The Phoenix Mercury edged out the Indiana Fever 85-79 in a thrilling WNBA showdown on September 2, 2025, at PHX Arena. The game was packed with standout performances, smart adjustments, and a relentless battle between two teams fighting for playoff positioning. For basketball fans and Fantasy WNBA enthusiasts, here’s a detailed breakdown of the stats, highlights, and key storylines.
Game Overview
The Mercury (25-14) extended their winning streak to five games, strengthening their playoff push. Meanwhile, the Fever (21-19) fought valiantly despite missing key players like Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham, and Aari McDonald due to injuries.
Early on, Kelsey Mitchell’s scoring explosion gave Indiana momentum, but Alyssa Thomas’s near triple-double kept Phoenix in control. Both teams shot 38.9% from beyond the arc, but Phoenix’s 94.1% accuracy from the free-throw line proved to be the difference-maker.
Phoenix Mercury Player Stats
The Mercury delivered a balanced team effort, with multiple players stepping up in crucial moments:
- Alyssa Thomas: 23 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists
– Nearly posted her fourth straight triple-double. Her playmaking and leadership were the backbone of Phoenix’s win. - DeWanna Bonner: 19 points, 4 rebounds
– Delivered clutch shots against her former team, showcasing her veteran savvy. - Satou Sabally: 13 points
– Provided versatility and spacing, keeping the Fever defense on its heels. - Kahleah Copper: 11 points, 3 rebounds
– Contributed timely buckets, even on a quieter scoring night. - Sami Whitcomb: 10 points (2/5 from three), 7 assists
– Sparked the offense with sharp shooting and smart distribution.
Team Stats: Phoenix shot 41.7% from the field (25/60), 38.9% from three (14/36), and a stellar 94.1% from the free-throw line (16/17). They recorded 31 rebounds (3 offensive) while committing 17 personal foul.
Indiana Fever Player Stats
Even without several starters, Indiana showed resilience behind Kelsey Mitchell’s electric start.
- Kelsey Mitchell: 15 points in the first quarter (3 three-pointers)
– Set the tone early with a hot hand, though Phoenix eventually contained her impact. - Aliyah Boston, Lexie Hull, Odyssey Sims, Natasha Howard:
– All contributed with energy and toughness, but detailed box scores weren’t fully reported. Boston battled inside, while Sims and Howard provided veteran presence.
Team Stats: Indiana shot 45.9% from the field (34/74), matched Phoenix at 38.9% from three (14/36), and hit 89.3% from the line (25/28). They won the rebound battle with 39 boards (8 offensive) but couldn’t fully capitalize.
Key Moments & Analysis
- First Quarter Fireworks:
Mitchell’s 15-point outburst gave Indiana early control, but the Mercury adjusted defensively to slow her down. - Alyssa Thomas’s Impact:
With near triple-double numbers, Thomas dictated pace, created opportunities, and controlled the glass—proving why she’s one of the WNBA’s most complete players. - Injury Impact:
The Fever sorely missed Caitlin Clark (groin), Sophie Cunningham (knee), and others. Their absence forced Indiana to over-rely on Mitchell and secondary scorers. - Three-Point Shootout:
Both teams thrived from deep at 38.9%, but Phoenix’s free-throw dominance gave them the ultimate edge.
Why This Game Matters
This game highlighted two different storylines:
- For the Mercury, it reinforced their playoff readiness. Thomas and Bonner have proven they can lead in crunch time, while role players like Whitcomb and Sabally add valuable depth.
- For the Fever, Mitchell’s scoring surge was a reminder of her star power, but injuries remain the biggest obstacle to their postseason hopes.
Fantasy WNBA players should especially note Thomas’s stat-sheet consistency and Mitchell’s high-upside scoring potential for future lineups.
great thumbs up