WNBA Semifinals Game 1: Lynx vs. Mercury Set for Sunday

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Minnesota Lynx will face off against the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday, September 21, 2025, in Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals at Target Center. The game is set to start at 5 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN.

The Lynx have established themselves as the top team in the league after achieving a franchise record of 34 wins this season. They secured their spot in the semifinals after sweeping the Golden State Valkyries in the first round, coming back from a 17-point deficit in the third quarter to clinch the series.

“We’ve done a lot of good things this year,” said Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve. “Our defense has been key to our success, and our players trust each other on the court.”

The Mercury, who enter the game as the No. 4 seed, have similarly faced challenges but managed to bounce back by winning their last two playoff games after an initial loss to the New York Liberty. Coach Nate Tibbetts highlighted the importance of experience as they navigate the postseason together.

“We’ve got a lot of veteran players who know what it takes, but building that chemistry is crucial,” Tibbetts stated. “We need to trust each other, especially on defense.”

Both teams emphasize their defensive strategies, with the Lynx finishing the regular season with a defensive rating of 97.5, ranking them first in the league. The Mercury followed closely behind at fifth with a rating of 100.4.

“No one has picked us to win, but our team has been overlooked this year,” said Alyssa Thomas, a key player for the Mercury. “We’re ready to prove ourselves.”

The game promises to be intense, especially with top players like Lynx’s Napheesa Collier and Alanna Smith, the co-winners of the league MVP award, participating. The Lynx will enjoy a home-court advantage, which could be crucial as they aim for their first championship since 2017.

The matchup will not only be significant for playoff standings but also for the teams’ legacies, as both seek to secure their place in WNBA history.