PHOENIX (Oct. 8, 2025) — The Las Vegas Aces are one victory away from cementing their dynasty. In a nail-biting Game 3 of the 2025 WNBA Finals, the Aces held off a furious Phoenix Mercury rally to win 90–88 on the road at Footprint Center, taking a commanding 3–0 series lead and moving within one game of their third straight WNBA championship.
A’ja Wilson once again proved why she’s the centerpiece of this Las Vegas juggernaut. The reigning MVP delivered a Finals performance for the ages — 34 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks — becoming the first player in WNBA Finals history to post back-to-back games with at least 25 points and 10 rebounds. Her late-game bucket with 21 seconds remaining ultimately sealed the victory and silenced the Phoenix crowd.
“We knew it wouldn’t be easy,” Wilson said postgame. “Phoenix has pride, they’ve got veterans who don’t back down. But this is the Finals — you have to finish, and that’s exactly what we did.”
Aces Strike First, Hold Steady Through Chaos
Despite facing a desperate Mercury squad, the Aces came out firing. Las Vegas scored 55 first-half points — the most Phoenix has allowed in a half this postseason — thanks to crisp ball movement and a balanced scoring attack. Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray combined for 26 points before halftime, countering every Phoenix run with timely perimeter shooting.
Phoenix head coach Nate Tibbetts tried to shake things up defensively, assigning veteran guard Rebecca Thomas to shadow Gray in an effort to disrupt Las Vegas’ tempo. The experiment backfired. Gray dissected the defense early, finishing with 18 points and eight assists while controlling the pace.
“Chelsea sees the floor better than almost anyone,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said. “They threw different looks at her, but she kept the offense composed. That’s what championship experience does.”
Mercury’s Fourth-Quarter Fury Falls Short
Down 79–59 entering the final period, the Mercury mounted a furious comeback behind their veteran duo of Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner. The two combined for 20 of Phoenix’s 29 fourth-quarter points, bringing the crowd to its feet with every basket.
Copper caught fire, scoring 11 consecutive points midway through the fourth — attacking the rim with relentless aggression and forcing Las Vegas to scramble defensively. Bonner tied the game twice in the final two minutes, first on a deep three-pointer, then again from the free-throw line after drawing contact on Wilson.
But just when the Mercury appeared poised to steal Game 3, Wilson responded. Posting up deep in the paint, she muscled through a double team to bank in the go-ahead shot with under 30 seconds remaining. Phoenix’s final possession ended in heartbreak when Copper’s step-back jumper rimmed out as time expired.
Bonner led the Mercury with 25 points and seven rebounds, while Copper added 23 points and five assists in the loss.
Injury Concerns Loom Over Game 4
One dark cloud hung over Las Vegas’ thrilling win — Satou Sabally’s late-game injury. The forward, who tallied 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting, collided heads with Kierstan Bell’s leg with just over four minutes left and remained on the floor for several minutes before being helped to the locker room.
Her status for Game 4 remains uncertain, and any absence would be a significant blow to the Aces’ frontcourt rotation.
“We’ll evaluate Satou overnight,” Hammon said. “She’s a warrior, but we’ll make sure she’s OK before anything else.”
What’s Next
The Aces, now up 3–0, have a chance to sweep the series and secure their third consecutive WNBA championship — something only the Houston Comets (1997–2000) have ever achieved. Game 4 tips off Wednesday in Phoenix, where the Mercury will look to stave off elimination and force the series back to Las Vegas.
“We’re not done,” Bonner insisted postgame. “We’ll regroup, protect our home floor, and keep fighting. That’s who we are.”
If the Aces finish the job, it will mark the crowning moment of one of the most dominant runs in modern WNBA history — one led, fittingly, by A’ja Wilson’s historic brilliance.
