The Las Vegas Aces moved closer to their third WNBA championship in four years with a decisive 91-78 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday. The win gives Las Vegas a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven finals, placing the Aces in a commanding position.
Jackie Young led the team with 32 points, including an impressive 21-point surge in the third quarter. Her performance tied her career playoff high and came just shy of the league record for points scored in a single postseason quarter. Reigning MVP A’ja Wilson contributed a double-double with 28 points and 14 rebounds, continuing her dominant postseason form.
Young had struggled in Game 1, shooting 3-of-13, largely due to fatigue. She reassured coach Becky Hammon ahead of Game 2 that she would be ready to perform. Hammon praised Young’s determination, saying, “[Young] is a player that never wants to come out of the game. When she tells me she doesn’t have any legs and pulls herself out, I know she’s hurting. Yesterday, she said, ‘Good, I’ll have my legs tomorrow,’ and I believed her.”
Wilson also lauded Young’s consistency and dedication. “It’s a joy playing with Young. Take the numbers away, I’m just so proud of her. Honestly, she’s a perfectionist, and to see her hard work paying off is a beautiful thing to witness. I’m grateful to be her teammate,” Wilson said.
For the Mercury, Kahleah Copper led with 23 points, while Satou Sabally added 22. Alyssa Thomas contributed 10 points despite foul trouble. Phoenix opened the game strong, scoring the first seven points and putting up 27 in the first quarter, but the Aces quickly regained control. Las Vegas limited the Mercury to just 24 points over the next two quarters and led 76-51 entering the fourth. The margin eventually widened to 22 points.
Aces coach Becky Hammon extended her unbeaten Game 2 record to 9-0 with this win. Her team has averaged more than 17 points of margin in these games, reinforcing the challenge of playing a Game 2 in Las Vegas for opposing teams.
Game 3 is scheduled for Wednesday in Phoenix. The Aces aim to strengthen their series lead, while the Mercury face a difficult task of winning four of the next five games to capture their fourth championship, which would tie the WNBA record.
Phoenix head coach Nate Tibbetts acknowledged the challenge ahead. “We’re excited to go play in our home arena. Vegas did what they’re supposed to do. I think we played a really good Game 1, and they came out and were ready today,” he said.
The Aces’ dominance in Game 2 demonstrates the team’s depth and experience. Young’s third-quarter explosion and Wilson’s consistent double-double performance show why Las Vegas is favored to extend its championship streak. The Mercury, despite strong individual efforts, struggled to contain the Aces’ offense and will need adjustments to reverse the series momentum.
Las Vegas’ combination of star talent and strategic coaching has made them formidable in the playoffs. Hammon’s leadership, combined with the scoring prowess of Young and Wilson, has created a difficult challenge for any opponent in the WNBA Finals.
As the series moves to Phoenix, the Mercury must overcome a 2-0 deficit and limit the Aces’ scoring opportunities to have a realistic chance at the title. Meanwhile, the Aces will look to maintain their rhythm and continue executing both offensively and defensively.
With Game 3 approaching, Las Vegas holds the upper hand. Strong performances from Young and Wilson, along with Hammon’s strategic guidance, make the Aces favorites to capture another WNBA title and add to their recent championship legacy.
