Phoenix Mercury Reach WNBA Finals After Dramatic Win Over Lynx

PHOENIX, Arizona — The Phoenix Mercury advanced to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2021 after defeating the Minnesota Lynx 86-81 in Game 4 of the semifinals on Sunday night.

The Mercury secured their spot in the Finals with a 3-1 series victory, overcoming a 13-point deficit in the final quarter. This season began with a new roster, missing key figures who had previously defined the team.

Head coach Nate Tibbetts praised his team’s resilience, stating, “No one has had expectations for us except ourselves. The pride and the togetherness for such a new group, it’s pretty impressive.”

Phoenix faced challenges from the onset, losing Game 1 but quickly rallied to win the next three games, including a comeback in Game 2 from a 20-point deficit against the defending champion New York Liberty.

In the deciding Game 4, the Mercury fell behind early but made significant strides in the second half. Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas led the team with 23 points and recorded 10 assists, while her teammate DeWanna Bonner chipped in with crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter.

“We are hungry, we are ready for this moment, and I’m just super proud of how we fought today,” Thomas said following the match. Sabally also contributed significantly with 21 points.

The Lynx played without key players, including All-Star guard Napheesa Collier, who suffered a left foot injury. Despite this, Minnesota’s Kayla McBride managed to score 31 points, maintaining pressure on the Mercury throughout the game.

The win puts the Mercury in a favorable position to seek their fourth WNBA championship, tied for the most in history with the Lynx and Comets. They will face either the Indiana Fever or the Las Vegas Aces in the Finals.

“Winning it, proving it, then I’ll say we’re at 100 percent,” Sabally added, reflecting the team’s determination to win the championship.