Las Vegas Aces sweep Phoenix Mercury to win third WNBA Championship
The Las Vegas Aces have once again written their name in WNBA history, completing a commanding sweep over the Phoenix Mercury to win their third championship in four seasons.
The Aces, who entered the playoffs as the No. 2 seed, defeated the Mercury 97–86 in Game 4 at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. Their victory caps off a remarkable postseason run that reaffirms Las Vegas as the league’s modern dynasty.
At the heart of the triumph was A’ja Wilson, the 2025 WNBA MVP, who delivered a brilliant 31-point performance to clinch her second Finals MVP honor. Her dominance marked the eighth time in WNBA history that the league’s MVP has gone on to win both the championship and Finals MVP in the same season.
“True Champions”: A’ja Wilson and the Aces rise again
“This team has been through hell and back. Everyone stepped up — we have the greatest player in the world in A’ja Wilson,” said an emotional Chelsea Gray after the final buzzer. “True champions. Winning takes care of everything.”
It wasn’t an easy road for Las Vegas. Both their first-round and semifinal series, against the Seattle Storm and Indiana Fever, went the distance, forcing decisive winner-take-all games. Yet, when it mattered most, the Aces’ experience and composure carried them through, allowing them to close out the Finals in just four games — the first best-of-seven WNBA Finals to end so swiftly.
A season that tested their resilience
This championship may be the most improbable of all for Las Vegas. The team opened the season with an uncharacteristic 11–11 record, their worst start since 2018. But following the WNBA All-Star weekend, the Aces flipped the script, finishing the regular season with a 19–3 record and a 16-game win streak, tied for the second-longest in league history.
Head coach Becky Hammon praised her team’s adaptability, resilience, and leadership. “We knew what we were capable of. It was all about rediscovering our identity and trusting each other again,” she said postgame.
Game 4 Highlights: A’ja Wilson shines
The Aces came out firing in Game 4, building a 16-point lead by halftime after shooting an incredible 52.9% from beyond the arc. By the end of the first quarter, Wilson already had 12 points and continued her dominance throughout the night.
Jewell Loyd came off the bench to add crucial scoring, while Chelsea Gray orchestrated the offense with poise and precision. NaLyssa Smith and Jackie Young provided defensive grit and timely baskets to keep the Mercury chasing throughout.
For the Phoenix Mercury, Alyssa Thomas fought valiantly with 15 points and 10 rebounds before suffering a right shoulder injury late in the second quarter. Kahleah Copper led the scoring for Phoenix with 22 points, while DeWanna Bonner added 10 points and 10 boards before foul trouble limited her minutes.
Tensions flared late in the game as Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts was ejected for a double technical after a heated exchange with officials. By then, the Aces had already seized control, keeping their focus as the clock wound down toward another historic celebration.
A’ja Wilson: The Face of a New Era in Women’s Basketball
At just 29, A’ja Wilson has already established herself as one of the most dominant players in WNBA history. Two-time MVP, two-time Finals MVP, and three-time champion, her legacy continues to grow.
Off the court, Wilson has become a symbol of leadership and empowerment, using her platform to advocate for greater visibility and investment in women’s basketball. Her performances this season, capped by a record-breaking postseason, have only strengthened her claim as the best player in the world.
What’s next for the Aces and the League
With this victory, the Las Vegas Aces join the conversation among the greatest WNBA dynasties, matching the early-2000s Los Angeles Sparks and the Minnesota Lynx of the 2010s in sustained excellence.
For the Phoenix Mercury, the offseason will bring difficult questions. With Alyssa Thomas recovering from injury and Satou Sabally sidelined with a concussion, rebuilding their depth and defensive cohesion will be a priority.
As for the league, the 2025 Finals were another reminder of the growing global appeal of women’s basketball. Record-breaking attendance, TV ratings, and star power have positioned the WNBA for even greater expansion, both in fanbase and influence. The Las Vegas Aces’ 2025 triumph wasn’t just another championship — it was a statement of endurance, unity, and legacy. Against every challenge, they proved once again that winning truly takes care of everything.
SportsLigue