Aces Game 1 Victory WNBA Finals 2025: In a game filled with intense drama and emotional highs and lows, the Las Vegas Aces have put themselves just three wins away from achieving full dynasty status in the WNBA. Less than two months ago, they seemed to be stuck in neutral, but in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, the Aces showed why they are one of the most dominant teams in the league, defeating the Phoenix Mercury 89-96 in a heart-pounding back-and-forth contest.
A Stunning Comeback to Claim Game 1
The Aces, trailing by as many as nine points in the second half, orchestrated a stunning fourth-quarter surge to take control and snatch victory away from the Mercury. Despite an overall quiet performance from their stars, the Aces’ resilience was on full display, proving that they are more than just the sum of their individual parts. While A’ja Wilson did finish with 21 points and 10 rebounds, her performance was not the standout of the game. Instead, it was the bench players who made the difference.
Dana Evans emerged as the hero of the night, tying Wilson with 21 points. She also etched her name in WNBA history, becoming the first player ever to make five three-pointers and record four steals in a Finals game. Jewell Loyd also stepped up, contributing 18 points and four rebounds, playing a key role in the Aces’ victory.
A Moment That Decided the Game
The sequence that ultimately decided the game occurred late in the fourth quarter when Jackie Young was called for a foul on Alyssa Thomas. The Aces challenged the call, but it stood, much to the frustration of the team. However, it was Thomas’ missed free throws that allowed the Aces to maintain their lead. With just over a minute left, Thomas missed both attempts, and Young corralled the rebound. The Aces then had a chance to extend their lead with a pair of free throws of their own, which Young successfully converted.
As the clock ticked down, the Mercury had one final chance to force overtime. Satou Sabally’s game-tying attempt in the closing seconds clanked off the rim to the roar of the home crowd at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Despite the pressure, the Aces held their ground, and Game 1 belonged to them.
Injuries and a War of Attrition
Both teams seemed to be feeling the physical toll of the long WNBA season. Aces star Chelsea Gray briefly left the game with an apparent ankle injury, and the Mercury’s Sami Whitcomb also had to leave the floor due to injury. Even in the final minutes, Alyssa Thomas appeared to be playing through discomfort, grimacing and holding her hand. The battle between these two powerhouse teams is far from over, and the road to the championship will likely be defined by grit, determination, and overcoming the physical strain of an exhausting playoff run.
Aces’ Stars Underperform, but Depth Shines
While the Aces’ big names didn’t quite reach their usual high standards, the team still managed to pull off the win. MVP A’ja Wilson contributed with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, but it wasn’t the dominating performance we’re used to seeing from her. Jackie Young, too, had a quieter game, posting 10 points on just 3-of-13 shooting. Gray finished with a disappointing 2-for-7 shooting, but her playmaking helped the team as she combined with Young for 15 assists.
But in the postseason, it’s often the unexpected heroes who rise to the occasion, and that’s exactly what happened with the Aces. It was a reminder that even when the stars aren’t shining at their brightest, a well-rounded team can still get the job done.
Mercury’s Fight Led by Thomas and Copper
The Phoenix Mercury, for their part, fought valiantly throughout the game. Alyssa Thomas had another near-historic performance, posting 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting, 10 rebounds, and nine assists—just one assist shy of her third career WNBA Finals triple-double. Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting, but ultimately, their efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Aces’ late surge.
As the Aces head into Game 2 of the series, they will be looking to capitalize on the momentum from their hard-fought victory. Phoenix, meanwhile, will have to regroup and find a way to slow down the Aces’ depth and overcome the physical toll of the series.
Looking Ahead: A Step Closer to Dynasty Status
For the Aces, this win was more than just a Game 1 victory—it was a statement. Despite not playing their best basketball, they found a way to win when it mattered most, and that’s what dynasties are built on. They are now just three wins away from cementing their place in history as one of the greatest teams the WNBA has ever seen. But as anyone who’s followed the league knows, the Finals are far from over, and the Mercury will not go down without a fight.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on the latest available information and is intended for informational purposes only. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of any team or organization.