The stage is set for another high-stakes semifinal clash in the 2025 WNBA Playoffs. The top-seeded Minnesota Lynx await the resilient Phoenix Mercury, who upset the defending champions to punch their ticket to this round. With momentum, pressure, and a strong rivalry backdrop, Game 1 promises fireworks.
Minnesota enters as the regular-season No. 1 seed, bringing in home-court advantage, depth, and veteran leadership. The Lynx have shown consistency all year, and now the expectations are higher than ever. All signs point to them trying to dominate early-using their experience in big moments to try and set the tone from tip-off.
Phoenix, meanwhile, has defied the odds. With grit, timely performances, and belief, the Mercury knocked off the New York Liberty in the first round-demonstrating they’re not just content to make noise, but to make a run. Though they struggled in the regular season matchups against Minnesota, they’ll be looking to silence doubters and steal Game 1 on the road.
When and Where?
- Date & Time: Sunday, September 21, 2025 – 5:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- TV: National broadcast on ESPN
- Streaming: Available via the ESPN app
What’s at Stake & What to Watch
The Lynx have home-court in this best-of-five series (Games 1, 2, and 5 if necessary).
Phoenix enters as underdog, not just by seed, but by regular-season performance against Minnesota. They went just 1-3 vs. the Lynx this year.
Key matchups will likely revolve around defending on the perimeter, rebounding, and which team can soak up the momentum swings. The Lynx will want to control pace; Phoenix needs to disrupt that rhythm.
Can Minnesota start sharp and set a defensive tone early, or will Phoenix find ways to force turnovers and generate transition offense?
This semifinal series is more than just lines on a bracket – it’s about trajectory. Who asserts themselves first could gain a psychological edge that resonates throughout the rest of the matchup.
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