In a thrilling WNBA Finals opener, the Las Vegas Aces secured a narrow 89-86 victory over the Phoenix Mercury. The game, held on Friday night, showcased standout performances from A’ja Wilson and Dana Evans, who each contributed 21 points. The win marks a significant moment as the Finals are held in a best-of-seven format for the first time in league history.
Aces Grit and Determination
The Aces employed a zone defense in the fourth quarter, affecting the Mercury’s shooting performance significantly. Despite entering the final period with an impressive shooting percentage of 52.1%, Phoenix struggled, hitting only 6 of 18 shots. Their three-point accuracy plummeted to 2 of 12 during this stretch.
Key Performances
- A’ja Wilson: 21 points, 10 rebounds
- Dana Evans: 21 points, 5 three-pointers, 4 steals
- Jewell Loyd: 18 points
- Jackie Young: 10 points
- Chelsea Gray: 10 assists
- Kahleah Cooper (Mercury): 21 points
- Satou Sabally (Mercury): 19 points
- Alyssa Thomas (Mercury): 15 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists
Coach Becky Hammon’s strategy change helped the Aces tighten their defense as the game progressed. “I thought them getting the ball in the paint was really hurting us,” Hammon noted, explaining her decision to shift tactics late in the game.
Crucial Moments
The game was tightly contested, featuring 12 lead changes and nine ties. Phoenix’s Kahleah Cooper ignited the Mercury with 19 points in the first half, nearly matching her playoff career high. However, despite a strong outing from Cooper, the Mercury struggled to close the gap in the final moments.
With only 24.6 seconds left, Alyssa Thomas missed two crucial free throws that could have shifted the momentum. Meanwhile, Jackie Young solidified the Aces’ lead by converting two free throws with just 13.5 seconds on the clock.
Looking Ahead
Game 2 of the series is set for Sunday, promising further excitement. The Aces are looking to move closer to their third championship in four years, while the Mercury aim to tie the WNBA record with four titles. Coaching staff from both teams recognize the competitive nature of this series.
Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts stated, “It’s going to be a great series. It’s going to come down to the last possessions of the game.” Both teams are determined to improve upon their initial performances as they prepare for the next matchup.
