Are we sure the Phoenix Mercury don’t actually play on Planet Mercury? Because last night’s comeback was simply out of this world. 🌎 ☀️

Today’s Lineup

🎉 Happy birthday Isaiah Mobley, Rayjon Tucker, Randy Foye, and Drew Gooden! 🎉

WNBA Playoffs

Mercury storm back from 20 point second half deficit to win 89-83 in OT over Lynx, tie series at 1-1

Before tonight, there had only been four 20+ point comebacks in WNBA playoff history. Now, there are five. 😳

The Mercury were trailing 59-39 halfway through the third quarter, and all signs were pointing towards a 2-0 series deficit heading back to Phoenix. So, how did we end up with a 1-1 series? Well, thanks to the HUGE performances from Satou Sabally (24 PTS, 9 REB, 5/11 3PT) and Alyssa Thomas (19 PTS, 8 REB, 13 AST), the tides in this one completely turned.

The 20 point comeback in regulation was capped off by this insanely clutch trey from Sami Whitcomb (13 PTS, 6 AST) that sent the game into OT: 👌

After completing the comeback in OT, Phoenix has stolen homecourt advantage from Minny, and are now two home wins away from advancing to the Finals. If the Lynx want to steal HC back, they’re going to need repeat scoring outputs from Napheesa Collier (24 PTS), Kayla McBride (21 PTS) and Courtney Williams (20 PTS).

They say a series doesn’t start until the road team steals a game. And based on what we’ve seen in the first two games, this series is just beginning! ⚡

Aces respond from game 1 loss in a big way with 90-68 win over Fever

Talk about a major bounceback.

After dropping the first game of the series at home, the Aces knew they couldn’t afford to drop a second. Thankfully for Vegas, they have the luxury of having a four-time MVP on their squad to make sure that didn’t happen. 😎

A’ja Wilson was simply on one tonight, dropping a ridiculous two-way statline (25 PTS, 9 REB, 5 STL, 2 BLK). To her though, it was just another day at the office. The Aces also saw a big impact from NaLyssa Smith (18 PTS) and Jackie Young (13 PTS), along with double-digit scoring outbursts from both Jewell Lloyd and Dana Evans off the bench. Talk about an all-around team performance!

Oh, and we also saw some straight dimes by Chelsea Gray:

This series now shifts to Indy all even at one game a piece. We know for certain that Fever crowd is going to be rocking for game 3! 🙌

Around the Association

Fred VanVleet tears ACL, potentially out for entirety of 2025-26 season

Between the Texans’ 0-3 start and the news of Rockets guard Fred VanVleet tearing his ACL during a workout on Monday, the sports gods have not been kind to the city of Houston in the last 72 hours. 😪

Due to the poor timing of the crushing injury with the start of the NBA season just weeks away, there’s a likelihood VanVleet misses the entirety of the 2025-26 season, per Shams:

This unfortunate injury is a massive blow to the Rockets. Since the addition of future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant via trade back in June, Houston has been widely considered bonafide title contenders for this upcoming season. If they’re going to cash-in on their title aspirations, they’re now going to have to do it without their starting PG.

FVV’s production on the court (14.1 PTS, 5.6 AST) will not be easy to make-up, but luckily for H-town, they have insurance already on the roster. Two-Way stud Amen Thompson and second year guard Reed Sheppard will be counted on to fill the VanVleet void.

With Thompson seeking to build on his breakout 2024-25 season and Sheppard hungry for more opportunity, the Rockets are definitely in good hands. 😎

Get well soon, Fred! 🙏

Wayback Wednesday

Unlikely success stories in basketball are always inspiring, and in today’s edition of Wayback Wednesday, we’re highlighting a player who’s success story is the definition of unlikely- Dennis Johnson! 🔥

After a lackluster high school playing career, DJ was spotted playing pick-up ball by the Harbor Junior College coach, who was enamored with his defensive ability and offered him a chance to play.

Following two years of junior college, Johnson transferred up to Pepperdine University, where he made a REAL name for himself. His hard work and tough style of play in college led him to becoming the 29th pick in the 1976 draft by the Sonics, and he quickly made sure the league knew his name.

DJ developed a reputation as a winning basketball player….FAST. In just his third season in the league, he led the Sonics all the way to the 1979 title, taking home Finals MVP with averages of 22.3 PPG and an unreal 2.2 blocks per game (at 6’4) during the series. 😱

He increased his individual numbers during his next stop in Phoenix, but a 1983 trade to the Celtics is where he returned to his championship-winning ways. DJ played an absolutely vital role in those legendary squads’ championship years in both ‘84 and ‘86.

He contributed a barrage of clutch plays, including this game-winning jumper in the 1985 NBA Finals to tie the series up 2-2: 🔥

Wherever Dennis Johnson went, winning seemed to follow. His five All-Star appearances, Nine All-defensive team selections, and three championships were more than enough to secure his spot in the Basketball Hall of Fame! 🏀

Three in the Key

Signing Off

That’s all for today, Enjoyers! Thanks for spending a portion of your day with us. If you have a long-term goal you’re currently striving to reach, remember to enjoy the process, even the harder days. As they say, its not about the destination, it’s about the journey!

See you on Friday!

Bobby Kasmire