Aces' vets step up in a big way to take Game 1 of the WNBA Finals

The Las Vegas Aces edged out the Phoenix Mercury 89-86 in a nail-biting Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Friday night. A'ja Wilson and Dana Evans each poured in 21 points, with Wilson dominating the second half, scoring 12 of her points in the final 14 minutes. Phoenix's Satou Sabally nearly forced overtime, her game-tying 3-pointer rimming out with just 2 seconds left on the clock.

The Aces' bench was a game-changer, outscoring the Mercury's reserves 41-16, led by Jewell Loyd's 18 points. Jackie Young contributed 10 points, and Chelsea Gray orchestrated the offense with 10 assists. Wilson also pulled down 10 rebounds, securing a double-double.

For the Mercury, Kahleah Copper was unstoppable in the first half, scoring 19 of her 21 points—just shy of her playoff career high for a half. Her five 3-pointers set a new personal best, eclipsing her previous record of four. Satou Sabally added 19 points, and Alyssa Thomas flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.

The game was a seesaw battle, with the largest lead being just nine points. There were 12 lead changes and nine ties, underscoring the intensity of this best-of-seven series. Phoenix had several chances to seize control, but the Aces always had an answer. In the closing seconds, Thomas missed two critical free throws with Phoenix down by one, and Jackie Young iced the game for Las Vegas with two clutch free throws of her own.

Game 2 is Sunday in Las Vegas. GET YOUR POPCORN!!!