The stage is set for what promises to be an electric WNBA Finals. The Las Vegas Aces will face the Phoenix Mercury in the FIRST best-of-seven series. Let’s discuss!
Previous Match-Ups
The Aces and Mercury met four times in the regular season (excluding the preseason). Las Vegas took three of those contests.
- June 15, 2025: Mercury win, 76–70
- June 29, 2025: Aces win, 84–81
- August 15, 2025: Aces win, 86–83
- August 21, 2025: Aces win, 83–61
Three of the four games were decided by six points or fewer. The exception was their final meeting, where Las Vegas ran away with an 18-point win. Notably, Phoenix’s lone victory came in the absence of A’ja Wilson. In the three games Wilson did play, she averaged 25 points and nearly 16 rebounds, posting a double-double each time.
Biggest Questions Going Into The Series
Can Phoenix Contain A’ja Wilson?
No one is stopping A’ja Wilson, so the goal is containment. For Phoenix to have a real shot, they’ll need to disrupt her rhythm and force her into difficult looks. Without a true lockdown post defender, the Mercury will need a collective defensive effort to make Wilson’s life as tough as possible. Her dominance could very well decide the series.
Do the Aces Have an Answer for Alyssa Thomas?
On the other end, Phoenix presents its own matchup nightmare with Alyssa Thomas. She was brilliant in the semifinals against Minnesota, and all signs point to her carrying that momentum into the Finals. The big question: who does Las Vegas trust to guard her effectively?
Which Supporting Cast Steps Up?
Phoenix leans on its “Big Three” of Thomas, Satou Sabally, and Kahleah Copper. When all three click, the Mercury look nearly unstoppable, but consistency has been an issue. To topple Las Vegas, Phoenix will need big performances from each of them across multiple games.
For the Aces, the supporting cast is equally important. Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, and Jewell Loyd will be counted on to deliver alongside Wilson. Earlier in the season, Vegas wasn’t getting elite play from that group, and it showed. Now, with Nalyssa Smith providing an additional post presence, the Aces have more firepower than ever.
Prediction
This series has all the makings of a classic. Prediction: Las Vegas Aces in 6. When you have the best player in the world, it’s awfully difficult to lose a seven-game series.
