^{September 27, 2025 | Edition #143}

👋 Hey, Hoophead!

It’s a “déjà nightmare” for Cheryl Reeve’s group all over again. 2024 ended with a Finals loss and frustration over officiating, and now history seems to be repeating itself. Except this time, it’s not just them. Officiating has plagued the season from the start, and now it is turning the postseason into an unsettling expletive for both teams and fans. How did it all reach a boiling point in Game 3? We’ll break that down, but first, let’s see what went down on the court.

The Valley Turns Volcanic

Home-court advantage is supposed to be a blessing for the higher seed. But it’s looking like the tables have turned. Just one win away from the Finals, the Mercury now have the chance to finish the series in the Valley!

What has already been an incredibly physical series ratcheted up even further on Friday. Game 3 was tight from start to finish, and just when the No. 1 seed looked a little bit in control with a 23-15 third quarter, Phoenix went off. Holding Minnesota to just nine points in the final frame, the home team pulled out an 84-76 victory at PHX Arena.

But it wasn't just Phoenix’s defense that hit the peak in the final frame; it was coach Cheryl Reeve’s patience, too. On edge after a technical foul, she hit her boiling point when the officials didn’t call another key play, including Napheesa Collier & Alyssa Thomas, with Minnesota down four and 28 seconds left.

Multiple coaches had to hold her back for over a minute as she tried to storm the officials in what was arguably the crashout of the year. Watch the fiery act that earned her second tech and an ejection!

It, by the way, forced Phee out with an injury, which is “probably a fracture,” per coach Reeve. And that pretty much became the highlight of the game.

Still, let’s not overshadow that it was a phenomenal game, and the ending deserved better. In a rare moment, Phoenix’s Big 3 showed up together! Satou Sabally led the way with 23 points, while Kahleah Copper poured in 21. Alyssa Thomas added her usual all-around brilliance with 21 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists.

That combination was enough to keep Minnesota at bay, despite Natisha Hiedeman’s 19, Napheesa Collier’s 17 points, and Courtney Williams’ 14.

With the series now 2-1, the Mercury get a chance to close it out at home in Game 4 on Sunday.

Courtside Sound, Living Room Seat

The WNBA Finals tip off next Friday, and there’s just one thing that can better the action. Sound that puts you courtside. That’s where Samsung steps in. Their Q-Series 3.1.2 ch Wireless Dolby Atmos Soundbar delivers powerful, theater-quality sound right in your living room. And that too at a flat 50% off for a limited time!

Why you’ll love it:

• Immersive, 3D sound

• Syncs perfectly with your TV

• Sleek wireless design

Make every cheer, buzzer, and big shot come alive at home. Because that’s the only way to watch this final showdown!

Nine Minutes That Doomed Indy

Indiana had the golden ticket in their hands on Friday night: the home crowd behind them, A’ja Wilson having an off night, and the chance to take the series lead. But instead of seizing it, the Fever let it slip, falling 84-72 to the Aces, who now hold a 2-1 lead and have Indiana teetering on the brink of elimination.

And well, it feels like Stephanie White’s “close but not enough” curse is back to haunt Indy. This is what we’re talking about!

Here’s the thing, though. The Fever, despite a long injury list, didn’t just roll over. For almost three quarters, they went toe-to-toe with the No. 2 seed. Gainbridge was rocking, and it looked like the upset might actually be in the making. But then came the drought.

Indiana went nearly nine minutes (!!) without a single field goal in the second half. Against Vegas, that’s basically gifting them the game. The Aces didn’t even need an A’ja takeover - she had a rough shooting night (6-of-20) - but the rest of the squad went to work.

Jackie Young exploded for 25, Chelsea Gray added 15, and dropped a ridiculous football-style inbound dime to Young at the end of the third. Seriously, you have to see this! NaLyssa Smith chipped in 16, and by the time Dana Evans fueled a 10-2 Vegas run in the fourth, the Fever had nothing left in the tank.

Kelsey Mitchell did her best with 21 points, Lexie Hull pulled off a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double, and Aliyah Boston added 12-8-4. But by the time Indiana bricked their 10th straight shot, Gainbridge’s roar turned into silence.

Now it’s do-or-die. Game 4 stays in Indy on Sunday. Can the Fever buy themselves 40 more minutes to keep their season alive? Time will tell. Becky Hammon, though, has made clear, "We aren't looking for Game 5!"

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Broken Whistles

If there’s one denominator every coach would circle this postseason, it’s the officiating. It’s been impossible to ignore. From Las Vegas to Minnesota, the refs have been letting games spiral, and once the control slipped, they never quite got it back.

Stephanie White kept it pretty simple after Indiana’s Game 2 loss, claiming the nonstop foul calls made it “impossible” for her team to find any rhythm. Becky Hammon went one step further, calling the physicality “out of control.”

But Cheryl Reeve was not holding it in on Friday!

Literally everyone involved had to face her wrath. It started with a fan as she made her way to the locker room after ejection. We can’t type what she said, so you can check it out yourself!

Then, she skipped the regular post-game Q&A and instead delivered a two-minute tirade about officiating. She demanded leadership changes at the league level, dropped some brutal profanities at the crew of three, and pointed to one stat that had her fuming: Napheesa Collier didn’t attempt a single free throw in 37 minutes.

Watch Reeve absolutely go off in the presser.

Add to that the numbers: Phoenix went to the line 22 times, Minnesota just 11. In fact, the Lynx have averaged the fewest free throws this postseason (12.3), and they were second bottom in the regular season as well.

Hammon had her own gripes. Her Aces usually benefit from calls, but A’ja Wilson drawing only one free throw in 38 minutes was straight up absurd to her.

But you know, this isn’t just a postseason problem. Players and coaches have complained about inconsistency and missed calls all year. And everyone knows the WNBA’s officiating pool is constantly in flux, with many refs seeing the league as a stepping stone to better-paying gigs elsewhere.

That turnover leaves the W with fewer experienced refs, and way too many shaky whistles. If the WNBA doesn’t fix this, the game’s biggest moments risk becoming a joke instead of the celebrations they’re meant to be.

How Bad Is It?! Collier Crying on the Bench & Tearful Exit Is the Image No Lynx Fan Wanted to See

Was That a Foul?

It all started when Collier was stonewalled by Thomas in the post midway through the second quarter, a play that should have easily drawn a foul. But the whistle never came, and that frustration cost Reeve her first technical.

The real trigger came in the final minutes, though. This is what happened:

Collier drove to her left, and Thomas stepped in, swiping the ball and launching a fast-break bucket that essentially sealed the game. All Collier could do was slap the court in pain as Reeve lost it on the sidelines.

It might appear at first glance as if AT cleanly stole the ball. However, if you look at the clip closely, Thomas made significant contact while moving through Collier’s path. So,

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3. Caitlin Clark & Sophie Cunningham’s Pregame Antics Turn Heads - Full Story

4. Studbudz Fever Takes Over Unrivaled Season 2 - Full Story

5. Bria Hartley on Being Vilified by Indy Fans Over Cunningham Injury - Full Story

That’s it for today, folks! We’ll look to knock on your inbox soon with more interesting stories!

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