By: Betty Cantley
LAS VEGAS, NV – (at Michelob Ultra Arena). The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 89-86, in a thrilling Game 1 of the 2025 WNBA Finals on Friday, Oct 3, 2025, to take a 1-0 lead.
The Aces had to rally from a nine-point deficit against the Mercury, who controlled most of the first half and led by five points at halftime (50-45). The game came down to the final minutes, with key plays deciding the outcome.
Key highlights on the performance of the Aces’ bench power:
•The Aces’ bench was the key difference, outscoring the Mercury’s reserves 41-16.
• Dana Evans was sensational off the bench, tying for the team-high with 21 points, including five 3-pointers (on six attempts), and four steals. She hit a clutch 3-pointer with 3.40 left to give the Aces the lead for good.
• Jewell Loyd also provided a huge spark off the bench with 18 points.
Top Scorers from both teams:
• Las Vegas Aces: A’Ja Wilson (21 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks) and Dana Evans (22 points, 5-6 3 FG).
• Phoenix Mercury: Kahleah Cooper (21 points, with 19 coming in the first half).
Trailing by one point with 24.6 seconds left, Mercury star Alyssa Thomas (who finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists) was fouled but missed both free throws that would have given Phoenix the lead. Aces guard Jackie Young followed up by making both free throws to extend the lead to 89-86.
The Mercury’s final possession ended with a missed three-pointer by Satou Sabally that would have tied the game.
The Aces utilized a zone defense in the second half, which cooled off the Mercury’s hot three-point shooting and stifled Alyssa Thomas’ effectiveness as a ball-handler, forcing the Mercury’s offense to stall in the fourth quarter (scoring only 15 points).
Aces lead the series with the Mercury (1-0).
Las Vegas will host Game 2 on Sunday, Oct 5, 2025, at 3pm EDT (ABC, ESPN APP).