By: Betty Cantley
LAS VEGAS, NV – The matchups for the 2025 WNBA Finals are set. It will be a coach of the Western Conference rivals: (2) Las Vegas Aces vs (4) Phoenix Mercury.
It is shaping up to be an intensely competitive series.
Here’s what to expect:
1. The clash of stars – A’Ja Wilson vs. Alyssa Thomas. This is arguably the marquee individual matchup and true “Dual in the Desert.”
• Alyssa Thomas (Mercury’s Engine): The Mercury’s do-it-all forward is the heart and soul of Phoenix, known for her relentless, physical play and incredible passing (leading the team in assists) and rebounding. She will be tasked with running Mercury’s offense and spearheading the effort to slow down Wilson. This will be a physical, emotional, and high-impact battle.
2. Fatigue and Momentum/Rest – The contrasting paths to the finals will play a role, especially early in the first-ever best-of-seven series.
• Mercury’s Rest and Momentum: The No. 4 Mercury dispatched the No. 1 Minnesota Lynx in four games, capping the series with a massive fourth-quarter comeback in Game 4. They will have a few extra days of rest heading into Game 1.
• Aces’ Grind and Resilience: The No. 2 Aces were pushed to the limit in their first-round and semifinal series against the Indiana Fever, needing a grueling overtime Game 5 to advance. Their championship pedigree and resilience were tested and proven, but fatigue could be a factor.
3. A battle of Offense vs. Defense – The series put two different styles of championship basketball against each other.
• Las Vegas Aces (Offensive Firepower): The Aces boast one of the league’s most efficient offenses, featuring multiple dynamic scorers in Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray. They led all playoff teams in offensive rating and thrive on scoring and depth.
• Phoenix Mercury (Defensive Identity): Under new coach Nate Tibbets, the Mercury have built an identity around relentless defense. Players like Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally will bring high-energy defensive intensity to disrupt the Aces’ flow.
4. Key X-Factors beyond the main stars, look out for these players:
• For the Aces, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray are the other critical members of the “Big Three.”. Young’s efficient scoring and Gray’s playmaking and clutch shooting will be essential, notably when Wilson double-teams.
• For the Mercury: DeWanna Bonner and Kahleah Cooper bring championship experience and high-level scoring. Bonner hit multiple clutch three-pointers to seal the semifinal victory, and Copper is a dynamic wing who can take over a game with her penetration and mid-range scoring.
5. Historical Stakes and New Format.
• The Aces’ Dynasty is chasing history, aiming to win its third WNBA title in four years. Only the Houston Comets (who won the league’s first four championships) have accomplished a three-pearl.
• New Best-of-seven formats: This is the first WNBA Finals to be a best-of-seven series, which heavily favors the team with superior depth, better overall consistency, and the ability to make in-series adjustments. Expect both coaches to tweak their game plans significantly from one game to the next.
2025 WNBA Finals Game 1 matchup on ESPN starts Friday, Oct.3 at 8:00 p.m. (ET).