UPDATE: In a thrilling finish, A’ja Wilson sank a turnaround jumper with just 0.3 seconds remaining, leading the Las Vegas Aces to a 90-88 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on October 8, 2025. This win gives the Aces a commanding 3-0 lead in the WNBA Finals and puts them one win away from clinching their third championship in four seasons.
The intensity reached its peak as the game unfolded in front of a fervent home crowd in Phoenix. Wilson’s late-game heroics capped off a spectacular night where she scored 34 points, showcasing her dominant postseason performance. The Aces, who were ahead by as much as 17 points earlier in the game, faced a fierce comeback from the Mercury, making this win even more dramatic.
Entering the fourth quarter with a 76-59 lead, the Aces watched the Mercury rally. Kahleah Copper hit a crucial 3-pointer to reduce the deficit to 84-83 with just 3:06 left on the clock. DeWanna Bonner then tied the game at 86 with another 3-pointer, before scoring two free throws to knot it up again at 88 with only 1:01 remaining.
“I just needed the bucket to go in,” Wilson said post-game. “I didn’t see who was in front of me. I didn’t care. It’s the finals.”
With the game on the line, Wilson delivered, making her shot over both Alyssa Thomas and Bonner, sending the Mercury’s home fans into silence. The Mercury had one final chance to respond, but Bonner’s last-second jumper failed to find the mark.
Wilson was not alone in her efforts; Jackie Young contributed 21 points to the Aces’ total. Her postseason performance has been historic, with Wilson now holding a WNBA postseason record of 291 points over just 11 games, averaging over 26 points per game.
Despite their impressive third-quarter push, the Mercury were unable to capitalize. Bonner led her team with 25 points, while Sabally and Copper added 24 and 17 points, respectively. However, Sabally left the game late in the fourth quarter after a concerning fall, raising alarms among fans and teammates.
The Aces have displayed remarkable composure throughout the series, having previously won the first two games in Las Vegas. Coach Becky Hammon’s squad has proved that they thrive under pressure, skillfully navigating the Mercury’s attempts to shift the momentum.
Game 4 is set for Friday in Phoenix, where the Aces will aim to secure the championship. Meanwhile, the Mercury will look to harness the energy of their home crowd to stave off elimination. As the stakes rise, all eyes will be on this pivotal matchup. Fans eagerly anticipate what could be a historic night for the Aces.
Stay tuned for more updates as the WNBA Finals continue to unfold. This series is heating up, and the outcome remains uncertain as both teams push for victory.
