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 another episode of WNBA Dimes, where we blend basketball brilliance with a dash of humor. I’m your host, Brooke, your guide through the pulse-pounding world of the WNBA.
Let’s dive into the heart-stopping action from October 1st—the Western Conference semifinals showdown between the Las Vegas Aces and the Indiana Fever. In a game that had more twists and turns than a mystery novel, the Aces emerged victorious, defeating the Fever 107-98 in overtime. Talk about high drama! There were 13 lead changes and 16 ties. Both teams traded shots like it was a heavyweight boxing match, but ultimately, the Aces’ prowess prevailed. Despite Indiana playing with just seven active players, Las Vegas sends them home, making their third Finals appearance in four years.
Now onto the game highlights. The Aces took an early lead but the Fever kept the heat on, closing the first half just behind at 47-45. Fast forward to the fourth quarter—a feverishly tight contest (pun fully intended) resulted in a 23-point burst from Indiana, dragging the game into overtime. But come OT, the Aces switched into high gear, finishing the Fever off with a 21-12 blitz. Statistically, Las Vegas was on fire, shooting 47% from the field and a spicy 42% from three-point land. Indiana matched the field goal percentage but struggled at the stripe, converting only 41% of their free throws.
Let’s spotlight some spectacular performances of the night! A’ja Wilson, ladies and gents, was phenomenal—dropping 35 points, snatching 8 rebounds, and serving up 5 assists. Oh, and she casually tossed in 4 steals and 4 blocks for good measure. Her partner in crime, Jackie Young, wasn’t too shabby either—scoring 32 points and dishing out 10 assists, making them the first WNBA playoff duo to both top 30 points in a game. Meanwhile, Chelsea Gray added 17 points, saving her best for the crunch overtime minutes. Shoutout to Indiana’s Odyssey Sims, who notched 27 points trying to keep the Fever’s hopes alive.
The game did have its unfortunate moments, though. Indiana's guard Kelsey Mitchell exited with severe lower-body cramps and had a brief hospital visit. She had chalked up 15 points before her departure, adding to what has already been a season riddled with injuries for the Fever. Her coach lauded the team’s resilience in pushing the Aces to the brink, even without key players like Caitlin Clark.
So, what’s next? The Finals are set, folks! Las Vegas is gearing up to clash with the Phoenix Mercury. Phoenix battled their way past the Minnesota Lynx with a dazzling Game 4 comeback, thanks to the dynamic duo of Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally. Entering the playoffs as underdogs, the Mercury have shown depth and heart. Regular-season play gave Las Vegas a 3-1 advantage over Phoenix, but who knows what the Finals will bring? Game 1 tips off Friday in Las Vegas. Mark your calendars!
One last note before I let you go—Game 5 aired on ESPN2, thanks to a little scheduling tango with MLB Wild Card action. Though a bit frustrating for the fans, games featuring Caitlin Clark have pulled in robust TV audiences this season, so I’m betting these ratings will keep climbing.
Alright, hoopheads, that’s a wrap for today! Stay tuned to WNBA Dimes for all your Finals coverage, from player interviews to deep dives into the action. Until next time, keep those sneakers laced and your spirits high. It’s Brooke, reminding you that in life, just like on the court, every second counts! Catch you next game day!
## WNBA Dimes: October 1, 2025
### Semifinals Game 5 Recap
In a thrilling conclusion to the Western Conference semifinals on October 1, the No. 2–seed Las Vegas Aces edged the injury–depleted No. 6–seed Indiana Fever, 107–98, in overtime at Michelob ULTRA Arena. The contest featured 13 lead changes and 16 ties, with Las Vegas prevailing despite Indiana rallying late in regulation and even playing with only seven active players. The victory propels the Aces into the 2025 WNBA Finals for the third time in four seasons, where they’ll face the Phoenix Mercury beginning this Friday. ([swishappeal.com](https://www.swishappeal.com/wnba/65198/wnba-playoffs-finals-aces-indiana-fever-aja-wilson-mvp-jackie-young-gray-mitchell-boston-injuries-championship?utm_source=openai))
### Game Highlights & Team Statistics
Las Vegas struck first in the opening quarter, trading baskets with Indiana before grabbing a narrow 47–45 halftime edge. Both teams stayed within a possession through the third quarter (Aces up 71–63), and the Fever’s 23-point fourth quarter forced the 5-minute overtime. In OT, Las Vegas outscored Indiana 21–12, sealing the win. The Aces shot 47 percent from the field (38/80), including 42 percent from three (11/26), and converted 90 percent of their free throws (20/22). Indiana countered with a 47 percent FG rate (35/73) but struggled at the line (41 percent, 7/17) and on the glass (32 rebounds to the Aces’ 53). Attendance was 10,529. ([thescore.com](https://www.thescore.com/wnba/events/2457199?utm_source=openai))
### Standout Player Performances
A’ja Wilson once again showcased MVP–caliber play, piling up 35 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and 4 blocks—a rare all-around playoff stat line that underlined her two-way impact. Teammate Jackie Young delivered her career-best postseason outing, tallying 32 points and 10 assists, becoming the first pair of teammates to each score 30+ points in the same WNBA playoff game. Chelsea Gray chipped in 17 points, drilling 8 in overtime to pull away, while Indiana’s Odyssey Sims led the Fever with 27 points, 6 assists and 2 rebounds. ([swishappeal.com](https://www.swishappeal.com/wnba/65198/wnba-playoffs-finals-aces-indiana-fever-aja-wilson-mvp-jackie-young-gray-mitchell-boston-injuries-championship?utm_source=openai))
### Injury Report: Fever Guard Kelsey Mitchell
Indiana’s veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell exited in the third quarter due to severe lower-body cramps and was hospitalized briefly for treatment, adding to a season plagued by injuries. Mitchell had scored 15 points before leaving the court and was released from care later that night, with the Fever expecting a full recovery. Coach Stephanie White lauded her team’s grit despite multiple absences—most notably Caitlin Clark (groin)—as Indiana pushed Las Vegas the distance. ([nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2025/10/01/sports/kelsey-mitchell-hospitalized-after-fevers-season-comes-to-an-end/?utm_source=openai))
### WNBA Finals Matchup & Phoenix Mercury Path
With Las Vegas advancing, the Finals will pit the Aces against the No. 4–seed Phoenix Mercury. Phoenix clinched their first Finals berth since 2021 by sweeping the Minnesota Lynx 3-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals, highlighted by a historic 86–81 Game 4 comeback from 13 points down, powered by Alyssa Thomas (23 points, 10 assists) and Satou Sabally (21 points, 6 rebounds). The Mercury entered the playoffs as underdogs but showcased resilience and depth, overcoming the defending champions New York Liberty in the opening round. Regular-season meetings saw the Aces hold a 3-1 edge, setting the stage for a compelling Finals series beginning Friday in Las Vegas at 5 pm Arizona time. ([brightsideofthesun.com](https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/mercury-wnba/89958/the-wnba-finals-are-set?utm_source=openai))
### Broadcast Notes & Viewership
Despite the high stakes, Game 5 aired on ESPN2 due to scheduling conflicts with MLB Wild Card coverage—prompting some frustration among fans. Earlier in the season, matchups featuring the Fever, buoyed by Caitlin Clark’s presence, drew robust TV audiences, including a 1.7 million–viewer regular-season high on ESPN. The series’ viewership numbers for this decisive game have yet to be released, but the semifinal’s intensity is expected to drive strong ratings as the league continues its upward broadcast momentum. ([the-sun.com](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/15274394/espn-announces-major-broadcasting-change-fever-aces/?utm_source=openai))
### Looking Ahead: Finals Schedule
Game 1 of the 2025 WNBA Finals tips off Friday, October 3 at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, with the series adhering to a 2-2-1 format. The Aces will look to leverage home-court advantage, aiming to capture their third championship in four years, while Phoenix seeks to reclaim the title for the first time since 2007. Stay tuned to the WNBA Dimes for comprehensive coverage, player interviews, and in-depth analysis as the Finals unfold. ([brightsideofthesun.com](https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/mercury-wnba/89958/the-wnba-finals-are-set?utm_source=openai))
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