The Phoenix Mercury pulled off a jaw-dropping comeback against the Minnesota Lynx, erasing a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win Game 4 of the WNBA semifinals, 86-81, and secure their ticket to the Finals. This marks the Mercury’s sixth Finals appearance in franchise history, tying them with the New York Liberty for the second-most all-time—a testament to their enduring legacy in the league.
Mercury’s Fourth-Quarter Surge Leaves Lynx Reeling
The Lynx looked poised to force a decisive Game 5, holding a comfortable lead heading into the final frame. But the Mercury unleashed a relentless offensive barrage, outscoring Minnesota 31-13 in the fourth quarter. Alyssa Thomas led the charge with a near triple-double:
23 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists. Satou Sabally added
21 points and Kahleah Copper chipped in with
13 points, while DeWanna Bonner contributed key defensive stops and clutch three-pointers.
The Lynx, who finished the regular season as the No. 1 seed and tied the WNBA wins record, simply couldn’t withstand Phoenix’s late-game pressure. Despite strong performances throughout the series, Minnesota’s offense stalled when it mattered most.
Mercury’s Big Three Deliver When It Counts
Phoenix’s offseason overhaul—bringing in Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper to join Satou Sabally—paid off in dramatic fashion. The trio combined for 57 points in Game 4, showcasing the chemistry and star power that made the Mercury a preseason favorite. Their ability to execute under pressure and dominate the boards proved decisive.
“We never stopped believing,” Thomas said postgame.
“This team has heart, and tonight we showed why we belong in the Finals.”What’s Next: Mercury Face Liberty in the Finals
With the win, the Mercury advance to face the New York Liberty in the WNBA Finals. The Liberty, who started the season with a 9-0 run but battled injuries, will have to contend with Phoenix’s momentum and depth. The Mercury hold a 3-1 regular season edge over New York, but both teams have evolved since then.
Key storylines to watch:
- Can Alyssa Thomas continue her MVP-caliber play against the Liberty’s defense?
- Will the Lynx regroup and reload for next season after a record-tying campaign?
- How will the Mercury’s revamped roster fare under Finals pressure?
Expert Commentary: A New Era for Phoenix?
This Mercury squad feels different. The blend of veteran leadership and fresh talent has created a dynamic, resilient team. Their ability to overcome adversity—especially in high-stakes moments—signals a potential shift in the WNBA’s power structure.
For Lynx fans, the loss stings, but the future remains bright. Minnesota’s young core and championship pedigree suggest they’ll be back in contention soon.
Takeaways and Future Implications
-
Phoenix Mercury’s comeback is one for the history books, cementing their status as a WNBA powerhouse.
- The Lynx’s season ends in heartbreak, but their regular season dominance sets the stage for future success.
- The upcoming Finals promise high drama, star performances, and a battle between two of the league’s most storied franchises.
Stay tuned for more coverage as the WNBA Finals tip off later this week.
Sources
1. Minnesota Lynx vs. Phoenix Mercury | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
2. Lynx vs Mercury: Best Bets, Player Props & Computer Picks
3. FINALS BOUND Alyssa Thomas fuels Mercury's comeback to ...
4. Minnesota Lynx vs. Phoenix Mercury: WNBA Playoffs Semifinals ...
5. WNBA playoff picture: Lynx get No. 1 seed, tie wins record
6. WNBA Games Today - Odds, Picks, Predictions & News
7. CBS Sports - News, Live Scores, Schedules, Fantasy Games, Video ...
8. Covers.com - Sports Betting Odds, Lines, Picks & News 2025
