Aussie star Whitcomb one step from dual league glory

• Quick Guide: List of Aussies in the WNBA in 2025‍
• Latest News: Read more about Aussies in the WNBA
• Stepback Sami busts Lynx home court advantage‍
• Reeve suspended for Game 4 of WNBA semi-final

Australian women's basketball star Sami Whitcomb is on the verge of a historic championship double in 2025 as the Phoenix Mercury eliminated the one-seed Minnesota Lynx in four games of the WNBA Semi-Finals in Phoenix.

Phoenix Mercury defeated Minnesota Lynx 86-81 in Phoenix today (AEST) ending Opals teammate Alanna Smith's dream of returning to the Finals and a championship of her own. Head coach Cheryl Reeve was suspended after smashing referees and the league after being ejected at the end of Game 3.

WNBL MVP Whitcomb, 37, led the Bendigo Spirit to the WNBL25 championship in March and now has the chance to win a WNBA title just six months later.

Alyssa Thomas' 23 points and 10 assists powered Phoenix to a crucial semifinal victory, tying the series at 2-2.

"Sami Whitcomb has had an incredible season and a phenomenal couple of years," Australian Opals teammate Rebecca "Bec" Allen told basketball.com.au as the game was being played.

"Phoenix has allowed her to thrive; she looks happy and free.

"Her chemistry with AT (Alyssa Thomas) is great — if you help off, Sami only needs a sliver of space and she’ll let it fly.

"Nate Tibbetts is a terrific coach and communicator, and that environment suits her.

"If she reaches the WNBA Finals after the WNBL title, that’s a pretty special year."

Whitcomb has reached the Finals and now she awaits either the Las Vegas Aces or Indiana Fever in a series that has gone five games.

Key Details

• Result: Phoenix Mercury 86 def. Minnesota Lynx 81
• When: September 29, 2025
• Where: Phoenix, Arizona

By the Numbers

• Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix Mercury) starred with 23 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists, and one steal in 37 minutes.
• Kayla McBride (Minnesota Lynx) scored 31 points, had four rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in 38 minutes.

What Happened

Minnesota dominated the opening quarter, racing to a 25-14 lead behind McBride's hot shooting and aggressive defence. The Lynx controlled the tempo early, forcing Phoenix into difficult shots and capitalising on transition opportunities.

Phoenix responded in the second quarter, outscoring Minnesota 24-13 to level the game at 38-38 heading into halftime. Satou Sabally found her rhythm, contributing nine points during this stretch as the Mercury improved their shooting efficiency from 33% in the first quarter to 47% in the second.

The third quarter belonged to the Lynx, who exploded for 30 points behind Courtney Williams' aggressive playmaking and McBride's continued sharpshooting. Minnesota built a comfortable 68-55 lead, connecting on five three-pointers during the period.

Phoenix mounted a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback, outscoring Minnesota 31-13 in the final frame. Thomas took control with eight points and four assists in the quarter, while DeWanna Bonner provided crucial scoring from the bench. With 3:22 remaining, Sabally hit a clutch three-pointer to give Phoenix their first lead since the opening minutes.

The Mercury's defensive intensity transformed in the fourth quarter, forcing Minnesota into difficult shots and limiting them to just 30% shooting from the field. Bonner's defensive presence was instrumental, recording two blocks in crucial moments to preserve the lead.

Thomas delivered an efficient performance, shooting 11-from-18 from the field while orchestrating Phoenix's offence with 10 assists. Sabally added 21 points on 6-from-11 shooting, including three three-pointers, playing all but three minutes in the second half.

The Lynx received strong performances from McBride (31 points) and Williams (20 points, six assists), but their offence stalled in the fourth quarter. Despite shooting a respectable 41.6% for the game, Minnesota committed six costly turnovers that Phoenix converted into 10 points.

Phoenix's bench proved decisive, outscoring Minnesota's reserves 22-5. Bonner's 13 points and two blocks in 26 minutes provided a significant spark, shooting a perfect 3-from-3 from beyond the arc. The Mercury also controlled the glass, out-rebounding the Lynx 38-34, including seven offensive boards that led to nine second-chance points.