Game 1 Recap: Aces Take a 1-0 Lead in the 2025 WNBA Finals
The 2025 WNBA Finals opened with a tense, tightly contested battle that ended in a narrow victory for the Las Vegas Aces, who hold a 1-0 series lead over the Phoenix Mercury. The memorable finish showcased the high stakes and depth that define a championship matchup, with every possession magnified under the brightest lights in the league.
From the opening tip, Phoenix looked primed to strike from beyond the arc, stringing together several early triples that helped set the tone. But as the game wore on, the Mercury’s aggressive start gave way to a more balanced, grind-it-out affair featuring standout performances from both teams. The stage was set for a dramatic finish with the Aces clinging to a late lead and Phoenix pressing to steal momentum on the road.
Late Drama, Final Minute Poise
With less than 30 seconds remaining, star forward Alyssa Thomas drew a crucial steal and earned a trip to the line after a calculated foul, threatening to tilt the game back in Phoenix’s favor. The Mercury guard the moment, but Thomas missed both free throws, a rare hiccup that kept the door ajar for Las Vegas. Phoenix immediately fouled Aces guard Jackie Young, who calmly converted both free throws to push the lead back to three points.
Phoenix had one last chance to knot the score, but the final sequence went awry. The Mercury’s late possession—a scramble that could have produced a game-tying opportunity—dissolved into a turnover and a missed look that sealed the Aces’ 1-0 advantage in the series. It was a heartbreaking turn of events for a Mercury team that had fought hard to stay in striking distance until the final horn.
Standout Contributors: Wilson, Evans, and Loyd Carry the Load
A’ja Wilson anchored the Aces with a near-triple-double vibe, finishing with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Her versatility was the driving force on both ends, mixing interior scoring with enough playmaking to keep Phoenix honest throughout the night. The supporting cast around her stepped up in meaningful ways, turning a tight game into a collaborative team effort.
Off the bench, Dana Evans and Jewell Loyd supplied a critical spark that allowed Las Vegas to stretch its advantage late. Evans poured in 21 points, including timely baskets that stretched the lead at important junctures. Loyd added 18 points, providing efficient shooting and a steadier backcourt presence as the Mercury tried to flip the script in the second half.
Together, Evans and Loyd joined a select club by becoming the fifth pair in Finals history to each score 15 or more points off the bench in the same game, underscoring the Aces’ depth as a defining strength through the pressure of a championship series.
Mercury’s Start-Stop Offense and the Fourth-Quarter Fade
Phoenix came out hot from deep, catching the Aces with a few early bursts from long range. That early rhythm, however, proved unsustainable as Las Vegas adjusted and began to clamp down defensively. The Mercury, while efficient in periods, were unable to sustain their scoring bursts into the fourth quarter. The final frame saw Phoenix tally just 15 points on 6-for-16 shooting, a stark contrast to the urgency they displayed in the first half.
Several factors contributed to the late-game slowdown: shot selection tightened, the Aces executed at the line with precision, and Phoenix’s scoring clusters failed to maintain the necessary momentum. The resilient defense and timely scoring from Las Vegas helped the home team weather Phoenix’s early onslaught and protect the lead in crunch time.
What to Expect in Game 2
Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas, with the Aces eager to build on their rapid adjustment to Phoenix’s opening onslaught and the Mercury looking to answer with a sharper, more cohesive offensive plan. For Phoenix, the focus will be on sustaining three-point production while increasing ball movement to prevent Las Vegas from disrupting rhythm. For Las Vegas, the plan is simple: replicate the balance that pushed them past Phoenix in late game situations, leverage the depth of their bench, and protect the paint while limiting turnovers in critical moments.
Final Thoughts and Series Outlook
With Wilson leading the way and Evans and Loyd providing crucial support off the bench, the Aces demonstrated why they’re considered one of the league’s most complete teams. The 1-0 lead in the 2025 WNBA Finals sets the tone for a best-of-five series where every possession will count. Phoenix will need to refine late-game execution and sustain perimeter scoring if they hope to even the series in Game 2. Basketball fans can anticipate another close, strategic showdown as these two traditional powers square off on a national stage.
