Aces take 2-0 lead in 2025 WNBA Finals over Mercury

LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Aces seized control of the 2025 WNBA Finals in emphatic fashion, winning the first two games at Michelob ULTRA Arena to take a 2-0 lead over the Phoenix Mercury. Las Vegas rallied for an 89-86 win in Game 1 on Friday, then overwhelmed Phoenix 91-78 on Sunday, handing the Mercury a daunting trip back to Arizona for Games 3 and 4.

Game 1 hinged on a late surge from Las Vegas reserves. Facing a seven-point fourth-quarter deficit, the Aces leaned on their bench to erase the margin and secure the victory. Dana Evans, a 5-foot-6 guard off the bench, scored 21 points and made five 3-pointers while adding four steals, becoming the first Finals player to combine five made 3s with four steals in a game. Jewell Loyd added 18 off the bench and Aja Wilson contributed 21 points and 10 rebounds for Las Vegas. The Aces bench outscored Phoenix reserves 41-16 and forced 12 Mercury turnovers, converting them into 20 points.

Las Vegas employed a zone defense in the second half to blunt Phoenix’s interior attack, particularly Alyssa Thomas, whose earlier ability to operate in the paint had troubled the Aces. Thomas finished Game 1 with 15 points, 10 rebounds and nine...