A’ja Wilson scored 31 points, while Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young contributed 18 each, leading the Las Vegas Aces to a 97-86 victory over the Phoenix Mercury. This win allowed the Aces to clinch the Finals in four consecutive games, securing their third WNBA championship in four years.
The Aces completed the league’s first best-of-seven finals in swift fashion, showcasing an explosive offense that netted 54 points in the first half, averaging over 90 points per game throughout the series.
Wilson, a four-time MVP, had a bit of an off night shooting, going 7-of-21 from the field, but made a remarkable 17-of-19 from the free-throw line. Gray hit four three-pointers, with two crucial shots in the fourth quarter that helped reignite the Mercury’s late push.
The Aces started the fourth quarter ahead 76-62, yet the Mercury surged with an 8-0 run to tighten the score to 76-70 with just under eight minutes left. Unfortunately for them, that would be as close as they got.
Carlea Copper topped the Mercury with 30 points on 12-of-22 shooting, and Alyssa Thomas recorded a double-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Meanwhile, Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts was ejected in the third quarter after receiving two quick technical fouls from official Gina Cross, following a contentious call involving guard Monique Akoa Makani. Tibbetts was visibly frustrated as he exited the court.
DeWanna Bonner and Copper also got technical fouls in the fourth quarter, adding to the game’s tension.
Throughout the decisive game, the Aces never trailed, shooting at 55% and establishing a 30-21 lead by the end of the first quarter. Jewell Lloyd, Gray, and Dana Evans hit three consecutive three-pointers early in the second quarter, pushing Las Vegas’ lead to 19 points.
Las Vegas held a 54-38 advantage at halftime, with Wilson scoring 14 points before the break, while Gray added 10.
The Mercury were missing forward Sato Sabally, who suffered a concussion in Game 3. Additionally, Thomas faced further injury and had to exit just before halftime after a collision with Lloyd.
Thomas did return for the second half but was limited by his injury.
Despite a strong playoff performance under Tibbetts, the Mercury struggled to contain the Aces. They had previously defeated the New York Liberty in the first round and the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the semifinals to reach the finals.
This latest loss marked the Mercury’s second defeat in the WNBA Finals in five years, previously falling to the Chicago Sky in 2021. They’ve won the championship three times, with their last title coming in 2014.
