^{September 20, 2025 | Edition #140}

👋 Hey, Hoophead!

The last four standing!

Your 2025 WNBA champions will be either Minnesota, Indiana, Las Vegas, or Phoenix. Each group carries a storyline way bigger than just wins and losses. Two come in as the heavy favorites, while the other two enter, proving all the calculations wrong. So, lesson learned, do not write off the Mercury or the Fever as we head into Round 2.

Oh, and before we dive in, we sat down for an exclusive chat with Seattle Storm star and 2022 NCAA champ, Zia Cooke, about her journey and what’s ahead. Check out the full interview here.

Now, let’s catch you up with everything you might have missed amid the panic and chaos of the first round!

Mercury Burn the Crown

“We’re the defending champs. Nobody else is,” Breanna Stewart reminded everyone before stepping onto the court for a do-or-die game, coming in as the favorite despite being the lower seed.

Well…not anymore, Stewie!

The defending champs fell 79-73 to the Mercury in Game 3! They were denied by Satou Sabally's 23 points, 12 rebounds performance, and MVP candidate Alyssa Thomas’ triple-double (20-11-11). Or should we say, MVP finalist now? Yes, the WNBA has officially announced the finalists for the highly coveted award. Along with AT, who all made it? Find out if your favorite is in!

Back to the game, we must acknowledge it wasn’t for lack of sheer will from the injured Stewart. In fact, she still showed up like the warrior we know, dropping 30 points (second-most in the postseason) and grabbing 9 boards. Sabrina Ionescu chipped in with 22 points, but that was about it from the Liberty.

The rest of the crew couldn’t match Phoenix’s team effort. Jonquel Jones, the 2024 Finals MVP, went 1-10 from the field, Leonie Fiebich battled through like someone carrying literal bricks, and Emma Meesseman & Kennedy Burke again struggled to find any rhythm.

However, the real difference probably came in the final 10 minutes. Stewie scored all of New York’s 14 points in the final frame, while five Mercury players combined for 19. And just like that, the Mercury clinched the last semifinals spot and will face the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in a best-of-five series, starting Sunday!

The rosters couldn’t be more different: Minnesota is nearly intact from last season, while Phoenix has all new pieces, though battle-tested! Still, both teams share one thing: a chip on the shoulder. Actually, two things! MVP candidates in Thomas and Napheesa Collier.

All in all, a lot of factors can swing it. Plus, it’s worth noting, Minnesota comes in rested after sweeping GSV, while Phoenix fought tooth and nail till Game 3. And the series tips off in Minnesota. Can Phoenix further surprise everyone?

Step Up Your Game

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The Mismatch or Another Shocker Loading?

The second semifinal is a full-on contrast: Indiana vs. Las Vegas! I mean, you couldn’t find two more different teams if you tried: one here without their superstar, the other because of theirs.

The Fever stormed into the semis as the only lower seed, taking down the Dream. Trailing for most of the game, Indiana went full lockdown in the final 2:30, holding Atlanta scoreless and capping it off with a 7-0 run.

Again, Kelsey Mitchell led with 24, but the final winning bucket came courtesy of Aliyah Boston and Odyssey Sims. And by the way, along with those 14 points, AB also picked up a technical after literally tossing Brionna Jones to the floor. And as fiery as the clash was, Mitchell’s reaction will have you rolling on the floor. Check this moment out and keep an eye on Indy’s No.0.

Meanwhile, the Aces had to dig deep, too, till the very last second. A’ja Wilson tied her playoff career high with 38 points (25 in the second half!) as Vegas shook off a slow start. The game ended in a climax that had the crowd standing on its toes, with the Aces sneaking out a thrilling 74-73 win over the Storm.

Now, the Fever and Aces will meet in Vegas with no playoff history between them, but oh, the beef history is real and vast. Here are details of all the players holding grudges and why (spoiler: the total number might shock you!)

There’s no doubt that, despite the fight, the Fever are the underdogs. But remember, they led the regular-season series vs. the Aces. Does that matter, though? Becky Hammon says no. “They haven’t seen the real Aces yet. They caught us in a bit of turmoil.”

So, will we witness a classic Aces “recall,” or will the Fever continue this trend of Indiana teams just punching above their weight?

Coach Clash! Reeve Counters Hammon’s ‘No Comparisons’ Dig at Alanna Smith

The Money Moments

Round 1 was basically made of cut-to-the-chase moments, and you’ve seen some great ones in our previous editions. While there were a lot that left us cheering, here’s a roundup of the best plays you might have missed!

Jackie, the Game Saver! When A’ja Wilson’s shot rimmed out with 14 seconds left and Vegas down 1, we thought it was over for the Aces. Well, until Jackie Young reminded us why she’s a 4x All-Star with a put-back while being surrounded by FOUR (!!) Storm players. This is pure highlight-reel stuff!

Hull Heist? Defense so crazy you basically force your opponents to call a timeout just to avoid the 5-second penalty. Yes, that happened! And when Atlanta came back with a different play following the timeout, Lexie Hull was ready. She read their play all too well. As Rhyne Howard tried to feed Jones from the sideline, Hull snatched the ball to seal Indy’s win. Check out the game-winning steal!

Cloud trick-shot! Natasha Cloud, usually dishing out 5.1 assists per game, could only manage 9 total assists in the whole series. But she still made sure to give something to her home crowd in Game 2. We’re talking about that insane, totally unexpected throw from the corner to Jonquel Jones for three. Feast your eyes on this!

Crowning the Tunnel Queens of the Week

Playoff tunnels served up some of the coolest, most glamorous looks. We’ve handpicked the best ones just for you!

But, you know, while we are swooning over these stunning looks, it wasn’t just the outfits that stole the show. There was one specific shoe that became the talk of the town on Thursday. How? Well, Caitlin Clark’s Air Force 1s might have carried big meaning for her team! Check this out!

1. The Lexie Hull Game-Winning Masterstroke Isn’t Entirely Hers - Full Story

2. ESPN Commentator Rips New York's Game 2 Performance - Full Story

3. Angel Reese Announces World Tour After Signature Shoes Sell Out In Record Time - Full Story

4. Breanna Stewart Placed in GOAT-Level Company - Full Story

5. Final Brakes on Caitlin Clark’s Return Talk, Know the Reality - 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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