed six points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, underscoring Indiana’s balanced attack ([fever.wnba.com](https://fever.wnba.com/news/game-recap-fever-aces-250921?utm_source=openai)).
• **Aces’ star limited**
– Reigning WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson was held to 16 points on 6-of-22 (27.3%) shooting, though she grabbed 13 rebounds ([clickorlando.com](https://www.clickorlando.com/sports/2025/09/21/kelsey-mitchell-scores-34-points-leads-fever-to-game-1-upset-win-over-aces-89-73/?utm_source=openai)).
– Jackie Young led Las Vegas with 19 points, while Chelsea Gray chipped in 13 points, five boards, and four assists ([aces.wnba.com](https://aces.wnba.com/news/game-recap-las-vegas-drops-semifinal-game-1-to-indiana-89-73?utm_source=openai)).
• **Game flow and turning points**
– Indiana jumped to an early 19–10 lead, but Las Vegas answered with an 8–0 run to close the first quarter ([aces.wnba.com](https://aces.wnba.com/news/game-recap-las-vegas-drops-semifinal-game-1-to-indiana-89-73?utm_source=openai)).
– The Fever maintained composure, leading 41–36 at halftime, then exploded for a 28-point third quarter, capped by an 11–0 run that all but sealed the Game 1 upset ([aces.wnba.com](https://aces.wnba.com/news/game-recap-las-vegas-drops-semifinal-game-1-to-indiana-89-73?utm_source=openai)).
– Indiana shot 50% overall (34-of-68) versus 40.8% (29-of-71) for the Aces, with the Fever’s defense forcing 16 turnovers ([clickorlando.com](https://www.clickorlando.com/sports/2025/09/21/kelsey-mitchell-scores-34-points-leads-fever-to-game-1-upset-win-over-aces-89-73/?utm_source=openai)).
• **Coach and player reaction**
– Head Coach Stephanie White praised Mitchell as “the head of the snake,” crediting her leadership and scoring prowess for stealing home‐court advantage ([sbnation.com](https://www.sbnation.com/womens-sports/1081283/kelsey-mitchell-indiana-fever-las-vegas-aces-recap-stats-box-score-stephanie-white-becky-hammon?utm_source=openai)).
– Aces coach Becky Hammon acknowledged her team “had no answer” for Mitchell’s offensive onslaught, lamenting subpar shooting and turnovers ([sbnation.com](https://www.sbnation.com/womens-sports/1081283/kelsey-mitchell-indiana-fever-las-vegas-aces-recap-stats-box-score-stephanie-white-becky-hammon?utm_source=openai)).
• **What’s next?**
– Game 2 of the best‐of‐five series shifts back to Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 9:30 PM ET. Indiana aims to extend its lead before the series moves to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for Game 3 on Friday ([fever.wnba.com](https://fever.wnba.com/news/game-recap-fever-aces-250921?utm_source=openai)).
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### Minnesota Lynx 82, Phoenix Mercury 69
**Series: Minnesota leads 1–0**
• **Second‐half surge**
– Trailing 47–40 at halftime, the Lynx outscored Phoenix 42–22 over the final two quarters to secure a 1–0 series edge ([canishoopus.com](https://www.canishoopus.com/minnesota-lynx/61323/lynx-82-mercury-69-strong-second-half-leads-to-1-0-series-advantage-wnba-courtney-williams-napheesa-collier?utm_source=openai)).
– Minnesota forced cold perimeter shooting, holding the Mercury to just 3-of-23 (13%) from three-point range after intermission ([brightsideofthesun.com](https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/mercury-wnba/89494/phoenix-mercury-vs-minnesota-lynx-wnba-playoffs-2025-game-1-recap-analysis?utm_source=openai)).
• **Key contributors**
– Courtney Williams erupted for 23 points on 11-of-19 shooting, along with eight rebounds, seven assists, and a game-high five steals, spearheading the comeback ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/wnba/recap/_/gameId/401820328?utm_source=openai)).
– Kayla McBride poured in 21 points, including four three-pointers, and pulled down six rebounds; her deep ball with under four minutes left extended Minnesota’s lead to 73–67 ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/wnba/recap/_/gameId/401820328?utm_source=openai)).
– Napheesa Collier added 18 points and nine rebounds, finishing second in MVP voting earlier in the day ([wsls.com](https://www.wsls.com/sports/2025/09/21/williams-scores-23-as-lynx-win-game-1-of-semifinals-over-mercury-82-69/?utm_source=openai)).
• **Phoenix frontcourt dominance, and a mid‐game lull**
– The Mercury scored 47 first-half points, 42 of which came in the paint, but were stifled after halftime, tallying just 27 total points in the second half ([wsls.com](https://www.wsls.com/sports/2025/09/21/williams-scores-23-as-lynx-win-game-1-of-semifinals-over-mercury-82-69/?utm_source=openai)).
– Kahleah Copper led Phoenix with 22 points on 10-of-18 shooting; Alyssa Thomas contributed 18 points despite limited spacing; Satou Sabally was held to 10 points on 4-of-15 shooting ([wsls.com](https://www.wsls.com/sports/2025/09/21/williams-scores-23-as-lynx-win-game-1-of-semifinals-over-mercury-82-69/?utm_source=openai)).
• **Injury update**
– Minnesota announced guard DiJonai Carrington will miss the remainder of the postseason with a foot injury suffered late in the regular season ([canishoopus.com](https://www.canishoopus.com/minnesota-lynx/61323/lynx-82-mercury-69-strong-second-half-leads-to-1-0-series-advantage-wnba-courtney-williams-napheesa-collier?utm_source=openai)).
• **Coaching perspective**
– Head Coach Cheryl Reeve highlighted her team’s halftime adjustments, lauding Williams’ vocal leadership in recalibrating defensive schemes to clamp down on Phoenix’s interior attack ([foxsports.com](https://www.foxsports.com/articles/wnba/williams-scores-23-as-lynx-win-game-1-of-semifinals-over-mercury-8269?utm_source=openai)).
• **Next steps**
– Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 23, at Target Center in Minneapolis, with tipoff at 7:30 PM ET. If necessary, the series shifts to Phoenix for Game 3 on Friday, Sept. 26 ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_WNBA_season?utm_source=openai)).
---
### League News & Notes
• **A’ja Wilson claims historic fourth WNBA MVP**
– Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson was named the 2025 WNBA Most Valuable Player, becoming the first player in league history to win four MVP awards (2020, 2022, 2024, 2025). She led all voters with 657 points and 51 first‐place votes, ahead of Napheesa Collier (534) and Alyssa Thomas (391) ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/wilson-claims-record-fourth-wnba-mvp-award-after-aces-stunning-turnaround-2025-09-21/?utm_source=openai)).
– Wilson paced the league at 23.4 points per game, added 10.2 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game, and co‐won Defensive Player of the Year. After an 11–11 midseason mark, the Aces closed with 16 straight victories to finish 30–14 ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/wilson-claims-record-fourth-wnba-mvp-award-after-aces-stunning-turnaround-2025-09-21/?utm_source=openai)).
• **Seattle Storm to begin coaching search**
– The Storm announced Head Coach Noelle Quinn’s contract will not be renewed for 2026; she departs after five years at the helm, four postseason appearances, and accumulating the second‐most wins of any coach in franchise history ([oursportscentral.com](https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/seattle-storm-announce-head-coaching-change/n-6284394)).
– General Manager Talisa Rhea thanked Quinn for her dedication to player development and success, and confirmed an immediate search for her successor ([oursportscentral.com](https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/seattle-storm-announce-head-coaching-change/n-6284394)).
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**Looking Ahead**
– The WNBA semifinals resume on Sept. 23 with Game 2 in both series. Indiana tries to extend its road success in Las Vegas; Minnesota aims to close out Phoenix’s challenge before heading on the road.
– With MVP honors decided and coaching vacancies opening, the league’s next headlines will come on court—and from the front office—as teams gear up for potential Finals berths.
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