Mercury

WNBA semifinals see Upsets, Controversy as ⁤aces and‌ Lynx Face ⁢Elimination

September 29, 2025 – The WNBA semifinals delivered ⁢dramatic results Sunday, with the minnesota Lynx’s‌ season ​ending in defeat and the Las Vegas ​Aces pushed ​to a ⁣decisive Game 5. Both outcomes were shadowed by concerns over officiating,⁤ continuing a trend‍ throughout the postseason.

The Lynx’s ⁤season concluded after‌ a heartbreaking loss, marking the second consecutive year the team ⁣fell short of championship contention. Last year, Minnesota lost to​ the New York Liberty in a controversial Game 5, a⁢ game ⁢coach Cheryl Reeve stated⁤ was “stolen from us.” This year, the Lynx​ played without​ MVP runner-up Napheesa Collier, sidelined by a⁣ left ankle‍ injury sustained‌ in⁢ Game ​3, and ⁢faced the game⁤ without Reeve, ​who was suspended ‌by the league. ⁣Despite⁢ building a 13-point lead in the fourth ‌quarter, the Lynx were ⁤unable to ⁤hold on, ultimately⁤ falling ⁢in⁣ game​ 4. Minnesota previously squandered a 20-point lead​ in Game 2, ‍a game they ultimately won.

Meanwhile, the Aces ⁢failed to close ‌out their series ‍against ⁢the Indiana​ Fever, forcing ⁢a winner-take-all Game ‍5. Despite⁢ a‌ dominant 31-point performance from MVP A’ja Wilson, ‍supported by Jackie Young (18 points) and⁣ Chelsea Gray⁣ (12 points) who combined for 61 of the Aces’ 81 points,​ Las Vegas struggled with foul trouble. NaLyssa Smith was limited to eight points in 22 minutes, and Smith, Gray, ⁣and Young each finished with five fouls.​ Wilson described ⁢the foul situation as “very captivating.”

officiating again became a central point‌ of contention following ⁤the⁤ Fever’s Game 4 victory. Aces head ​coach⁣ becky Hammon criticized the⁤ free throw disparity,stating,”a lot of grabbing and holding ⁢down (in the paint) that got ⁢called one way.” The Aces were awarded onyl 11 free throw attempts compared to the Fever’s 34, with Fever‍ center Aliyah Boston drawing 13 free ‌throws alone – more than the⁢ entire‌ Aces team. The Aces committed 24 fouls, while the Fever were ‌called⁤ for ⁤17.

The Game 4 officiating crew – Isaac Barnett, Randy ‌richardson, and Jenna Reneau – ⁣also worked the Phoenix Mercury’s Game‍ 3 ⁤win over the Minnesota Lynx. Following that game, Lynx head coach cheryl Reeve publicly criticized⁢ the crew ‍as “awful,” leading to⁢ her suspension for Game 4.

Hammon further commented, “They shot a lot of free throws. We didn’t. I appreciate it was a little tighter call, but tighter on ​both ends would’ve​ been nice.”