Las Vegas Aces cement dynasty with thrilling sweep
The Las Vegas Aces completed a dominant journey through the 2025 WNBA Finals, sweeping the Phoenix Mercury 97-86 in Game 4 to capture their third title in four years. At the center of that ascent was A’ja Wilson, whose steady blend of scoring, defense and leadership has solidified her status as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Wilson finished with 31 points and nine rebounds, delivering another masterclass on a stage that has become increasingly defined by her presence. With the Finals MVP now in hand, she joined a small cadre of players who have redefined what a star can be in the modern women’s basketball era. Her performance blended efficiency with a ferocity that has become a hallmark of the Aces’ identity.
Team chemistry turns the tide
Las Vegas didn’t reach this moment by chance. Coach Becky Hammon has steered a roster that, despite upheaval at the start of the season, found its rhythm and ascended to the league’s elite once again. The Aces’ core — including guards Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young — provided the balance needed to complement Wilson’s dominance. In Game 4, Gray scored 18 points, reinforcing how the trio’s chemistry has evolved into a championship-calibrated engine.
“I would never be who I am without my teammates,” Wilson said, acknowledging the collective effort that carried the franchise through a challenging stretch midseason. That honesty underscored a season-long message: this Aces group believes in each other even when the odds appear steep.
A season of adversity forged resilience
Las Vegas stumbled out of the All-Star break, posting a .500 mark and wrestling with a defense that hadn’t clicked. A historic 53-point loss to Minnesota on Aug. 2 served as a brutal turning point, forcing reflection and accountability. The team responded with a renewed focus and a strengthened bench, even as Satou Sabally missed time with a concussion in the Finals series.
Hammon drew on her years of experience to guide the club through doubt, balancing honesty with support. The result was a late-season surge that looked less like luck and more like a well-tuned championship machine. After the victory, Hammon’s emotional relief was evident, a rare window into a coach’s deep commitment to her players.
Legacy and the question of what’s next
With the win, the Aces joined a select group of franchises to win three titles in four years. The dynasty discussions feel timely, not speculative, as Las Vegas has established a standard for sustained excellence in a league known for turnover. Owner Mark Davis posed one lingering question: can they do it again? The answer remains, perhaps, in the team’s current configuration and the unmistakable presence of Wilson at its core.
As the locker-room celebrations continued, Wilson waved a pink tambourine — a playful symbol of the joy and gratitude that accompanied the moment. “This is the symbol of the joyfulness we have right now,” she said, echoing the sentiment of a franchise that has repeatedly demonstrated its capacity to rise from difficult stretches to the sport’s highest achievement.
In the end, Wilson’s performance in this postseason solidified a legacy that will be debated for years. She has already been described as a generational talent and, after this Finals run, the GOAT conversation feels increasingly pointed in her direction. The Aces have achieved what many teams chase—a dynasty that remains relevant and triumphant in the modern era of the WNBA.
Final thoughts from a champion’s perspective
As the Aces gathered around their coach and each other, the narrative of this championship was clear: a team, a year, and a group of players who trusted the process and embraced adversity. The road was long, but the destination was certain. With Wilson leading the charge and a supportive cast around her, the Aces have etched another memorable chapter in the annals of women’s basketball.
