Las Vegas Aces Sweep Phoenix Mercury for 2025 WNBA Championship
The Las Vegas Aces cemented their status as one of the WNBA’s greatest dynasties with a 97-86 victory over the Phoenix Mercury in the decisive Game 4, sealing a clean sweep of the 2025 Finals. It marks the Aces’ third championship in four seasons, and it’s impossible to ignore the impact of a season that showcased their resilience, star power, and championship pedigree.
A’ja Wilson: A Season of Milestones
Once again, A’ja Wilson was the centerpiece of Las Vegas’ triumph. The 29-year-old superstar poured in 31 points and grabbed nine rebounds, anchoring the Aces on a night when every clutch moment mattered. Wilson’s performances throughout the season earned her a record-tying fourth MVP award, and in the Finals she claimed Finals MVP for the second time in her career.
Her success didn’t end there. Wilson became the first player in WNBA history to win MVP, Finals MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year in a single season—a stunning trifecta that underscored not only her scoring ability but also her all-around impact on both ends of the floor. After the clinching win, an emotional Wilson spoke about the significance of the moment and the work that brought the team to this point.
Turning Points: The Road to a Sweep
The Finals narrative mirrored the regular season arc in many ways. Las Vegas began the season with a 14-14 record before finishing strong by winning their last 16 regular-season games. The Finals, however, were far from a rhythm-free march. Phoenix refused to go away, rallying from a 16-point halftime deficit in Game 4 and pushing the Aces to the limit on multiple occasions across the series.
In Game 3, Phoenix forward Kahleah Copper sparked a late charge, scoring 12 of her 30 points in the third quarter and helping keep the Mercury within striking distance. The Mercury’s resilience continued in the fourth, but Las Vegas answered every push, turning defense into fast-break opportunities and isolating key matchups that favored the Aces’ depth and cohesion.
Improbable Ejections and Emotions: The Human Side of Victory
The game also featured an emotional and controversial moment when Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts was ejected after a double technical late in the third period. The ejection drew heated reactions from players, including Copper, who commented on the officiating during a postgame interview. Tibbetts later described the moment as embarrassing and questioned the double-technical call, signaling how tightly contested the Finals atmosphere had become.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon and guard Chelsea Gray spoke to the media about the team’s perseverance. Gray, who has played a pivotal role on the roster, highlighted what the victory represents for the squad after a testing season. “This team has been through hell and back,” Gray said, praising the collective effort that culminated in the franchise’s latest championship.
Impactful Offseason and Future Ahead
With the trophy secured, the Aces’ front office now faces the task of maintaining a championship core while addressing the inevitable league-wide chatter about parity and dynasty status. The combination of Wilson’s historic performance, a deep supporting cast, and a veteran coaching staff positions Las Vegas to remain a formidable title contender in the coming seasons.
For Phoenix, the loss marks the Mercury’s second Finals defeat in five years, a reminder that building a sustainable contender requires more than one magical postseason run. After a season that included injuries to key players like Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix has positive building blocks and a foundation to retool around in the offseason.
What This Means for the WNBA Landscape
As the Aces celebrate, the league stands at a crossroads with a potential new standard for excellence. If Las Vegas can sustain this level of play, they could become the first franchise to establish a multi-year, multi-title dynasty in the modern era of the WNBA. For fans, this is a reminder of why the women’s game continues to grow—high-level competition, star power, and narratives that resonate beyond the final buzzer.
Quotes and Reactions
“What a run. Everyone stepped up. We got the best player in the world in A’ja Wilson,” said Chelsea Gray after the game. Wilson added that the triumph was a blend of faith and hard work: “This is not about X’s and O’s. This is from what’s inside.”
Conclusion: A Historic Moment for Las Vegas
With the 2025 championship in hand, the Las Vegas Aces have etched their name deeper into WNBA lore. A’ja Wilson’s individual greatness, the team’s collective resilience, and the franchise’s ongoing pursuit of excellence have created a championship moment that fans will remember for years to come.
