Minnesota outscored Phoenix 42-22 in the second half and exploded in the fourth quarter to come back and win Game 1 to take a 1-0 series lead.

BOTTOM LINE: The Minnesota Lynx play the Phoenix Mercury. The Lynx are 20-4 against conference opponents. Minnesota ranks eighth in the WNBA with 34.6 points in the paint led by Napheesa Collier averaging 10.9. The Mercury are 13-11 in conference matchups. Phoenix is 3-4 in one-possession games.

The Phoenix Mercury have claimed the final spot in the semifinals of the 2025 WNBA playoffs. The No. 4 seed Mercury defeated the No. 5 seed New York Liberty, 79-73, in Game 3 on Friday at PHX Arena, ending the defending champions dreams of repeating.

New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart became the fastest player to score 1,000 career postseason points on Friday, accomplishing the feat in 46 career playoff games.

The New York Liberty face the Phoenix Mercury on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 (9/19/25) in a winner-take-all Game 3 of the first round of the WNBA playoffs at PHX Arena.

The Phoenix Mercury had a great regular season, and their star forward Alyssa Thomas played a big role in their success.

MINNEAPOLIS — The Phoenix Mercury had the game in their possession through the first three quarters, but then the Minnesota Lynx dominated in the fourth quarter to take Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals on Sunday, Sept. 21.