Wed Sep 24 10:50:00 UTC 2025: **WNBA Semifinals Set: Lynx, Aces, Mercury, and Fever Advance After Thrilling First Round**
**[CITY, STATE] –** The 2025 WNBA Semifinals are set to tip off on Sunday, promising an electrifying next stage of the playoffs after a nail-biting first round. The top-seeded Minnesota Lynx, No. 2 Las Vegas Aces, No. 4 Phoenix Mercury, and No. 6 Indiana Fever have all secured their spots, setting the stage for intense matchups and a historic Finals format.
The first round was defined by its drama, with three of the four series going to decisive Game 3s, decided by a mere combined 10 points. This year marks the first time the WNBA Finals will be a best-of-seven series, moving from the best-of-five model and adopting a 2-2-1-1-1 format. The semifinals will remain a best-of-five series with a 2-2-1 format.
The Minnesota Lynx will face the Phoenix Mercury in one semifinal matchup. The Lynx, fresh off sweeping the Golden State Valkyries, are looking to avenge last year’s Finals loss. Despite falling behind by 17 points in Game 2 against the Valkyries, the Lynx showed their resilience and experience, qualities head coach Cheryl Reeve emphasized. “We have the experience of hard games. We’ve been tried and tested,” Lynx forward Napheesa Collier stated.
The Mercury, after dropping Game 1 to the defending champion New York Liberty, roared back with two consecutive wins, eliminating the Liberty from the postseason. Phoenix will rely on the performance of their “Big 3” – Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally, and Kahleah Copper – as they are undefeated when all three score at least 10 points.
In the other semifinal, the Las Vegas Aces will take on the Indiana Fever. Aces superstar A’ja Wilson, who won Co-Defensive Player of the Year and is likely to win her fourth MVP award, carried her team to a Game 3 victory over the Seattle Storm, scoring 38 points. However, the Aces will need more balanced scoring as they move deeper into the playoffs.
The Indiana Fever, after a stunning comeback against the Atlanta Dream, secured their first playoff series win in a decade. Despite numerous injuries to key players, the Fever’s resilience and defensive prowess have fueled their improbable run. Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell has been instrumental in their success, averaging 23 points in the first-round series. To beat the Aces, the Fever will need to contain A’ja Wilson and capitalize on transition opportunities.
The WNBA Semifinals promise high-stakes action, and fans can expect fierce competition as these four teams battle for a spot in the historic best-of-seven Finals.
First Piper 