Las Vegas, NV – The Michelob ULTRA Arena buzzed with anticipation on June 17, 2025, but it was the Phoenix Mercury, not the hometown Las Vegas Aces, who ultimately celebrated a hard-fought 76-70 victory. In a thrilling WNBA clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Mercury capitalized on the Aces’ star absence and delivered a statement win, improving their season record to 8-4 while the Aces slid to 5-5.
The narrative of this game was undeniably shaped by the absence of reigning MVP A’ja Wilson, who missed her second consecutive game for the Aces due to concussion protocol. Her immense presence on both ends of the floor was sorely missed, leaving a void that even a valiant effort from the remaining Aces stars couldn’t quite fill.
From the opening tip, the intensity was palpable. The first quarter was a true back-and-forth affair, witnessing five lead changes and six ties, concluding with both teams knotted at 20. It was a clear indication that despite Wilson’s absence, the Aces were ready to battle. However, the Mercury, fueled by an outstanding performance from Satou Sabally, began to assert their dominance in the second quarter. Sabally, who has been a revelation for Phoenix this season, ignited a 10-2 run that propelled the Mercury to a 34-26 lead. By halftime, Phoenix held a 43-39 advantage, showcasing their offensive rhythm and defensive tenacity.
Sabally’s impact was undeniable. The forward poured in a game-high 22 points, complementing her scoring with 9 crucial rebounds. Her ability to score efficiently and contribute on the glass proved instrumental in disrupting the Aces’ flow. But she wasn’t alone in leading the Mercury’s charge. Veteran guard Sami Whitcomb provided a much-needed spark off the bench, adding 18 points, including timely three-pointers that stifled Aces’ comeback attempts. One such triple came just moments after Jewell Loyd drained a three, cutting the deficit to a mere three points late in the fourth quarter, effectively extinguishing Las Vegas’s hopes.
The Mercury also welcomed back the impactful Kahleah Copper, who, in her first game back from a preseason knee injury, contributed 11 points. Her return adds another layer of offensive firepower to an already potent Phoenix squad. Rounding out the impressive Mercury performances was Alyssa Thomas, who showcased her all-around brilliance with a double-double of 14 points and a game-high 13 assists, orchestrating the Phoenix offense with precision.
For the Las Vegas Aces, Chelsea Gray led the way with a stellar double-double, tallying 20 points and 10 rebounds. Jewell Loyd added 17 points and 6 rebounds, while Jackie Young chipped in with 15 points and 5 assists. Kiah Stokes was a force on the boards, pulling down a game-high 14 rebounds. Despite these strong individual efforts, the Aces struggled with turnovers, committing 22 miscues that the Mercury ruthlessly converted into 22 points. This stark difference in turnover efficiency was a major factor in the final outcome. Furthermore, the Mercury’s bench outscored the Aces’ reserves 28-14, highlighting the depth advantage Phoenix enjoyed in this contest.
The third quarter saw the Aces make a spirited push, narrowing the gap to just one point early on. However, the Mercury responded with an 11-point surge, extending their largest lead of the day to 60-49 before heading into the final frame with a 60-54 advantage. The fourth quarter offered moments of hope for the Aces, as they cut the deficit to two points early, but every Las Vegas run was met with a decisive answer from Phoenix, whose defense held the Aces to just 28.6% shooting in the final quarter.
This victory is a significant one for the Phoenix Mercury, solidifying their position as a formidable contender in the WNBA. For the Las Vegas Aces, it’s another reminder of the critical importance of A’ja Wilson, and a call to find consistency and better protect the basketball as they navigate her absence. The WNBA season continues to deliver thrilling matchups, and this Aces-Mercury showdown was no exception.
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