The Las Vegas Aces took a major step toward their third WNBA championship in four years with a 91-78 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday, giving them a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven finals.
Jackie Young led the Aces with 32 points, including 21 in a stunning third-quarter surge. Her performance tied her career playoff high and came just short of the league record for points in a single postseason quarter. Reigning MVP A’ja Wilson added a double-double with 28 points and 14 rebounds, continuing her dominant postseason form.
After struggling in Game 1 with a 3-of-13 shooting night due to fatigue, Young assured coach Becky Hammon she would be ready for Game 2. Hammon said, “[Young] is a player that never wants to come out of the game. When she tells me she doesn’t have any legs and pulls herself out, I know she’s hurting. Yesterday, she said, ‘Good, I’ll have my legs tomorrow,’ and I believed her.”
Wilson praised Young’s consistency and work ethic, saying, “It’s a joy playing with Young. Take the numbers away, I’m just so proud of her. Honestly, she’s a perfectionist, and to see her hard work paying off is a beautiful thing to witness. I’m grateful to be her teammate.”
For the Mercury, Kahleah Copper scored 23 points, Satou Sabally had 22, and Alyssa Thomas added 10 while dealing with foul trouble. Despite Phoenix’s strong start, scoring the first seven points and totaling 27 in the first quarter, the Aces quickly took control. Las Vegas limited the Mercury to just 24 points over the next two quarters and led 76-51 entering the fourth. The margin eventually grew to 22 points.
Aces coach Becky Hammon extended her Game 2 record to 9-0 with this victory, maintaining an average winning margin of more than 17 points. Her team’s dominance has made playing Game 2 in Las Vegas a difficult challenge for opponents.
Game 3 will take place on Wednesday in Phoenix. The Aces aim to tighten their grip on the series, while the Mercury face the daunting task of winning four of the next five games to claim a fourth championship, which would tie the WNBA record.
Phoenix head coach Nate Tibbetts said, “We’re excited to go play in our home arena. Vegas did what they’re supposed to do. I think we played a really good Game 1, and they came out and were ready today.”
With strong performances from Young and Wilson, the Aces are in a commanding position as they pursue another WNBA title, leaving the Mercury with a significant challenge in the remaining games.
