PHOENIX (Oct. 10, 2025) — The Las Vegas Aces are officially the gold standard of women’s basketball. Behind another masterclass from A’ja Wilson, the Aces defeated the Phoenix Mercury 97–86 on Friday night to clinch their third WNBA championship in four years, completing a commanding four-game sweep in the league’s first-ever best-of-seven Finals.
Wilson — the heart, soul, and unmistakable face of the franchise — delivered yet another dominant performance, finishing with 31 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks to earn WNBA Finals MVP honors. Over the four-game series, she averaged 28.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks, further stamping her name among the greatest players in league history.
“You have your Mount Rushmore,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said afterward. “She’s alone on Everest. There’s no one around.”
Wilson’s Reign Reaches Historic Heights
Wilson’s performance was nothing short of historic. Her blend of power, finesse, and leadership has defined this Aces era. With Friday’s victory, she becomes the first player since Lisa Leslie to win three championships and four league MVPs, all before the age of 30.
During the postgame press conference, Wilson entered with a pink tambourine in hand — a symbol, she said, of the team’s joy and togetherness.
“This is the symbol of just the joyfulness we have right now,” Wilson said with a smile. “And I’m grateful.”
Wilson’s impact extends beyond her numbers. Her poise in the biggest moments — including clutch defensive stops and fourth-quarter buckets — provided the backbone for a team that rediscovered its identity midway through the season.
From Midseason Turmoil to a Championship Run
The Aces’ path to the title was anything but smooth. On August 2, Las Vegas sat at .500 following an embarrassing 53-point loss that raised doubts about their dynasty. But rather than crumble, the Aces rallied.
They closed the regular season on a 16-game winning streak, secured the No. 2 seed in the postseason, and powered through back-to-back series that went the distance before dominating Phoenix on the sport’s biggest stage.
“This one hits differently because it was different,” Hammon said. “There was probably a lot more adversity than any of us anticipated. We’re all human, and we’re humans that wanted to get it right and get it right together.”
Hammon, now 10-2 in WNBA Finals games, has established herself as one of the most successful coaches in league history. She emphasized the emotional journey this title carried — a testament to her team’s resilience and unity.
“I love being their coach. I love being their friend,” she said. “Pushing them sometimes to their disliking a little bit, but I’m invested in their greatness.”
Phoenix Fights, but Vegas Too Much
The Mercury gave everything they had in Game 4, led by DeWanna Bonner’s 27 points and Kahleah Copper’s 19, but couldn’t match the Aces’ balance and execution. Las Vegas shot 51% from the field, hit 10 three-pointers, and controlled the boards for most of the night.
Chelsea Gray orchestrated the offense with her usual composure, posting 14 points and 8 assists, while Jackie Young added 18 points and Kelsey Plum chipped in 15, providing key support behind Wilson’s dominance.
For Phoenix, the season ends in disappointment but also pride. The Mercury overcame early injuries and chemistry struggles to reach the Finals under first-year head coach Nate Tibbetts, setting the stage for optimism heading into 2026.
Legacy of a Dynasty
With the win, the Las Vegas Aces join rare company. They’re the first WNBA team since the Houston Comets (1997–2000) to win three titles in a four-year span and are now the modern dynasty in women’s basketball.
Hammon put it best:
“The evolution of this game — these players are bigger, stronger, faster, and more skilled. Past dynasties laid the groundwork, but what these women are doing now is taking it to another level.”
Looking Ahead
For the Aces, the mission continues. Their veteran core — Wilson, Gray, Plum, and Young — is all under contract, and their championship window remains wide open. If 2025 was about overcoming adversity, 2026 may be about chasing history once again.
As the confetti fell inside Mortgage Matchup Center, Wilson danced and laughed with her teammates, the pink tambourine shaking in rhythm. The message was clear: joy, dominance, and legacy — all in perfect harmony.
Final Score:
Las Vegas Aces 97, Phoenix Mercury 86
Series: Aces win 4–0
Finals MVP: A’ja Wilson (28.5 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 2.0 BPG)
Quote of the Night:
“There was doubt out there,” said Chelsea Gray. “But not in that locker room. We trusted the process, and now we’re back on top.”
