The Phoenix Mercury are headed to the 2025 WNBA Finals presented by YouTube TV after having beaten off a tough-minded Minnesota Lynx 3-1 in the playoff series. The Finals appearance is the first since 2021, while it has etched their name in history behind just four other teams in WNBA history for having eliminated both finalists from the previous season en route. A topic of much controversy is the Mercury’s comeback from down 14 in the crucial game.
So what really went on inside the series that is spinning minds into a whirlpool? Well, the Mercury did the so-called miracle comeback by finally surmounting huge deficits in a must-win game for the Lynx-the kind of clutch plays championship teams are made of, which Phoenix just proved that they have to an excess.
And of course, there are those who opposed this increment of success for Phoenix. The reaction, especially from social media, was… mixed. Actually, they could hardly be more divided. Some are celebrating, but others are incensed at the Mercury’s performance. “After the ghetto response from an egotistical coach and her media coverage, I’m thrilled the lynx are going fishing!!!” read one of the comments; that is pretty harsh sarcasm.
Based on Phoenix’s gritty style of play, the contention seems to conclude with them being termed “dirty players,” suggesting being into “prison ball” or “bully ball.” “The refs need to eject AT as soon as she bulldozes the first player,” said one commentator, aggrieved that intended fouls were going unpunished. Whereas, “Eliminate the other teams best player and presto!” was another claim, insinuating that Phoenix succeed by taking out key adversaries instead of by the skills of basketball.
Wait, what was I saying about basketball? Sometimes, the discourse about sports gets so heated you forget-we are talking about a game. But that intensity behind these reactions is an indicator of just how passionate WNBA fans have become about this Finals match-up.
An equally much-talked-about matter is whom the people want Phoenix to face in the Finals. The other series on schedule has Indiana Fever against Las Vegas Aces, and there seems to be a split in opinion. “Too bad Phoenix lost to the Fever last time in July. I hope the Fever wins so that they can take it all!!” one commentator said, while another added, “atp I rather Fever gets eliminated, don’t wanna more injuries,” appearing to be worried about player safety against Phoenix’s physical style.
However, you can’t really ignore the historical context of Phoenix’s feat here. To be the fourth team ever to knock out both previous Finalists during their playoff run puts them in elite company. That’s the kind of stat that’ll be remembered for decades if they eventually go all the way.
The Finals are that much more talked up, with one voice joining the fray: “Also, ignore all the people who don’t think that this Phoenix can beat the Aces/Fever in the Finals. They can’t be serious especially with the Aces that actually have a tough time beating the Fever with certain players injured!” So certainly, there is a lot of belief that Phoenix can hang threat-wise with whoever comes out of that other series.
The Mercury’s path to the Finals seems to be hotly disputed, though. Numerous comments indicate that there may be favoritism in the League towards Phoenix, with one reading, “This is what the league wants, that’s why they let brutal players get special whistles, who would want to watch,” and yet another claiming, “Just the way you fixed it up to be……..” suggesting there was a rigging.
But you can’t really ignore the Mercury’s feats, maybe because of that very controversy. The Mercury came back after being down 14 against a Minnesota team that had to win-the proof of mental toughness and all-around skill. One fan commentator wrote: “They were down 14 in a game that the Lynx needed. Smh that’s crazy!!! Good shit!!” That kind of mental toughness is what champions are made of.
The Mercury are now waiting for the winner of the Fever-Aces series, and according to the reactions online, there will be no shortage of people rooting for Phoenix to get taken down. “Barf. Whoever wins the Fever/Aces series has to take out the 🗑,” said one commenter. There is already a huge drama in store for these WNBA Finals.
After four long years, Phoenix Mercury making a comeback to the championship stage is an extraordinary moment for the franchise as well as for their ardent fans. As opposed to seeing the Mercury as either good or bad, one thing the Mercury have proven is that they belong at the table for discussion about the finals, while the basketball world will have their eyes closely monitoring if they could seal their historic runs with a championship trophy.
