In a thrilling opener to the WNBA Finals, the Las Vegas Aces edged out the Phoenix Mercury with an exhilarating 89-86 victory, showcasing the intensity and competitive spirit that has become synonymous with this championship series. The match, held on October 3, 2025, highlighted not only the individual brilliance of star players but also the strategic depth of both teams involved.
A’ja Wilson and Dana Evans each tallied 21 points, leading the Aces in a game that saw momentum shift back and forth like a pendulum. Wilson, in particular, was a force in the latter stages, scoring 12 of her points in the final 14 minutes as the Aces staved off a determined Mercury squad. Her performance underscores her reputation as a clutch player, often stepping up when her team needs it most. With her 10 rebounds, she further demonstrated her all-around impact, contributing significantly on both ends of the court.
The bench of the Aces proved to be a critical factor in the win, outscoring the Mercury’s reserves 41-16. Jewell Loyd emerged as a standout contributor from the bench, netting 18 points and adding depth to the Aces’ offensive strategy. Meanwhile, Jackie Young’s performance, with 10 points, along with Chelsea Gray’s 10 assists, illustrated the collaborative effort that defines the Aces’ playstyle. This kind of depth is critical in a best-of-seven series, where fatigue and strategic adjustments can significantly influence outcomes.
For the Mercury, Kahleah Cooper matched Wilson’s scoring output with 21 points, while Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas added 19 and 15 points, respectively. Thomas’s near triple-double, which included 10 rebounds and nine assists, showcased her versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Notably, Cooper’s first-half scoring surge, with 19 points, was particularly impressive, as it nearly matched her playoff career high. Her five 3-pointers in that half set a new personal benchmark, reflecting her growth as a player under pressure.
The game itself was a nail-biter, characterized by 12 lead changes and nine ties, indicating just how closely matched these two teams are. The largest lead of the night was a mere nine points, a testament to the relentless back-and-forth nature of playoff basketball. As both teams exchanged runs, it became evident that neither was willing to concede control easily.
In a pivotal moment, with the Mercury down by just a point in the closing seconds, Thomas found herself at the free-throw line but was unable to capitalize, missing both attempts. This misstep proved costly, as Young was subsequently fouled and converted her free throws, sealing the game for the Aces. Such late-game situations often hinge on composure and execution, and this instance served as a reminder of the high stakes involved in finals play.
As the teams prepare for Game 2 on Sunday in Las Vegas, the stakes are higher than ever. With the series format expanding to a best-of-seven for the first time, each game carries immense significance. The close nature of this matchup not only heightens anticipation for the next contest but also sets the stage for what could be an unforgettable series. Both teams will undoubtedly come prepared to adjust their strategies, and it will be fascinating to see how the Aces and Mercury adapt to the lessons learned from this tightly contested opener.
