The 2025 WNBA semifinals are bringing the heat: Las Vegas Aces vs Indiana Fever, and Minnesota Lynx vs Phoenix Mercury.
On one side, the Aces led by A’ja Wilson, the overwhelming favorite, powered by her fourth MVP title and remarkable consistency. On the other, teams ready to shake up the hierarchy: Indiana, driven by Kelsey Mitchell, without Caitlin Clark but full of grit and determination.
In the other bracket, the Minnesota Lynx, led by Napheesa Collier, face the Mercury, while Alyssa Thomas looks ready to engineer a major upset.
At the heart of these titanic clashes are four storylines worth watching.
A’ja Wilson: The Empress of the Hardwood
It must be said: Wilson is no longer just a star—she is an institution. In 2025, she secured her fourth MVP award, a first in WNBA history.
Her impact is total: scorer, rebounder, defensive anchor, and leader. In the semifinals, she returned to her dominant form with 25 points and 9 rebounds in a game where the Aces crushed Indiana 90–68.
What stands out most about Wilson? Her composure. After a less convincing performance, she comes back stronger, controls the pace of the game, and racks up steals. Her dominance is not built solely on scoring but on her all-around presence on the floor. The Aces know they can rely on her to lead, adapt, and absorb pressure. In this crucial round, A’ja Wilson is the centerpiece of the system. And she is surrounded by elite talent in Chelsey Gray, Jackie Young, and Jewell Loyd.
Napheesa Collier: The Challenger and the Shadow of a Ring
If Wilson is the dominant force standing in the way, Napheesa Collier embodies her greatest rival this season: the player who, despite missing out on the 2025 MVP award, can still chase the championship ring. Collier was considered the number one player for most of the season. Her Lynx finished atop the standings and dominated several matchups against Phoenix. Collier carries the locker room, inspires her teammates, and forces opponents to adjust their game plans. She can also count on Courtney Williams and a deep, talented roster.
Yet beneath the weight of expectations lies a Mercury team that has already proven it can come back from adversity, led by a determined Thomas.
Winning a championship is the ultimate dream. To make it happen, Collier must be the player she has been all season—and perhaps even more. She must elevate her teammates, rise in key moments, and shift momentum when needed. If the Lynx can hold firm in tight situations, Collier may well be the defining figure of these semifinals.
Alyssa Thomas: The Rebel Ready to Turn the Tables
If anyone can dream of an upset, it is Alyssa Thomas. She may not carry the status of an undisputed superstar this year, but she possesses the mentality needed to disrupt the established order.
In Phoenix’s epic comeback from a 20-point deficit against the Lynx—a victory secured in overtime—Thomas was at the center of everything: 19 points, 13 assists, and an intensity that reignited her team when all seemed lost.
She understands that an upset is built on teamwork, energy, and smart decisions. If Collier is the Lynx’s headliner, Thomas can become the thread that controls the game, wears down opponents, and strikes when fatigue begins to set in.
For her, it is not about individual statistics but about timing and mindset. If Phoenix manages to pull off a shock result, it will likely be through an inspired Thomas capable of changing the momentum.
Kelsey Mitchell & Indiana Fever: The Unexpected Outsider
The Indiana Fever are the underdog nobody expected—and yet, here they are. Without Caitlin Clark, sidelined by injury throughout the playoffs, and also missing Sophie Cunningham and Chloe Bibby, the team has placed its hopes on Kelsey Mitchell and collective determination.
Mitchell has delivered spectacular performances. In the opening game of the semifinals, she scored 34 points, proving she can carry the team to extraordinary heights.
But the challenge is immense: contain reigning MVP A’ja Wilson, withstand Las Vegas’ championship experience, and find answers when the defense tightens. It is a daunting task. Yet that is precisely the position of an underdog: one capable of surprising everyone, delivering performances that defy predictions, and capitalizing on every weakness. If Indiana can exploit Wilson’s rare off moments or create stretches of favorable momentum, Mitchell could become the catalyst for one of the postseason’s biggest surprises.
What to Expect (and Hope For) in the 2025 WNBA Semifinals
The 2025 semifinals promise fierce battles, intense competition, and unforgettable moments. Wilson must confirm her dominance, Collier must push to claim what narrowly escaped her, Thomas must become the spark, and Mitchell must embrace the role of giant-killer.
Game 3 tips off on the night of Friday, September 26, into Saturday, September 27, 2025!
