When Phoenix Mercury clinched a berth in the 2025 WNBA Finals at the 2025 WNBA FinalsTarget Center, Minneapolis, the desert‑city buzzed like never before. Behind that surge stands Nick U'Ren, General Manager of the team, whose roster overhaul turned a 2024 slump into a 27‑17 regular‑season record. Veteran forward Alyssa Thomas, 32, logged a 32‑point, 15‑rebound, 7‑assist triple‑double on July 30 in Indianapolis, while scoring ace Kahleah Copper, 30, poured in 28 points against Chicago on Aug 28. The challengers? The Minnesota Lynx, who will host Game 1 before the series flips to Footprint Center in Phoenix for the rest of the best‑of‑five showdown.
How the Mercury Rebounded: Roster Moves and Veteran Leadership
U'Ren’s off‑season strategy was as surgical as a basketball coach’s timeout. He kept the core—Thomas, Copper, and center Natasha Mack—and added a blend of seasoned sharpshooters and defensive specialists. The most talked‑about signing was the trade for point guard Jordin Canada, whose court vision helped the Mercury’s assist numbers jump 12% from the prior year. Critics called the moves a gamble, but the numbers proved otherwise.
Age, as the azcentral.com headline suggested, turned out to be a virtue. Thomas, a perennial All‑Star, embraced the role of on‑court general, guiding younger teammates while still delivering marquee performances. Copper’s explosiveness off the dribble kept defenses honest, and Mack’s rebounding anchored the paint. Together, they formed a veteran core that out‑worked the league’s flashier, younger squads.
Statistical Highlights: Triple‑Doubles, Scoring Feats, and Attendance
The season’s stat sheet reads like a résumé for a Hall of Fame campaign. Thomas recorded three triple‑doubles, the most by any Mercury player since the franchise’s 2009 championship run. Her July 30 outing against the Indiana Fever—32 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists—earned a standing ovation from the 17,274 fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
- Team record: 27‑17 (44 games)
- Home wins: 14; Road wins: 13
- Average home attendance: 9,876, peaking at 13,252 on Aug 30 vs. New York Liberty
- Team scoring average: 79.4 points per game, up 3.2 from 2024
- Defensive rating: 94.1, ranking 4th in the league
The numbers mattered because they translated into ticket sales. A sold‑out crowd of 10,445 at PHX Arena on Aug 28 witnessed Copper’s 28‑point explosion against the Chicago Sky, a performance that sparked a city‑wide rally on social media.
Playoff Trail to the Finals
The Mercury entered the postseason as the Western Conference’s third seed. First up, they brushed aside the Connecticut Sun in a four‑game series, thanks to Thomas’s 22‑point, 13‑rebound effort in Game 3. The next hurdle was the defending champion Las Vegas Aces. After dropping Game 1, Phoenix adjusted, with Copper hitting a clutch three‑pointer in the final minute of Game 2 to force a decisive Game 5, which the Mercury won 84‑79.
Facing the Seattle Storm in the Western Finals felt like a déjà vu of the 2009 championship run. The series stretched to five games, and it was Thomas’s late‑game steal in Game 5 that sealed a 77‑71 victory, sending Phoenix to its first Finals since 2014. The 11‑year drought finally had an end‑point, and the city’s skyline lit up in Mercury orange.
What the Finals Mean for Phoenix and the WNBA
For a franchise that’s long been a trailblazer—three championships, a roster of future Hall‑of‑Famers, and a reputation for fierce defense—this Finals appearance is both a redemption story and a catalyst for growth. The WNBA, still expanding its viewership, expects the Mercury‑Lynx matchup to draw record ratings, especially with a primetime slot on ESPN.
Local businesses are already feeling the ripple effect. Hotels near Footprint Center reported a 22% booking surge for the Oct 15‑19 window, and merchandise sales at the team store jumped 35% after the playoff run was announced. The city council is even discussing a “Mercury Day” holiday if Phoenix captures the crown.
Looking Ahead: Schedule, Stakes, and Fan Expectations
The best‑of‑five series begins Oct 10 at 8:00 PM EDT in Minneapolis. Game 2 follows on Oct 12, also in Minnesota. If the Mercury split the opening two, the series shifts to Footprint Center for Games 3‑5, scheduled Oct 15, 17, and 19. The Tigers (Lynx) hold home‑court advantage, but the Mercury’s momentum and veteran poise could tilt the balance.
Fans can expect a blend of tactical basketball—Thomas’s post play, Copper’s perimeter shooting, and Canada’s playmaking—against the Lynx’s uptempo offense led by Nia Coffey and rookie sensation Lindsay Allen. Coaches have hinted at “defensive switches” and “pick‑and‑roll variations” that will make each game a chess match.
Whatever the outcome, the 2025 Finals guarantee a surge in interest for women’s basketball across the Southwest. If Phoenix lifts the trophy, it could usher in a new era of investment, youth participation, and national attention—something the league has been courting for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Mercury’s Finals run affect local businesses in Phoenix?
Hotels near the Footprint Center reported a 22% booking increase for the Oct 15‑19 period, while the team’s merchandise store saw sales climb 35% after the playoff announcement. Restaurants and bars near the arena also expect higher foot traffic during the home games.
What were the key roster moves that led to the Mercury’s turnaround?
General Manager Nick U'Ren kept the veteran core—Alyssa Thomas, Kahleah Copper, and Natasha Mack—while adding point guard Jordin Canada and sharpshooter Stephanie Talbott. The blend of experience and fresh shooting boosted both offensive efficiency and defensive cohesion.
When and where is Game 1 of the 2025 WNBA Finals?
Game 1 kicks off on Oct 10, 2025, at 8:00 PM EDT in the Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Who are the likely match‑ups on the court for Phoenix?
Expect Alyssa Thomas to guard the Lynx’s post players, Kahleah Copper to defend perimeter threats like Nia Coffey, and Jordin Canada to orchestrate the offense against Minnesota’s fast‑break system.
What does a Phoenix victory mean for the WNBA’s growth?
A championship would boost the league’s TV ratings, attract new sponsors, and inspire a wave of youth participation in the Southwest, reinforcing the WNBA’s strategic expansion plans for the next decade.
