DAVID BRANDT Sports Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) reacts after scoring against the Phoenix Mercury during the first half of Game 4 of the WNBA basketball finals, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Wilson scores 31 and Aces win third WNBA title in 4 seasons, beating Mercury 97-86 for 4-game sweep

October 10, 2025

A’ja Wilson scored 31 points, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young both added 18 and the Las Vegas Aces beat the Phoenix Mercury 97-86 in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, sweeping their way to a third championship in four seasons. The Aces needed just four games to end the first best-of-seven finals in league history. It was another offensive onslaught from Las Vegas, which scored 54 points in the first half and averaged more than 90 points per game in the series. Wilson finished 7 of 21 shooting from the field, but made 17 of 19 free throws.

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) and guard Chelsea Gray (12) celebrate during the first half in Game 2 of the WNBA basketball finals against the Phoenix Mercury, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Dominance of the Las Vegas Aces threatens to make short work of WNBA’s expanded finals

October 9, 2025

The Las Vegas Aces are in position to make short work of the WNBA’s expanded playoff schedule. A’ja Wilson’s turnaround jumper with 0.3 seconds remaining lifted the Aces over the Phoenix Mercury for a thrilling 90-88 win on Wednesday night. It also gave Las Vegas a 3-0 lead in the first best-of-seven WNBA Finals in league history. The Aces would already be celebrating their third championship in four seasons in the previous best-of-five format. In 2025, there’s more work to do. Game 4 is on Friday night in Phoenix.

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) reacts after scoring on Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally during the first half of Game 3 of the WNBA basketball finals, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Wilson hits last-second jumper to lift Aces over Mercury 90-88 for a 3-0 lead in the WNBA Finals

October 8, 2025

A’ja Wilson made a turnaround jumper with 0.3 seconds left, capping a stellar 34-point night and lifting the Las Vegas Aces over the Phoenix Mercury 90-88 in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Wednesday for a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Aces are one victory away from winning their third title in four seasons. Game 4 is on Friday in Phoenix. Las Vegas looked like it had a comfortable 76-59 lead entering the fourth quarter, but DeWanna Bonner made two free throws with 1:01 left to tie it at 88. That set up Wilson’s heroics in the final seconds.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon stands on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Sergio Estrada)

Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon fined $100K for sideline incident with player, AP sources say

October 7, 2025

Two people with knowledge of the penalty say Arizona Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon has been fined $100,000 by the team after a heated sideline altercation with Emari Demercado following the running back’s costly fumble during the team’s 22-21 loss to the Tennessee Titans. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the team did not announce the fine. The NFL has been in contact with the NFLPA and there will be no further punishment for Gannon. The coach said on Monday that he had apologized to Demercado.

Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24), right, fouls Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) during the first half in Game 2 of the WNBA basketball finals, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Mercury down 2-0 to Aces in WNBA Finals, but expanded best-of-seven format gives them hope

October 7, 2025

The Phoenix Mercury are trailing 2-0 in the WNBA Finals against the Las Vegas Aces. Even so, the Mercury remain confident because the series moves to Phoenix for Games 3 and 4 this week. The finals are a best-of-seven for the first time in WNBA history, expanding from the usual best-of-five format. If the Mercury want to get their first win in these finals, their defense almost certainly needs to improve. They gave up 89 points in Game 1 and 91 points in Game 2, which was roughly 10 more than their season average.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon pauses before answering a question during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon apologizes to Demercado following heated sideline exchange

October 6, 2025

Arizona Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon says he apologized to Emari Demercado after a heated sideline conversation following the running back’s costly, unforced fumble. Demercado looked like he had a 72-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter against Tennessee that would have increased the Cardinals’ lead to 28-6. Instead, he dropped the ball before crossing the goal line, and the Titans were awarded a touchback. Video circulated on social media showed Gannon yelling in Demercado’s face before swiping his arm downward, appearing to jostle Demercado. Gannon said Monday that he regrets his reaction because his job is to remain calm during games.

Tennessee Titans cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (38) congratulates place-kicker Joey Slye (6) after kicking the game winning field goal in an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Titans snap 10-game skid with improbable comeback to beat Cardinals 22-21

October 5, 2025

Cam Ward threw for a career-high 265 yards, leading the Tennessee Titans to a 22-21 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The Titans snapped a 10-game losing streak with a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback. The Cardinals led 21-6 in the fourth quarter on Sunday but made crucial mistakes. Emari Demercado dropped the ball before scoring, resulting in a fumble. The Titans capitalized with a touchdown. Later, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson intercepted a pass but fumbled, allowing the Titans to score again. Joey Slye made a 29-yard field goal on the final play to give Tennessee the win. Calvin Ridley had five catches for 131 yards.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) scrambles during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Cardinals try to bounce back from close losses when they face woeful, winless Titans

October 2, 2025

The Arizona Cardinals are facing challenges after losing two consecutive games due to last-minute field goals. The Tennessee Titans are struggling even more, with an 0-4 record and 10 straight losses dating to last season. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward, the top draft pick, has had a tough start. The Titans, averaging less than 13 points per game, recently lost 26-0 to Houston. Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon emphasizes that every NFL team has a chance to win. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are dealing with injuries in their running back lineup and quarterback Kyler Murray might need to step up his running game.

CORRECTS ID TO SAMI WHITCOMB NOT LEXI HERALD Phoenix Mercury's Sami Whitcomb, left, and DeWanna Bonner celebrate after winning Game 4 of a WNBA basketball playoff semifinals series against the Minnesota Lynx, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Samantha Chow)

Money well spent: Ishbia’s investment into WNBA’s Mercury pays off fast with surprise run to Finals

October 1, 2025

Mat Ishbia’s investment into the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury has paid off in a hurry. The owner bought the Suns and Mercury for roughly $4 billion, finalizing the deal in early 2023. Ishbia almost immediately spent another $100 million to build a practice facility for the Mercury that was completed in 2024, signaling he was serious about making the franchise one of the league’s best and most well-funded. Second-year coach Nate Tibbetts lost franchise stalwarts Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner during the offseason, but was able to rebuild around a new core of Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper. Now the Mercury will face the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA Finals. Game 1 is Friday in Las Vegas.

Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, second from right, yells at officials as she is restrained by Lynx associate head coach Eric Thibault, center, and Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman, right, after being ejected after earning a second technical foul during the second half of Game 3 of a WNBA basketball playoff semifinals series game against the Phoenix Mercury Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Top-seeded Minnesota Lynx see dream season end early after frustrating 3-game tailspin

September 28, 2025

The Minnesota Lynx have seen their season end after losing to the Phoenix Mercury 86-81 in Game 4 of the playoff semifinal. Despite having the league’s best record, the Lynx lost three straight games in the playoffs, blowing a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter Sunday. Veteran All-Star Kayla McBride scored 31 points, but it wasn’t enough to force a Game 5. The Lynx played without suspended coach Cheryl Reeve and All-Star guard Napheesa Collier, who was injured. Minnesota was a favorite to reach the Finals but faced challenges with officiating and key absences.

Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally, center, fouls Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride (21) during the first half of Game 4 of a WNBA basketball playoff semifinals series, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Samantha Chow)

Mercury overcome 13-point deficit in 4th quarter, beat Lynx 86-81 to advance to WNBA Finals

September 28, 2025

Alyssa Thomas scores 23 points, and DeWanna Bonner hits clutch 3-pointers in the fourth quarter as the Phoenix Mercury rally from a 13-point deficit to beat the Minnesota Lynx 86-81 in Game 4. The Mercury advance to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2021. Phoenix will face the Indiana-Las Vegas winner in the championship series. Indiana forced a Game 5 earlier Sunday with a 90-83 home victory. The Mercury won the last three games of the best-of-five semifinal series against the top-seeded Lynx. Bonner scores 11 points in the fourth quarter, while Satou Sabally adds 21 points. Minnesota’s Kayla McBride leads with 31 points. The Lynx play without coach Cheryl Reeve and All-Star guard Napheesa Collier

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve blasts WNBA refs after Napheesa Collier hurt late in playoff loss

September 26, 2025

Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve loses her cool during during the Lynx’s 84-76 loss to the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night in the WNBA playoff semifinals. The Lynx, down 2-1 in the series, face Game 4 on Sunday in Phoenix. Reeve was ejected after receiving her second technical foul in the final minute. The incident occurred when Alyssa Thomas stole the ball from Napheesa Collier, leading to Collier’s leg injury. Reeve criticized the officiating, calling for changes at the league level. She expressed frustration with the officiating crew, describing their selection as “malpractice.”

Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) dribbles past Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani (8) during the first half of Game 3 of a WNBA basketball playoff semifinals series game Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Sabally’s 23 points lead Mercury over Lynx 84-76 in Game 3 of WNBA semifinals

September 26, 2025

Satou Sabally scores 23 points, leading the Phoenix Mercury to an 84-76 victory over the Minnesota Lynx in Game 3 of the WNBA playoff semifinals. The Mercury now have a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series. They can secure a spot in the Finals on Sunday in Game 4. Sabally’s crucial 3-pointer and free throws in the final minutes helped seal the win. Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper each added 21 points. Minnesota’s Natisha Hiedeman scored 19 points off the bench. The game featured 15 lead changes, highlighting its intensity.

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) celebrates after making a 52-yard field goal as time expires during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Jason Myers boots 52-yard FG on final play, lifting Seahawks to 23-20 win over Cardinals

September 25, 2025

Jason Myers made a 52-yard field goal as time expired, Sam Darnold threw for 242 yards and a touchdown, and the Seattle Seahawks withstood a late rally by Kyler Murray and the Cardinals to beat Arizona 23-20. The Seahawks blew a 14-point fourth-quarter lead but still won their eighth straight over their NFC West rivals. The Cardinals trailed 20-6 midway through the fourth. Murray tied it with touchdown passes to Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emari Demercado, but left enough time on the clock for Darnold, who hit Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 22-yard gain to get into Myers’ range.

FILE - Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) dribbles against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)

Bradley Beal, 3-time All-Star, agrees to buyout with the Phoenix Suns, AP source says

July 16, 2025

Bradley Beal and the Phoenix Suns have agreed to a buyout on the final two years of his contract. That’s according to a person with knowledge of the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the deal hasn’t been officially announced. ESPN reports that the buyout paves the way for Beal to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. Beal is expected to give back $13.9 million of the $110 million he’s owed from the Suns, which allows Phoenix more flexibility as it tries to rebuild its roster.

FILE - Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of an NBA basketball game, April 9, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)

Suns sign Devin Booker to 2-year, $145 million max extension through 2029-30, AP sources say

July 9, 2025

Two people with knowledge of the contract say the Phoenix Suns have signed star guard Devin Booker to a two-year, $145 max contract extension. The 28-year-old Booker has been one of the NBA’s best shooting guards, earning four All-Star appearances in 10 NBA seasons. The two-time all-NBA player has averaged 24.4 points since Phoenix took him out of Kentucky with the 13th overall pick of the 2015 draft. Booker averaged 25.6 points, 7.1 assists and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 46% from the floor during a disappointing 2024-25 season for the Suns. Phoenix has revamped its front office and roster since a disappointing 2024-25 season, including a seven-team trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston.

FILE - Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams pulls down a rebound against the Utah Jazz during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond, File)

Suns add 7-footer Mark Williams, send two first-round picks to Hornets, AP source says

June 25, 2025

The Phoenix Suns have acquired center Mark Williams in a trade that sends two first-round picks to the Charlotte Hornets, a person familiar with the move told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade hasn’t officially been announced. Williams was one of two 7-footers the Suns added during the first round of the NBA draft. The Suns are also expected to add Duke center Khaman Maluach, who was selected by the Rockets with the No. 10 overall pick but is part of a trade that will send 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant to Houston. The Hornets received this year’s No. 29 pick and a 2029 first-round selection.

FILE - Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia looks on during an NBA basketball news conference, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)

Suns hire Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as head coach, AP source says

June 4, 2025

The Phoenix Suns have hired Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as their head coach, opting for a young, emerging leader to rebuild a franchise that has regressed over the past few seasons. That’s according to a person familiar with the search who spoke Wednesday to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the hire hasn’t officially been announced. Ott will be the team’s fourth head coach in four seasons and replaces Mike Budenholzer, who was fired following a miserable 36-46 season. The 40-year-old Ott has worked for the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers and the Cavaliers.

FILE - Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Johnnie Bryant in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Dec. 27, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Suns coaching search down to 2 candidates, Cavs assistants Bryant and Ott, AP source says

June 2, 2025

The Phoenix Suns have whittled their coaching search down to two candidates, with Cleveland Cavaliers assistants Johnnie Bryant and Jordan Ott making the cut, a person familiar with the search confirmed. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the news has not been officially announced by the team. ESPN first reported that Bryant and Ott were the two finalists. The Suns are looking for their fourth coach in four seasons after firing Mike Budenholzer following a miserable 36-46 season that ended without a trip to the playoffs. Bryant and Ott are expected to meet with Suns management later this week.

DAVID BRANDT Sports Writer.