Thrilling WNBA Finals: Las Vegas Aces Surge Past Phoenix Mercury with Epic Fourth-Quarter Comeback in Game 1

The 2025 WNBA Finals kicked off with an exciting match on Friday. The Las Vegas Aces came from behind to defeat the Phoenix Mercury, 89-86, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

The Mercury looked strong in the first half. Kahleah Copper hit five 3-pointers, tying a Finals record. Alyssa Thomas dominated, scoring and assisting, as Phoenix built an early lead.

Despite a nine-point deficit at the end of the third quarter, the Aces didn’t back down. Dana Evans, who scored 21 points, and Jewell Loyd, with 18 points, were key players off the bench, driving the team forward.

By the fourth quarter, the Mercury struggled with their shooting. The Aces took the lead after Evans sank a crucial three-pointer with just over three minutes left in the game. They extended that lead to five points shortly after.

The Mercury have shown resilience throughout the postseason, but this time they fell short. Thomas scored to bring the team within one point in the final minute but missed crucial free throws that could have changed the outcome.

Jackie Young sealed the game for the Aces with two free throws. The Mercury had one last chance but ended the game with a missed shot from Satou Sabally.

A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. Chelsea Gray also contributed significantly, with 8 points and 10 assists. The dynamic duo of Evans and Loyd outscored the entire Mercury bench with their combined 39 points.

Interestingly, Copper, who was hot in the first half, did not score a 3 in the second half and finished with 21 points. Thomas narrowly missed a triple-double, posting 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists. There was concern when she appeared to injure her hand late in the game, but no updates were available from coach Nate Tibbets.

The next game is set for Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas. Fans are eager to see if the Mercury can bounce back and level the series.

As we delve deeper into the trends surrounding women’s sports, the WNBA’s popularity continues to rise. Recent surveys indicate that viewership has increased by 20% over the last few years, showcasing the growing support for women’s basketball. This year’s Finals are not just about the teams; they symbolize a broader movement advocating for equality in sports. As noted by sports analyst Rick Tatum, “The WNBA is not just playing games; they’re changing the landscape for female athletes everywhere.”

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WNBA,Phoenix Mercury,Las Vegas Aces