This is a summary of the WNBA Finals between the Aces and the Mercury.
No. 2 Las Vegas Aces (30-14) vs. No. 4 Phoenix Mercury (27-17)
Season Series: Aces lead 3-1
Key Players: Aces guard Jackie Young (20.5 points per game, 4.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists) and Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (15.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 43.5% field goal percentage).
Aces Playoff Recap: They knocked out the No. 7 Storm 2-1 in the opening round and then won 3-2 against the No. 6 team in the semi-finals.
Mercury Playoff Recap: The Mercury took down the No. 5 Liberty 2-1 in their first matchup and then upset the No. 1 Lynx 3-1 in the semifinals.
Key Match-Up: A’ja Wilson faces Alyssa Thomas. Wilson is this year’s MVP, while Thomas finished third in voting. They’ve squared off 26 times, including nine playoff games, with Wilson holding a 6-3 playoff edge. However, Thomas has stepped up her game this postseason, averaging 18.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 9.1 assists over seven games. Meanwhile, Wilson is posting an impressive 26 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks in the playoffs. This duel should be quite exciting to watch.
X Factor: Sami Whitcomb. She’s not hitting like she did during the regular season, but she definitely stepped up when her team needed her. Her clutch shot with just 3.4 seconds to go in Game 2 was pivotal in securing the win against the Lynx. With two WNBA titles under her belt, she has a knack for delivering in high-pressure moments.
Predictions
Madeline Kenney: I have the Mercury in six. They’ve shown some of the best playoff basketball, while the Aces seem to be losing their edge after the semi-finals. I think they’ll get the ring.
Jonathan Lehman: I’m backing the Aces in five. I picked them before the season started (to beat the Freedom, but who’s counting) and I’m sticking with that. The Aces have Championship DNA, they’re playing at home for Game 1, and with A’ja Wilson in top form, I just can’t see the Mercury holding them back.
