A Playoff Bid hung in the balance as the Los Angeles Sparks clashed with the Phoenix Mercury in a pivotal WNBA regular-season game on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The Sparks ultimately prevailed with an 88-83 victory in Phoenix, but their postseason dreams were dashed moments later. Despite the win, the Mercury secured the No. 4 seed in the upcoming WNBA playoffs, setting the stage for a compelling first-round matchup.
A “Win-or-Go-Home” Showdown
The stakes were undeniably high as the Los Angeles Sparks (21-22) entered the game facing elimination. According to reports leading up to the game, the Sparks needed a victory against the Mercury and a simultaneous loss by the Seattle Storm to keep their faint playoff hopes alive for the eighth and final playoff spot. The Phoenix Mercury (27-16), already guaranteed home-court advantage in the first round, were aiming for a higher seed, potentially the No. 3 spot, contingent on winning their final two games and favorable outcomes from other teams. As detailed by WNBA.com, the playoff picture was incredibly tight heading into the final games of the regular season.
Game Highlights: Sparks vs. Mercury
The contest itself was a back-and-forth affair, marked by numerous lead changes and intense competition. Deadspin’s game recap highlighted the game had a total of 17 lead changes. The Los Angeles Sparks, fueled by outstanding performances from key players, managed to edge out the Mercury. Dearica Hamby led the charge with 25 points, including a dominant 16 points in the fourth quarter, demonstrating her clutch ability. Rae Burrell provided a significant boost off the bench, contributing a career-high 20 points. Kelsey Plum also added 17 points for Los Angeles, rounding out the Sparks’ offensive attack.
The Sparks faced an early deficit, trailing for a significant portion of the first half. However, they rallied to take a narrow 45-44 lead at halftime, courtesy of Dearica Hamby’s free throws. The Sparks then extended their lead to 54-44 with a 9-0 run at the start of the third quarter, showcasing their ability to seize momentum. Despite the Mercury’s attempts to close the gap, the Sparks managed to maintain their advantage and secure the victory.
Mercury’s Performance and Playoff Seeding
For the Phoenix Mercury, Alyssa Thomas delivered a remarkable performance, recording her eighth triple-double of the season with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. As noted in the Los Angeles Times coverage, Thomas’s all-around game was a key factor for the Mercury throughout the season. Satou Sabally led Phoenix in scoring with 24 points, while Sami Whitcomb added 11 points. However, in a strategic move, most of the Mercury’s starters, including Thomas, were rested during the fourth quarter, as their No. 4 seed was already secured.
Securing the No. 4 Seed
Despite the loss to the Sparks, the Phoenix Mercury officially clinched the No. 4 seed in the WNBA playoffs. This guarantees them home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, a significant advantage as they face tough competition. According to YourValley.net, securing home-court advantage was a major goal for the Mercury heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
Sparks’ Playoff Hopes Dashed
The Los Angeles Sparks’ victory over the Mercury proved to be bittersweet. Moments after their win, the Seattle Storm defeated the Golden State Warriors 74-73, sealing the Sparks’ fate and eliminating them from playoff contention. This outcome extends the Sparks’ postseason drought to five seasons, a disappointing result for a team with high aspirations. As reported by Sports Illustrated, the Sparks’ inability to secure a playoff berth marks a significant setback for the franchise.
First-Round Playoff Matchup: Mercury vs. Liberty
With the playoff seeds now finalized, the Phoenix Mercury are set to host the defending champion New York Liberty in a best-of-three first-round playoff series. The series is scheduled to begin on Sunday, with the Mercury holding home-court advantage for the first and, if necessary, third games. This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the league’s top teams. Ballislife.com analysts predict a highly competitive series, with both teams possessing the talent and experience to advance.
Conclusion
The Sparks-Mercury game was a microcosm of the WNBA’s competitiveness, showcasing intense battles and significant playoff implications. While the Sparks secured a victory, their playoff hopes were ultimately dashed. The Mercury, despite the loss, clinched the No. 4 seed and a home-court advantage in the first round. The upcoming playoff series between the Mercury and the Liberty is poised to be a highlight of the WNBA postseason, as both teams vie for a spot in the later rounds.
