Game 1 Recap: Aces hold off Mercury in a dramatic finish
The 2025 WNBA Finals opened with a tense, star-studded showdown between the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury. Las Vegas seized the advantage to take a 1-0 series lead after a dramatic ending in Game 1 that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
With under 30 seconds remaining, Alyssa Thomas produced a game-changing moment for Phoenix, swiping a steal and drawing a foul as she went to the line. She split the pair of free throws, missing both attempts and keeping the Mercury within striking distance. The drama intensified when Phoenix fouled Jackie Young on the ensuing possession, and Young calmly knocked down both free throws to push Las Vegas back up by three.
Phoenix staged one last push, but its final sequence devolved, and the Aces clung to the lead. The clock expired with the Mercury still seeking a late miracle, and Las Vegas escaped with a hard-fought three-point victory that gives the Aces the early edge in the best-of-five series.
Standout performances: Aces’ balance carries the day
A’ja Wilson anchored the Aces with a near-triple-double level contribution: 21 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, showing why she’s a central pillar of the title-com hopeful squad. But the scoring burden didn’t rest on her shoulders alone. Dana Evans delivered a pivotal 21 points off the bench, providing a burst of offense when the Mercury began to heat up from long range. Jewell Loyd added 18 points of her own, reinforcing Las Vegas’ depth and keeping Phoenix from collapsing under the pressure.
In a notable moment for Finals history, Evans and Loyd became only the fifth pair in Finals history to each score 15 or more points off the bench in the same game. Their contributions gave the Aces a reliable second unit impact that helped bridge the gap while the starters rested and weathered Phoenix’s early surge.
What changed after a blistering start for the Mercury
Phoenix opened the night with an electrifying stretch behind the arc, building momentum through outside shooting that electrified the crowd. However, the Mercury’ offense cooled significantly after intermission. In the fourth quarter, Phoenix managed just 15 points on 6-for-16 shooting, unable to sustain the burst that carried them early. The late missed free throws and a costly final possession sealed the outcome for Las Vegas, highlighting how quickly a game can swing when the tempo shifts and mistakes mount late in a Finals contest.
What to watch in Game 2
Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas, with the Aces aiming to capitalize on their 1-0 lead and the Mercury looking to respond on the road. Expect Phoenix to emphasize ball movement and perimeter shooting again, while Las Vegas will rely on its depth and the continued excellence of Wilson, Evans and Loyd to maintain the pressure on Phoenix’s defense. The pace, late-game execution, and free-throw discipline will likely determine whether the Mercury can even the series or if the Aces seize a commanding 2-0 advantage.
Why this matters for the series
Opening with a win in Game 1 gives the Aces a critical psychological edge and momentum heading into Game 2. If Las Vegas can sustain its game-plan and keep Phoenix from repeatedly exploiting early 3-point bursts, they’ll push the Mercury into a do-or-die position sooner than expected. Conversely, Phoenix showed they can start fast; translating that early energy into a full four-quarter performance will be essential if they want to flip the series in a favorable direction.
