WNBA Dimes

WNBA Dimes

## Phoenix Mercury Surge in OT Classic to Even Semifinals

On Tuesday night in Minneapolis, the No. 6 seed Phoenix Mercury engineered a monumental comeback to defeat the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx 89-83 in overtime, knotting their best-of-five semifinal series at 1-1. Facing a 20-point deficit in the third quarter, Phoenix clawed back behind a sensational Sami Whitcomb three-pointer with 4 seconds left in regulation, forcing OT, and ultimately prevailed to level the series. Per ESPN Research, it was only the second 20-point rally on the road in WNBA playoff history, underscoring the rarity of such a turnaround on enemy court ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/46030946/wnba-playoffs-schedule-2025-games-first-round-semifinals-finals-scores-results-news-highlights)).

## Key Performers Fuel Historic Rally

Satou Sabally poured in 24 points—including 11 in the decisive fourth quarter—and drilled 5 of 11 from deep to spark Phoenix’s charge, while veteran Alyssa Thomas posted a near triple-double with 19 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds. Whitcomb’s dagger from the wing flipped the momentum, and Napheesa Collier’s buzzer-beating jumper fell short, sending the game to overtime. The 20-point comeback was the third-largest in WNBA playoff annals and marked Phoenix’s first postseason win in Minnesota after 10 consecutive losses, a feat coach Nate Tibbetts celebrated as a testament to his team’s resilience. “A lot of teams would’ve packed it in,” Tibbetts said, praising his squad’s unrelenting spirit ([nbcsports.com](https://www.nbcsports.com/wnba/news/mercury-snap-back-from-20-point-deficit-to-beat-lynx-89-83-in-ot-and-even-wnba-semifinal-series)).

On the Lynx side, Collier still managed 24 points on her 29th birthday, Kayla McBride contributed 21, and Courtney Williams added 20 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. However, Minnesota’s bench was thoroughly outplayed, producing just three points compared to Phoenix’s 25 in extra periods. Despite the loss, Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve lamented her team’s uncharacteristic composure meltdown, pointing to four unforced turnovers in a 65-second span as the turning point ([nbcsports.com](https://www.nbcsports.com/wnba/news/mercury-snap-back-from-20-point-deficit-to-beat-lynx-89-83-in-ot-and-even-wnba-semifinal-series)).

## Las Vegas Aces Rebound with Convincing Blowout

Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, the No. 2 seed Aces stormed back from a Game 1 defeat by routing the No. 6 Indiana Fever 90-68 in their semifinal Game 2, also evening their series 1-1. Four-time MVP A’ja Wilson spearheaded the resurgence with 25 points and nine rebounds, bouncing back from a rare off night in Game 1, and the Aces built leads as large as 26 in a dominant performance. The win sets the stage for a pivotal Game 3 in Indianapolis on Friday night ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/46030946/wnba-playoffs-schedule-2025-games-first-round-semifinals-finals-scores-results-news-highlights)).

## Depth and Defense Highlight Aces’ Victory

Wilson was sensational throughout, shooting 10-of-18 from the field and notching a playoff career-high five steals, while rookie NaLyssa Smith contributed 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting. Role players stepped up behind them: Jewell Loyd and Dana Evans each chipped in 10 points, and Chelsea Gray orchestrated the offense with 10 assists. On Indiana’s side, Odyssey Sims led the Fever with 18 points, and Lexie Hull, despite playing through a back brace, added 15. The Aces’ physicality and defensive pressure limited Indiana’s usual rhythm, as Las Vegas held the Fever to just 68 points in a statement win ([sporty.com](https://sporty.com/news/wnba-mercury-erase-20-point-deficit-beat-lynx-in-ot-to-even-series/7w8dsrm1go0q1bnlsgo4tpnmx?utm_source=openai)).

## Spotlight on Officiating Controversy

The Aces’ Game 2 triumph was not without off-court drama, as Las Vegas head coach Becky Hammon publicly criticized the officiating, calling the physicality “out of control” and lamenting the league’s freedom-of-movement rules. Hammon quipped, “You can bump and grab a wide receiver in the NFL for those first five yards, but you can do it in the W for the whole half court. You put two hands on somebody, it should be an automatic foul.” She also voiced frustration over having to use a coach’s challenge on an ostensibly straightforward out-of-bounds call, calling the overall officiating inconsistency a season-long issue for players and coaches alike ([newstimes.com](https://www.newstimes.com/sports/article/aces-coach-becky-hammon-slams-officiating-after-21065912.php)).

Fever coach Stephanie White echoed some of Hammon’s concerns, pointing out the game featured 41 total fouls—22 on Las Vegas, 19 on Indiana—and lamenting that frequent trips to the line disrupted her team’s offensive flow. Despite the rough-and-tumble nature of the series so far, Indiana has fought through significant injuries, including the season-ending loss of Caitlin Clark, to keep their playoff hopes alive ([newstimes.com](https://www.newstimes.com/sports/article/aces-coach-becky-hammon-slams-officiating-after-21065912.php)).

## Series Outlook and Upcoming Schedule

Both semifinal series now stand at 1-1 heading into Game 3 on Friday night. The Lynx will host the Mercury in Phoenix at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2, while the Fever welcome the Aces to Indianapolis at 7:30 p.m. ET on the same network. For the first time in league history, the WNBA Finals are slated to expand to a best-of-seven format beginning October 3, featuring a 2-2-1-1-1 structure, which could extend the championship round into mid-October ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/46030946/wnba-playoffs-schedule-2025-games-first-round-semifinals-finals-scores-results-news-highlights)).

As the balance of power swings with each game, teams will look to tighten rotations, adjust defensive schemes, and manage player workloads in what promises to be a riveting stretch run. Stay tuned for WNBA Dimes Friday, where we’ll break down the Game 3 matchups and key storylines to watch.