There will be new WNBA champions this year — and Alyssa Thomas made sure of that.
Thomas finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists for her fifth career playoff triple-double as the Phoenix Mercury knocked off the defending champion New York Liberty, 79-73, in Game 3 to complete the WNBA semifinal cast.
Liberty Biberty Bobbity Boop.
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) September 20, 2025
With their season on the line, the 33-year-old delivered a vintage performance, notching her first triple-double of this year’s postseason to help the Mercury set up a best-of-five duel with the No. 1 Minnesota Lynx.
BRACKET UPDATE 🚨
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 20, 2025
The Semi-Finals are locked in and here’s a look at the updated bracket for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs presented by @Google .
The Minnesota Lynx will take on the Phoenix Mercury
The Las Vegas Aces will face the Indiana Fever
Round two starts this Sunday, September…
An MVP finalist this season, Thomas made a crucial interception off a Natasha Cloud inbounds pass intended for Breanna Stewart with Phoenix holding a 76-73 lead.
That turnover led to a Kaleah Copper basket that stretched the margin to 78-73 with 32.8 seconds left.
A look at her bucket below ?? https://t.co/nsUet0n7i2 pic.twitter.com/deJdsLWn6P
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 20, 2025
It marked the first time since 2021 that Phoenix reached the semifinals — also the last year they advanced to the Finals before falling to the Chicago Sky.
Satou Sabally powered the Mercury with 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Copper and Sami Whitcomb combined for 25 points.
Meanwhile, Breanna Stewart scored 14 of her 30 points in the final frame, but New York dropped back-to-back games after taking the series opener in Phoenix.
BREANNA STEWART CAN'T BE STOPPED 🗣?
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 20, 2025
Give her 3 and-1s in the 4Q! The Liberty are fighting for the final Playoff spot in the Semi-Finals https://t.co/qvBNOwooqV
Sabrina Ionescu added 22 in what became the Liberty’s earliest playoff exit since 2022, when they also bowed out in the opening round.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.
