WNBA Dimes

## WNBA Dimes: October 13, 2025 Recap

### Finals Game 4 Recap: Aces Clinch Championship Sweep
In Game 4 of the 2025 WNBA Finals on October 10, the Las Vegas Aces completed a dominant four-game sweep of the Phoenix Mercury, defeating Phoenix 97–86 at Footprint Center. A’ja Wilson led the charge with a 31-point, nine-rebound outing, earning Finals MVP honors despite a 7-of-21 shooting night, buoyed by 17 made free throws. Wilson’s performance was complemented by Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young, who each poured in 18 points as part of a balanced effort that saw five Aces score in double figures. Las Vegas jumped out to a 30–21 first-quarter lead on 55% shooting and carried a 54–38 halftime advantage into the second half, never relinquishing control. On the Mercury side, Kahleah Copper recorded a game-high 30 points on 12-of-22 shooting, while Alyssa Thomas posted a playoff triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts was ejected in the third quarter after two technical fouls, marking a tumultuous end to a deep playoff run for the Mercury. ([wnba.com](https://www.wnba.com/news/2025-finals-aces-mercury-game-4-recap))

### Dynasty Defined: Aces Secure Third Title in Four Years
The championship caps off a remarkable era for the Aces, who have now hoisted their third trophy in four seasons and solidified their status as the league’s modern dynasty. In the Finals, Las Vegas averaged over 90 points per game and scored 54 in the first half of Game 4 alone, underscoring their offensive prowess. Coach Becky Hammon’s squad dominated on both ends, with Wilson anchoring the paint, Gray orchestrating the offense, Jewell Loyd spacing the floor, and Dana Evans providing timely contributions. Las Vegas’s seamless blend of star power and depth, coupled with a relentless pace-and-space identity, proved overwhelming for the Mercury, who fell short despite Copper’s heroics and Thomas’s historic triple-double. ([wnba.com](https://www.wnba.com/news))

### Season Awards: Wilson and Collier Unanimously Earn First-Team Honors
In the wake of the Finals, the WNBA announced its All-League teams on October 10. A’ja Wilson was named to the 2025 All-WNBA First Team alongside Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier. Wilson, who collected both the Kia WNBA Most Valuable Player and Kia WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year awards this season, garnered unanimous votes for her dominant interior play and two-way impact. Collier also received unanimous selection honors after averaging 17.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, leading the Lynx to the league’s best regular-season record. The recognition of Wilson and Collier underscores their standing as the premier frontcourt tandem in the league. ([wnba.com](https://www.wnba.com/news))

### Player Spotlight: Kelsey Mitchell’s Historic Season
Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell capped an outstanding 2025 campaign by being named to the Associated Press All-WNBA First Team and leading the league in three-pointers made. Mitchell sank 111 triples—most in the WNBA this season—and amassed 890 total points, setting a new single-season franchise scoring record for the Fever. She ranked third in the league in scoring at 20.2 points per game while averaging 3.4 assists and 1.8 rebounds over 44 games, shooting 45.6% from the field and 39.4% from beyond the arc. Her sharpshooting and clutch scoring were vital to Indiana’s surprising run to the semifinals. ([fever.wnba.com](https://fever.wnba.com/news/indiana-fever-guard-kelsey-mitchell-named-to-associated-press-all-wnba-first-team//?utm_source=openai))

### Defensive Anchor: Aliyah Boston’s All-Defensive Nod
Rookie forward Aliyah Boston also etched her name in franchise history by being named to the WNBA All-Defensive Second Team. In her second professional season, Boston averaged 15.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, while swatting 1.0 blocks and generating 1.2 steals per contest on 53.8% shooting. Her defensive versatility—protecting the rim, switching onto perimeter players, and rebounding at a high rate—made Boston one of the league’s most impactful defenders and a cornerstone for the Fever’s future. ([fever.wnba.com](https://fever.wnba.com/news))

### Offseason Outlook: Coaching Carousel Heats Up
With the Finals concluded, attention shifts to the 2026 coaching landscape. On October 13, reports highlighted five head-coaching vacancies, led by the New York Liberty’s opening as the most desirable job in the league. Despite a first-round playoff exit, the Liberty offer access to star core pieces—Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones—along with strong ownership backing, a major New York media market, and an $80 million practice facility under development. Seattle rounds out the top two, buoyed by rising star Dominique Malonga and a brand-new $64 million training center. The Dallas Wings and expansion Toronto Tempo jobs follow, offering young talent like Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers or the chance to build a roster from scratch. The Portland Fire close out the list, presenting low expectations but significant growth potential. ([nypost.com](https://nypost.com/2025/10/13/sports/liberty-lead-list-of-most-desirable-2026-wnba-coaching-spots/?utm_source=openai))

### Looking Ahead: A League in Transition
As the WNBA pivots to its offseason, dynastic narratives and emerging storylines intertwine. The Aces’ championship pedigree sets a high bar, while the Lynx and Fever position themselves as contenders by retaining All-League talent. Coaching hires will shape the trajectories of franchises like the Liberty and Wings, and the new expansion teams—Portland and Toronto—prepare to make their debuts in 2026. With free agency, draft intrigue, and luxury-tax strategizing on the horizon, the WNBA landscape promises compelling developments leading into the next season. ([wnba.com](https://www.wnba.com/news))