UPDATE: The Las Vegas Aces triumphed over the Phoenix Mercury in a thrilling 89-86 victory during Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on July 15, 2023. A’ja Wilson and Dana Evans both exploded for 21 points, leading their team in a nail-biting contest that saw multiple lead changes and fierce competition.
In the final minutes, Wilson scored 12 points, showcasing her clutch performance. The Mercury had a chance to tie the game with just 2 seconds left, but Satou Sabally’s long-range attempt fell short, sealing the Aces’ win.
Game 2 is just around the corner, set for Sunday in Las Vegas, as the Aces aim to gain a commanding lead in this historic best-of-seven series.
The Aces’ bench was a key factor, outscoring the Mercury’s reserves 41-16. Jewell Loyd added 18 points, while Jackie Young contributed 10 points. Wilson also dominated on the boards, finishing with 10 rebounds, and Chelsea Gray orchestrated the offense with 10 assists.
On the opposing side, Kahleah Cooper led the Mercury with 21 points, while Sabally added 19 points and Alyssa Thomas recorded a near triple-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists. Cooper’s impressive first-half performance included 19 points and five 3-pointers, setting a high-energy tone for the game.
Both teams showcased their resilience, with the largest lead being just nine points, and the match featuring 12 lead changes and nine ties. The Mercury consistently threatened to take control, but the Aces responded decisively each time.
With only 24.6 seconds left, Phoenix had a chance to regain momentum but missed two critical free throws. Young was then fouled and sealed the game with two successful free throws.
As the series continues, anticipation builds for Game 2, where fans expect more intense action and drama. Stay tuned for further updates on this electrifying matchup!
