Minnesota,USA – September 30, 2025
The Phoenix Mercury have completed one of the most remarkable playoff runs in recent WNBA history, clinching a Finals berth and vaulting themselves into the position of new favorites to win the 2025 WNBA Championship.
This surge of confidence from analysts and bookmakers follows their gritty 3-1 victory over the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the semi-finals, marking a phenomenal rebound season for the franchise.
Clinching the Finals Berth
The Mercury secured their ticket to the WNBA Finals on Sunday, September 28, with a dramatic 86-81 victory over the Minnesota Lynx in Game 4. Despite facing a top seed that had dominated the regular season, the No. 4-seeded Mercury demonstrated a blend of veteran leadership and late-game heroics that has defined their postseason journey.
The Game 4 victory was particularly symbolic, as the Mercury overcame a 13-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter, outscoring the Lynx 31-13 in the decisive final frame.
Veteran forward DeWanna Bonner was a key force in the rally, scoring 11 of her total points in the fourth. The team’s collective resilience was further highlighted by the contributions of Alyssa Thomas, who nearly achieved a triple-double with 23 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds, and Satou Sabally, who maintained offensive pressure with 21 points.
Headline Points on Phoenix’s Ascent
* New Championship Favorites:
Following their semi-finals win, the Phoenix Mercury (-115) have overtaken the Las Vegas Aces (+110) as the outright favorites to win the 2025 WNBA title.
* Defying the Odds:
Phoenix is the fourth team in WNBA history to eliminate both finalists from the previous season (knocking out 2024 champions New York Liberty in the first round and 2024 finalists Minnesota Lynx in the semi-finals).
* Playoff Resilience:
The Mercury advanced despite starting as underdogs, showcasing remarkable fourth-quarter surges and coming back from double-digit deficits in multiple key playoff games.
* First Finals Since 2021:
The Finals appearance is the Mercury’s first since 2021, showcasing a strong resurgence after a disappointing 2024 season.
* Finals Opponent Awaited:
Phoenix will face the winner of the remaining semi-finals series between the Las Vegas Aces and the Indiana Fever, which is set to conclude in a decisive Game 5 on Tuesday, September 30.
The Road to Contention
Phoenix’s journey to the Finals has been a testament to their grit. In the first round, they eliminated the defending champions, the New York Liberty, in a hard-fought 2-1 series, a massive upset that served as an early warning to the rest of the league. Their semi-finals victory over the Lynx—who were significantly hampered by the absence of All-Star Napheesa Collier in Game 4—cemented their status as a legitimate championship contender.
The team has demonstrated not only firepower from stars like Thomas, Bonner, Sabally, and Kahleah Copper but also a deep bench and strong defensive capability. This collective performance has convinced bookmakers to make them the title favorites, replacing the dominant Las Vegas Aces.
The Mercury now await the outcome of the dramatic Las Vegas Aces versus Indiana Fever semi-finals, which is tied 2-2. Regardless of the opponent, Phoenix has proven they are capable of defeating any team in the league. Game 1 of the best-of-seven WNBA Finals, the first in league history, is scheduled to tip off on October 3.
