Las Vegas Aces Clinch Third WNBA Title in Four Years

A'ja Wilson was instrumental in the Las Vegas Aces' victory, pouring in 31 points. Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young each contributed 18 points apiece, leading to a 97-86 win over the Phoenix Mercury. This triumph secured the Aces their third championship in the last four WNBA seasons.

The Aces swiftly dispatched the Mercury in the league’s inaugural best-of-seven Finals. Las Vegas maintained an aggressive offensive display, scoring 54 points by halftime and maintaining an average of over 90 points throughout the series.

Despite a challenging shooting performance, Wilson was central to the action, ending with 7 field goals from 21 attempts, but impressively sinking 17 of 19 free throws. Gray was effective from outside, securing four 3-pointers, with two critical ones in the fourth quarter to fend off a late Mercury rally.

Leading 76-62 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Aces faced an 8-0 Mercury drive that cut their lead to 76-70 with almost eight minutes left, but the Mercury couldn't get any closer.

Kahleah Copper stood out for the Mercury with 30 points, hitting 12 of 22 shots. Alyssa Thomas added 17 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and facilitated with 10 assists.

Phoenix head coach Nate Tibbetts was ejected in the third quarter following two swift technical fouls. This occurred as he contested a foul call against Monique Akoa Makani. The ref's decision left him visibly shocked as he exited.

Both DeWanna Bonner and Copper also received technical fouls during the fourth quarter.

Throughout the decisive game, Las Vegas maintained control, never falling behind. By the first quarter's end, they were up 30-21 due to a 55% shooting accuracy. An early second-quarter surge saw Loyd, Gray, and Evans hit three consecutive 3-pointers, expanding the lead to 19.

Heading into the halftime locker room, the Aces enjoyed a 54-38 advantage, with Wilson notching 14 points and Gray chipping in 10 before the break.

Phoenix was short-handed without forward Satou Sabally, out due to a concussion suffered at the end of Game 3. Worse still, they were dealt another blow as Thomas exited briefly before halftime after colliding hard with Loyd on a screen. She did return but struggled with her shoulder.

Guided by Tibbetts, the Mercury had an impressive playoff journey, but the relentless pace of the Aces proved too much. Phoenix reached the finals after overcoming the defending champion New York Liberty and top-seeded Minnesota Lynx.

This marks the second time in five years the Mercury have fallen short in the finals. They last clinched the top spot back in 2014 and have three championships to their name.