The WNBA semifinals are heating up, with both the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury seizing crucial 2-1 leads in their respective best-of-five series. These thrilling matchups are setting the stage for a potential championship showdown.
In a dominant performance on their home court, the Las Vegas Aces secured their second consecutive victory against the Indiana Fever, with a final score of 84-72. The Fever, notably, were without their star player, Caitlin Clark, who has been sidelined since mid-July due to injury, effectively ending her season. The game remained a nail-biter through the first three quarters, with las Vegas holding a slim 59-56 advantage. Though, the Aces, champions in 2022 and 2023, unleashed a decisive 12-3 run in the opening seven and a half minutes of the final quarter to seal the win. Jackie Young led the charge for the Aces with an impressive 25 points, while MVP A’ja Wilson contributed 13 points and 8 rebounds. Kelsey Mitchell put up a valiant effort for the Fever,scoring 21 points.
Simultaneously occurring, the Phoenix Mercury pulled off another upset, clinching their second straight win against the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx with an 84-76 victory. The game was a back-and-forth affair, characterized by the intense “trash talk” that North American basketball fans have come to expect during playoff intensity. This is what people want to see, these are the playoffs!
exclaimed Phoenix’s Kahleah Copper, who finished with 21 points.The Mercury saw standout performances from olympic champion Alyssa Thomas, who poured in 21 points, and German sensation satou Sabally, who added 22 points.They countered the strong showing from Minnesota’s Maria Kilundikov, who chipped in 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks for the Lynx, the regular season’s best team. The tension escalated late in the game after a skirmish between Sabally and Bridget Carleton. An ensuing interception by Thomas ignited the ire of Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, who confronted the referees before being restrained by her staff and players, ultimately leading to her ejection. Minnesota’s leader, Napheesa Collier, was also affected, falling awkwardly at the end of this heated sequence, and finished with 17 points.
Phoenix now has the chance to close out the series on their home court this sunday.
WNBA Semifinals Schedule and Results (Best-of-Five Series):
- las Vegas Aces lead Indiana Fever 2-1 after an 84-72 victory.Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday in Indianapolis.
- Phoenix Mercury lead Minnesota Lynx 2-1 after an 84-76 win. Game 4 will be played on Sunday in Phoenix.
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