WNBA Playoffs: Finals Bound, Game 5 Forced in Thrilling Semifinals Sunday

The Mercury’s Fourth-Quarter Clutch Closes the Door on Minnesota

In a testament to veteran poise and sheer will, the Phoenix Mercury defeated the Minnesota Lynx 86-81 in Game 4, advancing to the WNBA Finals after winning three consecutive games. The victory capped an emotional and gutsy comeback by Phoenix.

The Lynx, despite playing without star forward Napheesa Collier (ankle injury) and head coach Cheryl Reeve (suspension), dominated for three quarters. Fueled by a playoff career-high 31 points from the brilliant Kayla McBride, Minnesota held a commanding 13-point lead, 68-55, heading into the final frame. The top-seeded Lynx appeared poised to send the series back home for Game 5.

But the Mercury, a team built on resilience this season, flipped the script completely. Led by an all-time great all-around performance from Alyssa Thomas (23 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds) and clutch shooting from veteran DeWanna Bonner, Phoenix exploded for a 31-13 fourth quarter. Bonner scored 11 of her 13 points in the final period, including two crucial three-pointers to snatch the lead and momentum. The Lynx’s offense, which had run so smoothly, sputtered down the stretch, unable to find quality looks against Phoenix’s stifling defense.

The Mercury’s relentless fourth-quarter surges—a theme throughout the series—cemented their ticket to the Finals for the first time since 2021, proving that the combination of Thomas’s relentless attack and veteran shooting is peaking at the perfect time.

Indiana’s Young Stars Force a Decisive Game 5 in Vegas

In the afternoon contest, the Indiana Fever refused to let their Cinderella season end, dominating the boards and the free-throw line to defeat the defending champion Las Vegas Aces 90-83, evening their series at 2-2. The semifinals now culminate in a winner-take-all Game 5 on Tuesday night in Las Vegas.

The Fever’s victory was a masterclass in aggressive play, highlighted by their two burgeoning stars. Aliyah Boston delivered arguably the finest playoff performance of her young career, racking up 24 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists, imposing her will on the interior against the league’s top team. Fellow star guard Kelsey Mitchell led the team in scoring with 25 points, showcasing the attack-mode urgency the Fever needed after two lopsided losses.

Despite a spectacular outing from four-time MVP A’ja Wilson, who poured in a game-high 31 points along with 9 rebounds, the Aces’ offense was too reliant on its stars. Indiana’s hustle and defense forced 17 Las Vegas turnovers and generated a colossal 26-8 advantage in made free throws, a difference that proved too much to overcome. The game’s final drama included a rare technical foul on the Aces for calling an extra timeout in the final minute, essentially sealing the win for the Fever.

The result is another impressive checkmark on the Fever’s improbable playoff run, marking their third elimination-game win this postseason. They now travel to the championship arena in Las Vegas with the ultimate prize within reach, ready to test the mental toughness of the defending champions one last time.

The WNBA Finals participant will be determined Tuesday night in what promises to be an electric Game 5.