Las Vegas Aces guard Dana Evans, left, and center A'ja Wilson, right, cheer during the second half in Game 1 of the WNBA basketball finals against the Phoenix Mercury in Las Vegas.
WNBA Finals 2025: Las Vegas Aces Bench Fires In Game 1 Win Over Phoenix Mercury
The Las Vegas Aces took a 1-0 lead in the WNBA Finals after edging the Phoenix Mercury 89-86 in Game 1, powered by an exceptional performance from their bench. Dana Evans starred with 21 points, becoming the first player in Finals history to hit five three-pointers and record four steals in a single game, while Jewell Loyd added 18. The Aces’ reserves contributed 41 points in total, nearly half of the team’s scoring output, validating coach Becky Hammon’s pre-game faith in her bench strength. Defensive specialist Kiah Stokes made a crucial stop in the final seconds, while A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young received much-needed rest after their Game 5 heroics against Indiana. Despite a strong outing from Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas, the Mercury couldn’t find a late equaliser, handing Las Vegas the early edge in their bid for a third championship in four years.
WNBA: Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces
| Photo: AP/John Locher)
Las Vegas Aces guard Dana Evans (11) reacts after a basket against the Phoenix Mercury during the second half in Game 1 of the WNBA basketball finals in Las Vegas.
WNBA Finals 2025: Las Vegas Aces vs Phoenix Mercury
| Photo: AP/John Locher
Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) and Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) battle for the ball during the second half in Game 1 of the WNBA basketball finals in Las Vegas.
WNBA Finals 2025: Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces
| Photo: AP/John Locher
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with teammates during the second half in Game 1 of the WNBA basketball finals against the Phoenix Mercury in Las Vegas.
WNBA Finals Basketball: Las Vegas Aces vs Phoenix Mercury
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Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) drives as Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) defends during the second half in Game 1 of a WNBA basketball final playoff series in Las Vegas.
WNBA Finals Basketball: Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces
| Photo: AP/John Locher
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas falls as Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson, left, defends during the second half in Game 1 of a WNBA basketball final playoff series in Las Vegas.
WNBA Basketball Final Playoff Series: Las Vegas Aces vs Phoenix Mercury
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Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) and forward Alyssa Thomas talk during the second half in Game 1 of the WNBA basketball finals against the Las Vegas Aces in Las Vegas.
WNBA Basketball Final Playoff Series: Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces
| Photo: AP/John Locher
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) and Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper battle for the ball during the second half in Game 1 of the WNBA basketball finals in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas Aces vs Phoenix Mercury
| Photo: AP/John Locher
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) battles Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray, right, for the ball during the second half in Game 1 of the WNBA basketball finals in Las Vegas.
Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces
| Photo: AP/John Locher
Las Vegas Aces center Kiah Stokes (41) celebrates against the Phoenix Mercury during the second half in Game 1 of the WNBA basketball finals in Las Vegas.
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