by The phoenix mercury vs las vegas aces match player stats tell an incredible story of two powerhouse teams battling it out on the court.
When these two WNBA giants face each other, fans know they’re in for a treat. This particular game was no different, delivering edge-of-your-seat action from start to finish.
Both teams brought their A-game, showcasing why they’re considered among the league’s elite.
The Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury have developed quite a rivalry over the years, and this matchup added another exciting chapter to their ongoing story.
What made this game special wasn’t just the final score, but how each player contributed to the drama.
From clutch three-pointers to game-changing defensive plays, every stat tells part of a larger story.
The Aces managed to edge out the Mercury with an 84-80 victory, but the numbers show just how close this battle really was.
Phoenix Mercury Vs Las Vegas Aces Match Player Stats
Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or someone who just enjoys good competition, understanding these player stats helps you appreciate the skill and strategy that goes into professional women’s basketball.
Let’s dive deep into what happened on the court and break down the performances that made this game unforgettable.
Key Players and Teams Who Took the Court
Las Vegas Aces Roster
The Aces came into this game with their usual strong lineup. Their core players stepped up when it mattered most:
- A’ja Wilson – The team’s superstar and leader on both ends of the court
- Jackie Young – Reliable guard who can score and facilitate
- Chelsea Gray – Veteran point guard with excellent court vision
- Aaliyah Nye – Emerging talent who made clutch shots
| Position | Key Players | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Forward | A’ja Wilson | Primary scorer and rebounder |
| Guard | Jackie Young | Secondary scorer and ball handler |
| Point Guard | Chelsea Gray | Floor general and playmaker |
| Forward/Guard | Aaliyah Nye | Three-point specialist |
Phoenix Mercury Lineup
The Mercury brought their own set of talented players to challenge the Aces:
- Alyssa Thomas – Versatile forward with great passing skills
- Kahleah Copper – Dynamic scorer who can heat up quickly
- Sami Whitcomb – Veteran sharpshooter from beyond the arc
- Satou Sabally – Athletic forward with defensive prowess
| Position | Key Players | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Forward | Alyssa Thomas | Playmaking and rebounds |
| Guard/Forward | Kahleah Copper | Scoring and clutch plays |
| Guard | Sami Whitcomb | Three-point shooting |
| Forward | Satou Sabally | Defense and versatility |
Team Matchup Overview
This game featured two teams with different strengths. The Aces relied heavily on their interior presence and rebounding advantage, while the Mercury looked to win with outside shooting and fast-paced offense.
Game Details:
- Venue: Las Vegas (Home court advantage for Aces)
- Season: 2025 WNBA Regular Season
- Significance: Important for playoff positioning
- Final Score: Aces 84, Mercury 80
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
Early Game Development
The game started as a back-and-forth battle with both teams testing each other’s strengths. Neither team could establish a commanding early lead, which set the tone for a competitive contest.
First Half Highlights:
- Both teams shot well from the field
- Turnovers were minimal early on
- Defense remained disciplined
- Score stayed close throughout
Third Quarter Momentum
The third quarter saw the Aces start to pull away slightly. Their inside game began to take over, with A’ja Wilson asserting her dominance in the paint.
Key Third Quarter Stats:
- Aces outrebounded Mercury significantly
- Wilson scored multiple baskets in the post
- Mercury struggled with interior defense
- Lead extended to single digits
Fourth Quarter Drama
The final quarter delivered incredible drama. With 9:02 remaining, Satou Sabally hit a three-pointer to give the Mercury a 44-40 lead, sparking their comeback attempt.
Critical Fourth Quarter Timeline:
| Time | Play | Score Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 9:02 | Sabally 3-pointer | Mercury takes lead |
| 7:29-5:14 | Wilson scores 7 points | Aces respond |
| 3:54 | Whitcomb deep three | Mercury leads 73-70 |
| 1:25 | Copper clutch three | Mercury up 80-79 |
| 0:22 | Wilson driving layup | Aces seal victory |
Final Minutes Intensity
The last two minutes showcased why both teams are playoff contenders. Sami Whitcomb knocked down a huge three-pointer to give Phoenix a 73-70 advantage. But the Aces responded with composure and execution.
Game-Deciding Plays:
- Jackie Young made all her free throws under pressure
- Aaliyah Nye hit multiple clutch three-pointers
- A’ja Wilson dominated the paint when it mattered most
- Chelsea Gray provided veteran leadership
Highlight Standout Performances
A’ja Wilson’s Dominant Display
A’ja Wilson put together one of her best performances of the season. Her 26 points and 18 rebounds created a double-double that anchored the Aces victory.
Wilson’s Complete Stat Line:
- Minutes: 35
- Points: 26 (team-high)
- Rebounds: 18 (game-high)
- Assists: 7
- Field Goals: 8-20
- Free Throws: 10-11 (excellent efficiency)
Wilson’s impact went beyond the numbers. She controlled the paint on both ends, altered shots on defense, and scored crucial baskets in the final minutes.
Aaliyah Nye’s Breakout Game
Aaliyah Nye emerged as an unlikely hero for the Aces. Coming off the bench, she provided exactly what her team needed – reliable three-point shooting and clutch performance.
Nye’s Impressive Numbers:
- Points: 16 (all from three-pointers and free throws)
- Three-Pointers: 5-7 (incredible efficiency)
- Plus/Minus: +12 (highest on team)
- Minutes: 20 (maximum impact in limited time)
Her perfect shooting from beyond the arc kept the Aces competitive when the Mercury made their fourth-quarter run.
Mercury’s Balanced Attack
The Phoenix Mercury showed why they’re dangerous with their balanced scoring approach. Multiple players contributed double-digit points.
Top Mercury Performers:
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alyssa Thomas | 16 | 7 | 8 | Playmaking and leadership |
| Kahleah Copper | 15 | 6 | 3 | Clutch shooting |
| Sami Whitcomb | 14 | 1 | 3 | Three-point accuracy |
Clutch Moments That Defined the Game
Several game-changing plays stood out:
Most Important Plays:
- Whitcomb’s deep three at 3:54 in the fourth quarter
- Jackie Young’s response with a three-point play
- Copper’s go-ahead three with 1:25 remaining
- Wilson’s game-sealing layup with 22 seconds left
These moments showed why both teams are considered championship contenders. The ability to make big shots under intense pressure separates good teams from great ones.
Key Statistics
Final Score and Shooting Efficiency
The 84-80 final score reflected how evenly matched these teams were. However, the shooting statistics revealed important differences in their approaches.
Team Shooting Comparison:
| Category | Las Vegas Aces | Phoenix Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 43.3% | 38.0% |
| Three-Point % | 37.5% | 41.7% |
| Free Throw % | 88.5% | 81.0% |
| FG Made/Attempted | 26/60 | 27/71 |
The Aces shot more efficiently overall, while the Mercury were better from three-point range. The free throw difference proved crucial in a close game.
Rebounding Battle
Rebounding was a key factor in the Aces victory. A’ja Wilson’s dominance on the boards gave her team extra possessions.
Rebounding Stats:
| Team | Offensive Rebounds | Defensive Rebounds | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aces | 5 | 31 | 36 |
| Mercury | 12 | 23 | 35 |
The Mercury actually grabbed more offensive rebounds, showing their hustle and determination. However, the Aces controlled the defensive glass, limiting second-chance opportunities.
Ball Movement and Defense
Both teams played smart basketball with good ball movement and active defense.
Team Statistics Summary:
- Aces Assists: 20 (excellent ball sharing)
- Mercury Assists: 19 (nearly equal)
- Aces Turnovers: 12
- Mercury Turnovers: 11
- Steals: 5 each (balanced defensive pressure)
- Blocks: 3 each (interior defense)
The turnover numbers show both teams took care of the ball reasonably well, making this a high-quality basketball game.
Quotes or Reactions
Post-Game Comments from Key Players
A’ja Wilson reflected on her team’s performance: “Rebounding and second-chance points were huge for us today. Sharing the ball and staying composed in crunch time made the difference.”
Her leadership on and off the court showed why she’s considered one of the WNBA’s best players.
Coaching Perspectives
Phoenix Mercury Coach Monty Williams acknowledged his team’s effort while pointing out areas for improvement: “Kalani Brown gave us the spark we needed on the boards. Turnovers and missed free throws in the final minutes hurt our chances.”
This honest assessment shows how small details can decide close games between elite teams.
Player Recognition
Kahleah Copper praised her teammate Chelsea Gray’s performance: “Her assists and calm decision-making in the final stretch were critical.”
Gray finished with 15 points and 6 assists, showing her veteran experience in pressure situations.
Analyst Observations
Basketball analyst Jessica Lee noted: “The Aces’ dominance in free throws and rebounds contrasted with the Mercury’s sharp three-point shooting. Controlling the glass was the key factor in the outcome.”
This expert analysis highlights how different team strengths created an interesting tactical battle.
For more WNBA coverage and analysis, check out:
Analysis
What Worked for Each Team
Las Vegas Aces Strengths:
- Interior dominance through A’ja Wilson
- Excellent free throw shooting (88.5%)
- Clutch three-point shooting from Aaliyah Nye
- Veteran leadership in crucial moments
Phoenix Mercury Positives:
- Outstanding three-point percentage (41.7%)
- Balanced scoring from multiple players
- Strong fourth-quarter comeback attempt
- Competitive spirit against a tough opponent
Areas for Improvement
Both teams showed areas they can work on for future games.
Aces Need to Address:
- Ball security (12 turnovers in a close game)
- Consistency in offensive flow
- Bench depth beyond key contributors
Mercury Must Improve:
- Overall shooting efficiency (38.0% field goal percentage)
- Free throw execution under pressure
- Interior defense against elite big players
Strategic Takeaways
This game revealed important strategic lessons:
Successful Strategies:
- Aces using Wilson as focal point in half-court offense
- Mercury spreading floor with three-point shooting
- Both teams making timely substitutions
- Defensive adjustments throughout the game
Looking Ahead
The phoenix mercury vs las vegas aces match player stats show both teams are playoff ready. The Aces proved they can close out tight games, while the Mercury demonstrated they can compete with anyone when their shots fall.
Playoff Implications:
- Aces gain confidence from clutch victory
- Mercury learn valuable lessons about execution
- Both teams show championship potential
- Regular season games like this prepare teams for playoff intensity
FAQs
Who were the top scorers in this game?
A’ja Wilson led all scorers with 26 points for the Las Vegas Aces. For the Phoenix Mercury, Alyssa Thomas scored 16 points while Kahleah Copper added 15 points.
What was the biggest difference between the teams?
The rebounding battle was crucial. The Aces dominated defensive rebounds 31-23, giving them more possessions. Free throw shooting also made a difference, with Las Vegas shooting 88.5% compared to Phoenix’s 81.0%.
Were there any injuries during the game?
No major injuries were reported during this matchup. Both teams made strategic substitutions throughout the game, but these were tactical decisions rather than injury-related changes.
How did this game affect playoff standings?
This victory helped the Las Vegas Aces improve their playoff positioning. The Phoenix Mercury remains competitive for a playoff spot but needs to maintain consistency in upcoming games.
Where can I find more detailed statistics?
For comprehensive phoenix mercury vs las vegas aces match player stats, visit the official WNBA website or ESPN’s WNBA section. These sources provide complete box scores and advanced analytics.
What made this game significant?
Beyond the close score, this game showcased high-level basketball between two championship contenders. The fourth-quarter drama and clutch performances made it a memorable contest for fans.
Conclusion
The phoenix mercury vs las vegas aces match player stats tell the story of an incredible basketball game that lived up to all expectations. With the Aces winning 84-80, both teams proved they belong among the WNBA’s elite.
A’ja Wilson’s dominant performance with 26 points and 18 rebounds anchored the Aces victory, but the Mercury made them work for every point. Aaliyah Nye’s clutch three-point shooting and the veteran leadership of players like Chelsea Gray showed why Las Vegas is considered a championship favorite.
For the Phoenix Mercury, this game demonstrated their resilience and fighting spirit. Players like Alyssa Thomas, Kahleah Copper, and Sami Whitcomb proved they can compete with anyone when their three-point shots are falling.
The phoenix mercury vs las vegas aces match player stats also revealed important lessons for both teams. The Aces learned they can win close games against quality opponents, while the Mercury discovered they need better interior defense and free throw execution in crucial moments.
Looking ahead, both teams have legitimate championship aspirations. Games like this one prepare teams for the intensity and pressure they’ll face in the playoffs. Basketball fans can expect more thrilling encounters when these two teams meet again.
The statistics don’t lie – this was a high-quality basketball game between two well-coached teams with talented rosters. Whether you’re analyzing the phoenix mercury vs las vegas aces match player stats for fantasy purposes or just enjoying great basketball, this game provided entertainment and insights into what makes the WNBA so competitive and exciting.
