News Summary
The Phoenix Mercury edged closer to the WNBA Finals after defeating the Minnesota Lynx 84-76, taking a 2-1 lead in the playoff series. This victory could lead to the Mercury’s first finals appearance since 2021, and their first championship since 2014. Key moments included a contentious ejection of Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve and an injury to Lynx player Napheesa Collier. With strong performances from the Mercury, the team is poised to secure a spot in the finals with just one more win needed in the series.
PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury put themselves one step closer to the WNBA Finals after defeating the Minnesota Lynx 84-76 in their latest playoff encounter. This win marks a pivotal moment for the Mercury as they now take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.
The Mercury’s victory is significant as it could lead to their first Finals appearance since 2021. If they manage to secure a spot in the Finals, it will be the team’s first chance to claim a championship since 2014. Over the years, the Mercury have been a formidable franchise, celebrating championships in 2007 and 2009, establishing themselves as one of the WNBA’s prominent teams.
In the recent playoff game, standout performances and critical moments unfolded. The game began with the Mercury demonstrating strong offensive capabilities, shooting 22 free throws and successfully making 18. In contrast, the Lynx were 10 of 11 at the line. However, a contentious moment arose during the game when Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve was ejected after disputing a foul call. Reeve later expressed her discontent regarding the officiating, which she claimed was harmful to the league.
The game also saw an unfortunate injury to Napheesa Collier of the Lynx, who had been contributing to her team’s efforts with 17 points before sustaining a leg injury. The absence of key players due to injuries, combined with the suspension of a head coach, added to the challenges faced by the Lynx as they strove to regain momentum in the series.
Throughout the match, the Mercury showcased their depth in talent. The team was led by several players making significant contributions, and they managed to fend off the Lynx’s attempts to close the gap in scoring. Winning this game has bolstered the Mercury’s confidence as they now look forward to clinching the series, requiring just one more win to advance.
This year’s WNBA playoffs have proven to be highly competitive, with other series tied at 1-1. The stakes are high for all teams involved, and the pressure is mounting as they navigate through the playoff rounds.
Furthermore, impressive performances from players like Tameka Johnson, who joined the Mercury in 2009 after a trade, continue to resonate within the franchise’s rich history. Johnson, a former Rookie of the Year in 2005 while playing for the Washington Mystics and later the Los Angeles Sparks, has consistently demonstrated her skill set both in regular season play and during critical playoff moments.
As the Mercury advance in the playoffs, the excitement builds around their potential to recover past glory and capture another championship title. Their last championship victory came in 2014, and fans are eager to see if this team, galvanized by its robust roster and strategic gameplay, can make a triumphant return to the Finals once more. Every remaining game in the series against the Lynx will undoubtedly be pivotal as the teams vie for a chance to continue their respective playoff journeys.
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: Phoenix Mercury
- The Guardian: WNBA Updates
- WNBA: Best Bets September 26
- ESPN: WNBA Playoffs 2025
- Oregon Live: Watch Mercury vs. Lynx
- Wikipedia: Phoenix Mercury
- Google Search: WNBA Playoffs
- Google Scholar: WNBA History
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WNBA
- Google News: Phoenix Mercury
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
