A'ja Wilson's 31 Points Propel the Aces to Another WNBA Triumph

Las Vegas Aces' star player A'ja Wilson was pivotal, earning 31 points against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, held in Phoenix. This victory completed a four-game sweep, securing the team’s third championship in four years.

In Phoenix, Wilson dominated inside the paint, consistently making baskets even as she was surrounded by defenders.

Chelsea Gray, Jewell Loyd, and Dana Evans were instrumental, launching successful three-pointers early in the second quarter.

The Las Vegas Aces once more showcased their offensive prowess during the WNBA Finals, wrapping up a perfect series against the Phoenix Mercury with a decisive 97-86 win.

"This team is top-tier," commented Aces coach Becky Hammon.

Wilson secured a total of 31 points and nine rebounds. Gray and Jackie Young added 18 points each to the scoreboard. Altogether, five team members scored in the double digits.

The Aces proved dominant in the league's inaugural best-of-seven Finals, netting 54 points in the first half and maintaining an average of over 90 points per game throughout the series.

Wilson appeared at the postgame conference wearing large ski goggles, a relic from the team's locker room champagne celebration, and holding a pink tambourine to applaud answers she approved of.

"This represents our immense joy right now," Wilson beamed, emphasizing, "and it's not just the champagne speaking."

Despite struggling with her shots, Finals MVP Wilson led for the Aces. She ended the game with 7 of 21 from the field but remarkably completed 17 of her 19 free throw attempts. Gray added crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter, helping hold off a late Mercury push.

Embattled WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert handed over the championship trophy to the Aces, amid a chorus of boos from the strong contingent of Las Vegas supporters who had traveled to Phoenix.

Entering the final quarter, the Aces held a commanding 76-62 lead, though the Mercury launched an 8-0 run, narrowing the gap to 76-70 with just under eight minutes remaining, but that was as close as they came.

The Mercury’s Kahleah Copper put forth an impressive performance with 30 points, successfully hitting 12 out of 22 field attempts. Alyssa Thomas added 17 points, as well as 12 rebounds and 10 assists.

Mercury’s coach, Nate Tibbetts, was ejected in the third quarter after disputing a foul call against guard Monique Akoa Makani, resulting in two swift technical fouls.

Additionally, DeWanna Bonner and Copper received technical fouls during the fourth quarter.

The Aces maintained a solid lead throughout the deciding game, achieving a 30-21 advantage by the end of the first quarter, supported by a 55% shooting percentage. Loyd, Gray, and Evans were crucial, each landing consecutive three-pointers in the early part of the second quarter, pushing Las Vegas' lead to 19.

At halftime, the Aces maintained a 54-38 lead, with Wilson contributing 14 points and Gray adding 10.

Nate Tibbetts remarked on the Aces' consistent performance, "Remarkable team play—they were performing at an exceptionally high standard. We had opportunities in some games, but their streak of excellence was telling. They delivered crucial shots time and again."

Compounding the Mercury's difficulties, forward Satou Sabally suffered a concussion late in Game 3 and didn't play. During Game 4, Alyssa Thomas left shortly before halftime after colliding on a screen, though she returned hindered by the shoulder injury.

Though Phoenix’s run to the finals under Tibbetts was commendable, they couldn’t ultimately counter the Aces' strong offense. The Mercury reached the finals after defeating reigning champions New York Liberty and top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in earlier playoffs.

This year marked the second Finals loss for the Mercury in five years, with their last loss being against the Chicago Sky in 2021. Their three league championships include a 2014 victory.