WNBA Finals Are Here!
The WNBA Finals have arrived, and this time, it’s a Best of Seven Series—something new for fans, as the Finals used to be a five-game format. On one side, we have the Las Vegas Aces, making their third finals appearance in four years. On the other, there’s the Phoenix Mercury, a team that’s nearly been rebuilt over the offseason.
Both teams bring serious talent to the table, with MVP-caliber players ready to shine.
The Aces feature a seasoned trio: A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray. The Mercury counter with their own formidable group, including Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally. And, well, it’s worth mentioning Kahleah Copper as part of the discussion.
How Ace and Mercury Reached the WNBA Finals
Las Vegas finished the regular season with a strong 30-14 record, claiming the second spot in the league after winning their last 16 games. The Mercury, on the other hand, boasted a respectable 27-17 record, landing fourth in the league despite some key players spending time nursing injuries, including Copper, who was sidelined for 16 games post-knee surgery.
Even though the Aces had a three-game cushion during the regular season, the Mercury looked impressive in the playoffs. They eliminated both finalists from last year, the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx, on their way to the finals. Their first-round series was tight, stretching to three games, highlighted by a dominant performance in Game 2 at Barclays Center.
In the semifinals, the Mercury overcame the Lynx in four games, rallying to win the final three after dropping the first game. Just a heads-up: Collier sat out Game 4 due to an ankle injury, and DiJonai Carrington was out for the series with a foot issue.
The Aces’ journey in the playoffs has been a bit more tumultuous. Their first-round series against the Seattle Storm went down to the wire in Game 3, while they needed overtime in Game 5 to get past the shorthanded Indiana Fever. Ultimately, they turned things around after a shaky start to the season, finishing strong to secure home-court advantage in the Finals.
Key to Both Aces and Mercury Series
The Aces’ success heavily hinges on A’ja Wilson, who has been remarkably effective—winning all three regular-season matchups against the Mercury when she played. It’s been tough for any opponent to contain her, even though some, like Indiana Fever’s Ariya Boston, have attempted to challenge her.
For the Aces, the goal is to contain Wilson and Young, who are their top scorers. This postseason, Wilson has been averaging 26 points, 9.1 rebounds, and about 3 assists, while Young averages 20.5 points and 5.3 assists. Chelsea Gray, who is also contributing, chips in around 10.9 points and 7.3 assists. Let’s not forget about Narissa Smith, brought in during the midseason, who has made significant contributions.
The Mercury’s hopes rest on their (newly formed) Big 3. MVP finalist Alyssa Thomas averages 18.6 points, along with 9.1 assists and 8.4 rebounds. Sabally, a three-time All-Star, contributes around 17.9 points and 7.4 rebounds, while another player recently returning from knee surgery adds 15 points and 3.3 rebounds.
Prediction: Phoenix Mercury Wins in 7 Games
Both teams have shown resilience in tight games and managed to bounce back from adversity. Although the Aces had a better record in the regular season, the Mercury seem to be hitting their stride in the playoffs. Honestly, it feels like a toss-up, but I’m leaning towards a seven-game series.
Ultimately, I’m predicting the Mercury to win it all. The Aces have overcome defensive lapses against teams like the Storm and Fever, but facing the Mercury is a different challenge. For Phoenix to be victorious, they’ll need to neutralize at least some of the scoring from Wilson and Young. It’s a tall order, for sure.
