WNBA Dimes

### Semifinals Game 3 Recaps

Both Game 3s of the 2025 WNBA semifinals took place on Friday night, with the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury each securing pivotal victories to take 2-1 leads in their respective best-of-five series. The intensity, physicality and playoff stakes were on full display as both road teams outdueled their higher-seeded opponents ([swishappeal.com](https://www.swishappeal.com/wnba-content/65033/wnba-playoffs-scores-fever-aces-lynx-mercury-napheesa-collier-injury-refs-officiating-cheryl-reeve-ejected-physical-aja-wilson)).

#### Las Vegas Aces 84, Indiana Fever 72 (Aces lead series 2-1)

In Indianapolis, the No. 2-seed Aces overcame a short-handed Fever team to earn a crucial road win. Jackie Young poured in 25 points in her home state, while NaLyssa Smith—facing her former team—added 16 points. Despite MVP favorite A’ja Wilson struggling to a 6-for-20 shooting night for 13 points, she contributed eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Chelsea Gray chipped in 15 points and six assists to help Las Vegas control the contest down the stretch ([ctinsider.com](https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/article/jackie-young-and-nalyssa-smith-lead-aces-past-21070144.php)).

Indiana’s attack was led by Kelsey Mitchell with 21 points. Lexie Hull posted a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double, and Aliyah Boston finished with 12 points, eight rebounds and four assists. The Fever capitalized on early offensive rebounds (16-4 margin), staying within striking distance until Las Vegas’s late fourth-quarter defensive clampdown—a four-point lead ballooned to 71-59 midway through the frame—sealed the victory ([ctinsider.com](https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/article/jackie-young-and-nalyssa-smith-lead-aces-past-21070144.php)).

#### Phoenix Mercury 84, Minnesota Lynx 76 (Mercury lead series 2-1)

In Phoenix, the No. 4-seed Mercury outlasted top-seeded Minnesota in a back-and-forth battle defined by veteran poise and late-game execution. Satou Sabally erupted for 23 points—15 of which came in a dominant fourth quarter—capping a balanced offensive attack. Sabally’s go-ahead 3-pointer with 3:05 remaining, followed by two free throws at 2:01, gave Phoenix an 80-76 edge. Alyssa Thomas finished with 21 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, five steals and two blocks, while Kahleah Copper also scored 21 ([myjournalcourier.com](https://www.myjournalcourier.com/sports/article/sabally-s-23-points-lead-mercury-over-lynx-84-76-21070284.php)).

Minnesota got 19 points from Natisha Hiedeman off the bench and 17 points from Napheesa Collier (8-for-15 shooting). Courtney Williams added 14 points. The game featured 15 lead changes and a 21-9 fourth-quarter edge for the Mercury, who outplayed Minnesota down the stretch. In the final minute, Thomas’s steal and layup with 21.8 seconds left sealed the win. Collier suffered an ankle injury on that play and exited limping, adding to Minnesota’s concerns ([myjournalcourier.com](https://www.myjournalcourier.com/sports/article/sabally-s-23-points-lead-mercury-over-lynx-84-76-21070284.php)).

### Coach Suspension and Officiating Fallout

Following her ejection late in Game 3, Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve was suspended one game and fined for her conduct toward officials. The WNBA cited her aggressive pursuit of a referee after a pivotal no-call, slow exit after ejection with 21.8 seconds remaining, profanity directed at fans, and a scathing postgame press conference labeling the officiating crew “malpractice.” Assistant coaches Eric Thibault and Rebekkah Brunson also faced fines for separate violations. Reeve will miss Game 4 as Phoenix now leads the series 2-1 ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/lynx-coach-cheryl-reeve-suspended-one-game-tirade-officials--flm-2025-09-27/?utm_source=openai)).

Reeve’s outburst followed a controversial no-call on the play in which Collier rolled her ankle. The National Basketball Referees Association defended the call, but Reeve’s comments have reignited debate over officiating standards and consistency in high-stakes WNBA contests ([nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2025/09/27/sports/lynx-coach-cheryl-reeve-blasts-wnba-refs-after-napheesa-collier-injury/?utm_source=openai)).

### Injury Update

Star forward Napheesa Collier’s ankle injury from Game 3 has been confirmed as significant enough to sideline her for at least the next contest. The Lynx announced Collier will miss Game 4, further complicating Minnesota’s title aspirations as they prepare to face elimination without their leading scorer ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/09/27/cheryl-reeve-wnba-officiating/?utm_source=openai)).

### What’s Next

Game 4s for both series are set for Sunday. The Aces return to Indianapolis aiming to close out the Fever and advance to their third Finals in four years. In Phoenix, the Mercury host the Lynx, who must rally without Collier and their head coach. With both series on the brink, Sunday’s games will determine whether the Aces and Mercury can seize control and set up a Western Conference Finals showdown ([swishappeal.com](https://www.swishappeal.com/wnba-content/65033/wnba-playoffs-scores-fever-aces-lynx-mercury-napheesa-collier-injury-refs-officiating-cheryl-reeve-ejected-physical-aja-wilson)).