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, and welcome to "WNBA Dimes," your go-to for all things hoops and headlines. This is Brooke, ready to serve up the latest scoop with a side of sass. So, grab your popcorn, and let's dive into the action!
First up, let’s celebrate the Las Vegas Aces, who swept the Phoenix Mercury in the 2025 WNBA Finals. They pulled off a stunning victory with a 97-86 win in Game 4, marking their third championship in four years. Talk about a dynasty! This sweep ties them with the legendary Houston Comets for the most dominant title runs in WNBA history. Not too shabby, Aces!
The game set the tone early with the Aces putting on a shooting clinic. They hit a sizzling 55 percent from the field in the first quarter, cruising into halftime with a 54-38 lead. Nine out of 17 three-pointers in the first half? Well, if you're gonna shoot your shot, make sure it counts, right?
Phoenix gave it a good fight, though. They rallied late in the game but couldn't crack the Aces’ fortress, never getting closer than eight points. Las Vegas's defense was on point, shutting down every comeback attempt.
Let’s spotlight the star of the show: A’ja Wilson. She was on fire, folks! Wilson clinched Finals MVP honors with 31 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks. And get this—she nailed 17 out of 19 free throws. Who says you can’t have it all? Her season was already a highlight reel with MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards. Clearly, she’s not just playing the game; she’s owning it.
But it wasn’t just a one-woman show. Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young added 18 points each, hitting threes like they were playing a game of H-O-R-S-E. And shoutout to Jewell Loyd and Dana Evans, who combined for 22 points off the bench, keeping momentum firmly in the Aces’ favor.
Now, let’s switch gears and talk about some on-court drama. Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts became the first WNBA Finals coach to get ejected. Two technicals, and he was outta there! His comments about the officiating were less than glowing, calling it “embarrassing.” That’s one way to make the history books, huh?
And the drama didn’t stop there. During the trophy presentation, fans booed WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert so loudly that ESPN had to hit the censor button. A’ja Wilson’s viral reaction was priceless. Tensions are high over player treatment and pay, and this public outcry might just be the spark for change.
Now, onto the offseason outlook. With the Collective Bargaining Agreement expiring soon, players are pushing for improved salaries and benefits. The pressure is on for Commissioner Engelbert to strike a deal before time runs out.
Free agency is looming, and with over 100 players, including stars like Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu available, teams will be scrambling to lock in their dream lineups. Not to mention the expansion draft as the league adds two new franchises.
We're also hearing buzz about a new officiating task force to clean up those whistle woes and maintain consistency. Plus, with record viewership and social media lighting up with conversation, the WNBA’s future is looking both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking.
That’s a wrap on today’s "WNBA Dimes." What an incredible season it’s been. From the court to the boardroom, the WNBA is shaking things up, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what unfolds next.
Thanks for tuning in! Until next time, keep it real and keep it playful. This was Cookie O'Clock with Brooke. Stay awesome!
## WNBA Dimes: October 11, 2025
### Scores and Series Outcome
The Las Vegas Aces completed a dominant sweep of the Phoenix Mercury in the 2025 WNBA Finals, securing a 97–86 victory in Game 4 at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on October 10. The win capped a 4–0 series triumph, marking the Aces’ third championship in four years and tying the Houston Comets for the most dominant title runs in league history. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/oct/10/aces-win-third-wnba-title-sweep-phoenix-mercury?utm_source=openai))
### Game Highlights
Las Vegas set the tone early, shooting 55 percent from the field in the first quarter en route to a commanding 54–38 halftime lead. The Aces knocked down nine of 17 three-pointers in the first half while committing only one turnover, showcasing their offensive efficiency and ball security. Despite a late Phoenix rally in the fourth quarter, the Mercury never got closer than eight points, as the Aces’ balanced attack and defensive rotations stifled any comeback attempt. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/oct/10/aces-win-third-wnba-title-sweep-phoenix-mercury?utm_source=openai))
### Key Player Performances
- A’ja Wilson: Finals MVP honors were well-earned as Wilson poured in 31 points, grabbed nine rebounds, blocked three shots and went 17-of-19 from the free-throw line, continuing her season-long excellence that already included MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and scoring champion awards.
- Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young: Both guards contributed 18 points apiece, each shooting over 45 percent from three-point range and providing veteran leadership in crucial stretches.
- Supporting Cast: Jewell Loyd and Dana Evans combined for 22 points off the bench, adding timely scoring bursts that maintained the Aces’ advantage.
- Phoenix Leaders: Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with 24 points and five assists, while Alyssa Thomas chipped in 17 points and 11 rebounds in a valiant effort that fell short. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/oct/10/aces-win-third-wnba-title-sweep-phoenix-mercury?utm_source=openai))
### Officiating and Coaching Ejection
Phoenix head coach Nate Tibbetts became the first coach ever ejected in WNBA Finals history after receiving a double technical foul in the third quarter for disputing calls involving Mercury guard Kahleah Copper and forward Monique Akoa Makami. Tibbetts, who claimed he was unaware of the second technical until the ejection horn sounded, slammed the league’s officiating as “embarrassing” and “bulls-t,” intensifying an ongoing debate about consistency and transparency in WNBA officiating standards. ([nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2025/10/11/sports/mercury-coach-nate-tibbetts-shreds-wnba-after-first-finals-ejection/?utm_source=openai))
### Commissioner Backlash at Trophy Ceremony
As WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stepped onto the court to present the trophy, a chorus of boos, jeers and even obscene gestures erupted from the crowd, forcing ESPN to briefly black out the broadcast to censor a fan’s middle‐finger salute. The outburst underscored mounting player and fan frustration over leadership decisions, including allegations by Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier that Engelbert downplayed players’ concerns and resisted higher rookie pay despite record‐setting media rights deals. A’ja Wilson’s amused reaction—captured on national television—went viral, highlighting the palpable tension between stakeholders and the league office. ([the-sun.com](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/15332996/espn-wnba-commissioner-cathy-engelbert/?utm_source=openai))
### Collective Bargaining Tensions and Offseason Outlook
The league now shifts focus to an uncertain offseason, with the current Collective Bargaining Agreement expiring on October 31. Negotiations over a new CBA—amid a landmark $2.2 billion TV deal—have been fraught, as players demand higher salary caps, performance bonuses and expanded maternity benefits. Commissioner Engelbert faces pressure to finalize terms before the deadline to avoid a potential lockout, while NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and influential voices like Charles Barkley publicly urge compromise. With over 100 free agents, including stars like Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu, and the expansion draft on the horizon, the outcome of these talks will shape the WNBA’s growth trajectory for years to come. ([talksport.com](https://talksport.com/basketball/3636171/wnba-cathy-engelbert-espn-finals-aces-mercury-fans/?utm_source=openai))
### Looking Ahead
- Free Agency: Key unrestricted and restricted free agents will test market value once a new CBA is ratified.
- Expansion Draft: With the league set to add a 13th and 14th franchise, veteran depth and two-way players could be at a premium.
- Officiating Task Force: Following high‐profile controversies—including Tibbetts’ ejection—the WNBA has announced a review panel to standardize referee training and accountability.
- Fan Engagement: The Finals’ record viewership and heightened social media buzz around commissioner backlash signal both opportunity and risk as the league navigates its next chapter.
With the Las Vegas Aces crowned champions and a season of drama both on and off the court, October 11’s headlines have set the stage for what promises to be a transformative offseason for the WNBA.
More Episodes from WNBA Dimes
WNBA Dimes
October 15, 2025
WNBA Dimes
October 14, 2025