Phoenix Mercury Edges Indiana Fever in Close Contest
Tuesday, September 2, 2025, 10:00 PM ET · Mortgage Matchup Center
Phoenix Mercury 85, Indiana Fever 79, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Indiana Fever vs Phoenix Mercury?
Phoenix Mercury beat Indiana Fever 85-79 at Mortgage Matchup Center on September 2, 2025.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Phoenix Mercury secured a narrow victory over the Indiana Fever, finishing the game with a score of 85-79. This game was notable as it marked the third meeting of the season between these two teams, with Phoenix having previously won two out of the three encounters, thus taking the series 2-1.
The Mercury entered this game with a strong home record of 26-14, showcasing their prowess at the Mortgage Matchup Center. They had been in solid form recently, boasting a record of 7-3 over their last ten games and riding a four-game winning streak. During this stretch, they averaged 82.4 points scored per game while allowing 77.4 points. Their recent performances included a convincing win against the New York Liberty, where they triumphed 80-63, and a close victory over the Chicago Sky, winning 83-79.
On the other hand, the Indiana Fever had a record of 21-20 and were struggling with a 4-6 record in their last ten games, having lost their most recent match against the Golden State Valkyries 63-75. The Fever's scoring average in that same span was 82.3 points, but they allowed an average of 84.4 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. Their last five games showed a record of 2-3, with an average of 81.6 points scored and 83.4 points allowed.
When considering home and away performances, the Mercury had a home record of 4-2 in their last six games at the Mortgage Matchup Center, while the Fever had a 2-3 record in their last five away games. This disparity in home and away performance likely played a role in the outcome of the game.
In terms of injuries, the Mercury were significantly impacted, missing key players including Kelsey Plum (lower leg), Kahleah Copper (ankle), and Valeriane Ayayi, among others. The absence of these players could have influenced their performance, but they managed to secure the win nonetheless.
The game unfolded with a series of scoring plays that showcased the competitive nature of both teams. In the fourth quarter, DeWanna Bonner made a crucial layup, pushing the Mercury's lead to 82-69. Kelsey Mitchell responded for the Fever with a three-point jumper, narrowing the gap to 82-72. Kahleah Copper then added two free throws, extending the Mercury's lead to 84-72. However, the Fever continued to fight back, with Mitchell making a driving layup and later hitting an 18-foot step back jump shot, closing the score to 79-85.
The betting market had favored the Mercury, with a high probability of 0.986 for a home win, reflecting their strong home performance and the Fever's struggles on the road. The conditions at the Mortgage Matchup Center were conducive for the home team, as they capitalized on the support of their fans.
Overall, this matchup was significant not only for its competitive nature but also for its implications in the WNBA standings. The Mercury's ability to secure a win despite their injury challenges speaks to their depth and resilience as a team.
Injury report
- Kelsey PlumOutLower LegPhoenix Mercury
- Kahleah CopperOutAnklePhoenix Mercury
- Valeriane AyayiOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Kyara LinskensOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Jovana NogicOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
Leaders
- PointsAlyssa Thomas23Phoenix Mercury
- AssistsAlyssa Thomas9Phoenix Mercury
- ReboundsNatasha Mack10Phoenix Mercury
- PointsKelsey Mitchell29Indiana Fever
- AssistsAliyah Boston7Indiana Fever
- ReboundsAliyah Boston8Indiana Fever
Recent form
Phoenix Mercury
Last 10: 7-3Streak W482.4 scored · 77.4 allowed per game4-2 at home
- W80-63vs New York LibertyAug 31
- W83-79vs Chicago SkyAug 29
- W92-84at Los Angeles SparksAug 27
- W81-72vs Golden State ValkyriesAug 23
- L61-83at Las Vegas AcesAug 22
- W98-91at Golden State ValkyriesAug 20
- W85-82at Seattle StormAug 17
- L83-86vs Las Vegas AcesAug 16
- L66-74vs Atlanta DreamAug 10
- W95-60vs Indiana FeverAug 8
Indiana Fever
Last 10: 4-6Streak L182.3 scored · 84.4 allowed per game2-3 away
- L63-75at Golden State ValkyriesSep 1
- W76-75at Los Angeles SparksAug 30
- W95-75vs Seattle StormAug 26
- L84-97at Minnesota LynxAug 24
- L90-95vs Minnesota LynxAug 22
- W99-93at Connecticut SunAug 17
- L84-88vs Washington MysticsAug 15
- L80-81vs Dallas WingsAug 12
- W92-70vs Chicago SkyAug 10
- L60-95at Phoenix MercuryAug 8
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 14 | W1 | .650 | 26 |
| Indiana | - | 14 | W2 | .650 | 26 |
| New York | 2 | 16 | W1 | .600 | 24 |
| Washington | 2 | 16 | L1 | .600 | 24 |
| Chicago | 11 | 25 | L3 | .375 | 15 |
| Toronto | 15 | 29 | L4 | .275 | 11 |
| Connecticut | 16 | 30 | L3 | .250 | 10 |
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | Indiana Fever | Phoenix Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 32-75 | 30-66 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 9-25 | 6-21 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 29 |
| Free throws | 6-8 | 19-23 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 83 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 30 |
| Assists | 25 | 24 |
| Steals | 5 | 6 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 42 |
| Fouls | 15 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 15 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter41-54Lexie Hull makes 3-foot layup (Natasha Howard assists)
- 3rd Quarter43-54Kelsey Mitchell makes 21-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter45-54Odyssey Sims makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter45-56Natasha Mack makes 11-foot jumper
- 3rd Quarter45-58Satou Sabally makes 4-foot layup (Monique Akoa Makani assists)
- 3rd Quarter47-58Aerial Powers makes 2-foot layup (Kelsey Mitchell assists)
- 3rd Quarter47-60Natasha Mack makes layup (Sami Whitcomb assists)
- 3rd Quarter47-62Alyssa Thomas makes two point shot (Sami Whitcomb assists)
- 3rd Quarter49-62Kelsey Mitchell makes two point shot (Odyssey Sims assists)
- 3rd Quarter51-62Aliyah Boston makes layup (Aerial Powers assists)
- 3rd Quarter54-62Kelsey Mitchell makes 23-foot three point jumper (Aliyah Boston assists)
- 3rd Quarter54-64Sami Whitcomb makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter54-66DeWanna Bonner makes 2-foot layup (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 3rd Quarter54-67Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter57-67Odyssey Sims makes 25-foot three point jumper (Brianna Turner assists)
- 4th Quarter59-67Damiris Dantas makes 8-foot two point shot (Aerial Powers assists)
- 4th Quarter59-68DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter59-69DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter59-71Satou Sabally makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter61-71Aerial Powers makes 2-foot two point shot (Damiris Dantas assists)
- 4th Quarter62-71Aliyah Boston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter62-72Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter62-73Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter65-73Lexie Hull makes 24-foot three point shot (Kelsey Mitchell assists)
- 4th Quarter67-73Brianna Turner makes 1-foot two point shot (Aerial Powers assists)
- 4th Quarter67-74Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter67-75DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter67-76DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter69-76Aerial Powers makes 18-foot jumper (Aliyah Boston assists)
- 4th Quarter69-78Alyssa Thomas makes 11-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter69-79Sami Whitcomb makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter69-80Sami Whitcomb makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter69-82DeWanna Bonner makes 3-foot layup (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter72-82Kelsey Mitchell makes 25-foot three point jumper (Lexie Hull assists)
- 4th Quarter72-83Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter72-84Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter75-84Lexie Hull makes 24-foot three point jumper (Aliyah Boston assists)
- 4th Quarter77-84Kelsey Mitchell makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter77-85Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter79-85Kelsey Mitchell makes 18-foot step back jumpshot
Win probability
Above the line favours Phoenix Mercury, below favours Indiana Fever.
Venue
- Mortgage Matchup CenterPhoenix, AZ
- Attendance13132
- OfficialsAmy Bonner, Maj Forsberg, Biniam Maru
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Indiana Fever Edges Phoenix Mercury in Close ContestJul 9, 2026
- Mercury Edge Fever in Thrilling FinishJun 24, 2026
- Indiana Fever Defeats Phoenix Mercury 86-77Jun 22, 2026