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Mercury vs Aces: Aces Rally in Game 1 — Dana Evans & A’ja Wilson Power Las Vegas Past Phoenix 89–86

Mercury vs Aces

Mercury vs Aces: Las Vegas Aces rallied to beat the Phoenix Mercury 89–86 in Game 1 of the 2025 WNBA Finals — reserve guard Dana Evans and MVP A’ja Wilson scored 21 each while the Aces’ bench changed the game. Full match recap, player stats, tactical analysis, broadcast info, and what to expect next. (Keywords: Mercury vs Aces, Aces vs Mercury, Dana Evans, Las Vegas Aces, A’ja Wilson, Phoenix Mercury, Aces WNBA, Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces Match Player Stats.)

Quick headline (one line)

The Las Vegas Aces came from behind to take Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, beating the Phoenix Mercury 89–86 behind 21-point nights from Dana Evans and A’ja Wilson.

What this article covers

The short recap — what happened (load-bearing facts)

The Las Vegas Aces erased a late deficit with a decisive 17–6 fourth-quarter run and edged the Phoenix Mercury 89–86 in Game 1 of the 2025 WNBA Finals. Reserve guard Dana Evans and star A’ja Wilson led the charge with 21 points each; Evans’ scoring burst and the bench’s energy (the Aces’ reserves outscored Phoenix’s 41–16) were the difference. The Mercury led for much of the night, propelled by Satou Sabally, Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas, but Phoenix’s fouls and missed free throws down the stretch cost them the opener.

 

[Note: Images are collected from Instagram]

Game 1 timeline & key moments

First half — Mercury control tempo

Phoenix opened aggressively, feeding their newly formed core and using Alyssa Thomas to craft mismatches inside-out. The Mercury’s ball movement and Sabally’s scoring kept them in front for the majority of the first half. Phoenix’s offense looked cohesive, generating high-value looks at the rim and from midrange.

Third quarter — Aces claw back

Las Vegas began chipping away in the third quarter. Coach Becky Hammon leaned on rotations that mixed veteran starters and trusted bench pieces; the Aces found looks through Wilson’s post presence and quick-hitting guard play. The game stayed tight, setting up a dramatic final frame.

Fourth quarter — bench sparks and a decisive run

The Aces flipped the script with a 17–6 fourth-quarter run sparked by Dana Evans (five three-pointers on the night) and backed by Jewell Loyd’s late-game scoring and Chelsea Gray’s orchestration. Las Vegas’ bench outscored Phoenix’s reserves by 25 points — a margin that proved decisive in a tight finals opener. Phoenix’s Satou Sabally was saddled with foul trouble (including a fifth foul) and the Mercury missed key free throws in the final minute, allowing Las Vegas to finish strong. The Aces closed the game on possession and defense to secure the 89–86 win.

Key player performances & match player stats

Las Vegas Aces

Phoenix Mercury

(Full official boxscore and minute-by-minute stats are available on ESPN and the WNBA official game page.)

Tactical analysis — why the Aces won and what Phoenix must fix

1) Bench & Depth: the deciding factor

The Aces’ reserves (led by Dana Evans and Jewell Loyd) produced an offensive burst Phoenix couldn’t match; Las Vegas’s bench outscoring Phoenix’s bench by a huge margin (reported 41–16) shifted expected minutes into high-value points and energy. That depth gap is often the difference in playoff basketball, where fatigue and matchup juggling matter most.

2) Defensive sequence adjustments

Coach Becky Hammon’s late-game adjustments — including zone looks and pressure on Phoenix ball-handlers — forced tighter shots and created turnovers. The Aces had practiced a zone look in limited minutes but used it effectively in the fourth to clog driving lanes and force contested jumpers. Phoenix’s reliance on Sabally and Thomas became riskier when Sabally collected fouls.

3) Free-throws & late execution

The Mercury missed critical free throws in the final minute, and Sabally’s foul trouble curtailed one of their primary scoring weapons down the stretch. In finals basketball, free-throw efficiency and foul management are tiny edges with huge consequences. Phoenix must tighten late-game execution, particularly in free-throw situations and foul avoidance.

Coach notebook — Becky Hammon vs. Mercury staff

The series picture — how Game 1 shapes the Finals

Game 1 is always pivotal: it sets tone, confidence and home-court momentum. The Aces’ road victory gives Las Vegas immediate edge and forces Phoenix to respond without margin for error. However, the Finals are long (2025 marks the first best-of-seven WNBA Finals), and one close loss is recoverable — but the Mercury must shore up bench scoring and closeout execution to avoid falling behind in the series.

Where to watch Game 2 & the Finals schedule

 

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