WNBA Playoff Newsletter – October 1, 2025

 

WNBA Playoff Newsletter - October 1, 2025

 

Recent Result (Semifinals Game 5)

September 30, 2025 – Las Vegas, NV

  • Las Vegas Aces 107 – Indiana Fever 98 (OT)
  • The Aces advance to the WNBA Finals after a thrilling overtime win.
  • Standouts:
    • A’ja Wilson – 35 pts, 8 reb, 5 ast, 4 blk
    • Jackie Young – 32 pts, 10 ast
    • Chelsea Gray – 17 pts (clutch OT baskets)
    • Odyssey Sims (Fever) – 27 pts, 6 ast
    • Aliyah Boston (Fever) – 11 pts, 16 reb

Turning Point: Kelsey Mitchell (Fever) exited in the 3rd quarter with a leg injury. The Fever battled back to force OT, but the Aces’ experience carried them through.

 

Finals Are Set

  • Phoenix Mercury defeated the Minnesota Lynx on September 28, 2025, clinching their first Finals berth since 2021.
  • With the Aces’ win on September 30, the stage is set:

2025 WNBA Finals Matchup

Las Vegas Aces vs Phoenix Mercury

 

 Finals Schedule (Best-of-Seven, 2–2–1–1–1 Format)

  • Game 1: Friday, October 3, 2025 – at Las Vegas
  • Game 2: Sunday, October 5, 2025 – at Las Vegas
  • Game 3: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 – at Phoenix
  • Game 4: Friday, October 10, 2025 – at Phoenix
  • Game 5 (if needed): Monday, October 13, 2025 – at Las Vegas
  • Game 6 (if needed): Wednesday, October 15, 2025 – at Phoenix
  • Game 7 (if needed): Friday, October 17, 2025 – at Las Vegas

 

Storylines to Watch

1.   A’ja Wilson vs Diana Taurasi (and Phoenix’s veteran core) – Wilson is at the peak of her career; Taurasi seeks one last title push.

2.   Back-to-Back Chance for Aces – Las Vegas aims for their third championship in four years.

3.   Mercury’s Underdog Run – Phoenix wasn’t favored, but strong defense and clutch shooting carried them through the semis.

4.   Finals Format Change – First time in WNBA history using a best-of-seven Finals.

 

Summary: 

The Indiana Fever’s Cinderella run ended in heartbreak, but Caitlin Clark’s rookie season has elevated the franchise into the spotlight. The Finals now pit the defending powerhouse Aces against the resurgent Mercury in what could be a historic series.