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, where we break down the latest playoff action with a dash of wit and a sprinkle of humor. I'm Brooke, your guide to all things hoops.
Alright, let's dive into Sunday’s semifinal openers in the 2025 WNBA Playoffs—a rollercoaster of upsets and statement wins. We saw the Indiana Fever deliver a sizzling road victory over the reigning champs, the Las Vegas Aces. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Lynx put on a defensive clinic against the Phoenix Mercury. And oh, did I mention A’ja Wilson snagged her record-setting fourth MVP? More on that in a bit!
Starting with the Indiana Fever’s coup in Sin City. Final score: Fever 89, Aces 73. The sixth-seeded underdogs delivered the Aces their very first home playoff loss. Talk about drama! Kelsey Mitchell was on fire with a whopping 34 points, showing off her slashing skills and basically saying, “Vegas, your defense just checked out!” Meanwhile, the Aces struggled all over the shot chart. A’ja Wilson, despite her MVP celebrations, was effectively contained.
Over in Minneapolis, the top-seeded Lynx came through with an 82-69 win against the Phoenix Mercury. It was nerve-wrackingly tied at 59 going into the fourth, but Minnesota turned up the heat with a 23-10 run. Courtney Williams led the charge, scoring 23 points with some timely baskets. And let’s not forget Kayla McBride's 21-point performance, including four thunderous triples. The Lynx are in unstoppable postseason form, popping champagne and holding Phoenix to a chilly 17% shooting in the fourth quarter.
Let's spotlight some standout players. Kelsey Mitchell’s 34-point spectacle for Indiana was textbook determination. Minnesota’s Courtney Williams brought her A-game with efficient shooting and clutch timing, while her teammate Kayla McBride reminded us why teams dread leaving her open beyond the arc. For the Aces, A’ja Wilson, despite her pre-game trophy moment, didn’t quite hit her usual marks, finishing with 18 points. But hey, even MVPs have off days, right?
Speaking of A’ja, let’s talk about her MVP crown. She’s now a four-time MVP—unprecedented in the league! Averaging 23.4 points per game and co-winning Defensive Player of the Year, she’s practically rewriting the records book. Her midseason revival led the Aces on a post-All-Star break surge, justifying the championship buzz around them.
Looking ahead to Game 2 set for Tuesday, September 24. Can the Fever keep their momentum and beat the odds again in Vegas? The Aces will need to channel their inner defensive maestros if they want to bounce back. In Minnesota, Phoenix must crack the Lynx’s code to stay alive in the series. Meanwhile, the Lynx look to keep their flawless postseason record intact.
Stay tuned here at WNBA Dimes for more insights, analysis, and maybe a few laughs. I’m Brooke, and remember, when it's Cookie O'Clock, there's always a sweet game to savor. Catch you next time!
## Introduction
Sunday’s semifinal openers in the 2025 WNBA Playoffs delivered a mix of upsets and emphatic statement wins, setting the tone for two highly competitive best-of-five series. The Indiana Fever’s road triumph over the defending champion Las Vegas Aces and the Minnesota Lynx’s late-game dominance of the Phoenix Mercury provided divergent storylines, while off-court, A’ja Wilson was honored with her record-setting fourth MVP award. Here’s everything you need to know from September 22, 2025’s WNBA action.
## Semifinals Game 1 Recap
### Indiana Fever shock Aces in Las Vegas
– Final Score: Indiana Fever 89, Las Vegas Aces 73
– Seedings: No. 6 Indiana vs. No. 2 Las Vegas
The sixth-seeded Fever stunned the league by handing the Aces their first home playoff loss in franchise history. Kelsey Mitchell spearheaded the upset with a season-high 34 points, drilling four of Indiana’s six made three-pointers and showcasing her aggressive slashing game—she bullied perimeter defenders and attacked the rim with little resistance ([swishappeal.com](https://www.swishappeal.com/wnba/64753/wnba-playoffs-scores-fever-aces-lynx-mercury-aja-wilson-mvp-kelsey-mitchell-courtney-williams-mcbride-napheesa-collier)). Lexie Hull added one of Indiana’s two other long-range conversions, but it was Mitchell’s night from start to finish ([swishappeal.com](https://www.swishappeal.com/wnba/64753/wnba-playoffs-scores-fever-aces-lynx-mercury-aja-wilson-mvp-kelsey-mitchell-courtney-williams-mcbride-napheesa-collier)).
Indiana opened up a double-digit lead early and never relinquished control. Though A’ja Wilson received her MVP trophy before tip-off, she was held in check; the Aces managed just 73 points on 34.1% shooting (28-82 FG) and struggled from distance (34.4%, 11-32 3PT) ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/wilson-claims-record-fourth-wnba-mvp-award-after-aces-stunning-turnaround-2025-09-21/)). The Fever’s defense forced 15 turnovers and dominated the second half, outscoring Las Vegas by a 50-34 margin after intermission.
### Lynx pull away late against Mercury
– Final Score: Minnesota Lynx 82, Phoenix Mercury 69
– Seedings: No. 1 Minnesota vs. No. 4 Phoenix
In Minneapolis, the top-seeded Lynx overcame a resilient Phoenix squad, using a suffocating fourth-quarter run to pull clear. Tied at 59 entering the final period, Minnesota erupted for a 23-10 frame, holding the Mercury to just 17% shooting and forcing three turnovers ([swishappeal.com](https://www.swishappeal.com/wnba/64753/wnba-playoffs-scores-fever-aces-lynx-mercury-aja-wilson-mvp-kelsey-mitchell-courtney-williams-mcbride-napheesa-collier)).
Courtney Williams led all scorers with 23 points, combining sharp mid-range shooting with timely drives to the basket. Newly reunited sharpshooter Kayla McBride added 21 points, attacking closeouts and finding space for four triples on the night ([swishappeal.com](https://www.swishappeal.com/wnba/64753/wnba-playoffs-scores-fever-aces-lynx-mercury-aja-wilson-mvp-kelsey-mitchell-courtney-williams-mcbride-napheesa-collier)). Minnesota’s defense clamped down when it mattered most, holding Phoenix scoreless for stretches and converting rebounds into easy transition buckets. The Lynx remain unbeaten through five postseason contests and will look to maintain momentum in Game 2.
## Player Highlights & Statistics
– **Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever):** 34 points, 4-for-6 from three, multiple assists in leading the upset ([swishappeal.com](https://www.swishappeal.com/wnba/64753/wnba-playoffs-scores-fever-aces-lynx-mercury-aja-wilson-mvp-kelsey-mitchell-courtney-williams-mcbride-napheesa-collier)).
– **Courtney Williams (Minnesota Lynx):** 23 points on efficient shooting, including clutch fourth-quarter baskets ([swishappeal.com](https://www.swishappeal.com/wnba/64753/wnba-playoffs-scores-fever-aces-lynx-mercury-aja-wilson-mvp-kelsey-mitchell-courtney-williams-mcbride-napheesa-collier)).
– **Kayla McBride (Minnesota Lynx):** 21 points with four made threes, key contributor in the decisive stretch ([swishappeal.com](https://www.swishappeal.com/wnba/64753/wnba-playoffs-scores-fever-aces-lynx-mercury-aja-wilson-mvp-kelsey-mitchell-courtney-williams-mcbride-napheesa-collier)).
– **A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces):** Held to under 20 points for the first time in seven games, finishing with 18 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, and 1.6 steals in Game 1’s loss ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/wilson-claims-record-fourth-wnba-mvp-award-after-aces-stunning-turnaround-2025-09-21/)).
Indiana’s balanced attack and Minnesota’s defensive mastery underscored two contrasting approaches: one built on a single star’s hot hand, the other on suffocating team defense and depth.
## League News: A’ja Wilson Wins Fourth MVP Award
Just hours before Game 1 action in Las Vegas, A’ja Wilson received the 2025 WNBA Most Valuable Player award, becoming the first player in league history to claim four MVP honors ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/wilson-claims-record-fourth-wnba-mvp-award-after-aces-stunning-turnaround-2025-09-21/)). Wilson amassed 657 points in MVP voting, edging Napheesa Collier (534) and Alyssa Thomas (391). She led the league with 23.4 points per game on 50.5% shooting, co-won Defensive Player of the Year with Minnesota’s Alanna Smith, and set records for both fastest to 5,000 career points and most 30-point games in a single season ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/wilson-claims-record-fourth-wnba-mvp-award-after-aces-stunning-turnaround-2025-09-21/)).
Wilson’s midseason turnaround mirrored her team’s performance: from an 11-11 All-Star break record to a 16-game winning streak that secured the Aces the No. 2 seed and solidified their status as championship favorites.
## Looking Ahead to Game 2
Semifinal Game 2 takes place on Tuesday, September 24, with the Fever aiming to capitalize on road momentum in Las Vegas at 9 p.m. ET, and the Lynx hosting the Mercury at 7 p.m. ET in Minneapolis. Indiana will look for offensive balance beyond Mitchell, while the Aces must rediscover their championship-caliber defense. In Minnesota, the Mercury must find a way to generate consistent offense against a pressing Lynx defense, and Minnesotans will aim to remain undefeated this postseason.
Stay tuned to WNBA Dimes for in-depth analysis, interviews, and all the latest developments as the road to the 2025 WNBA Finals heats up.
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