Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Aces Edge Mercury 89-86 to Open First Best-of-Seven WNBA Finals

A bench surge led by Dana Evans, plus a late switch to zone, carried Las Vegas in a tight opener.

Overview

  • Dana Evans scored 21 points with five 3-pointers and four steals off the bench as Las Vegas’ reserves outscored Phoenix’s 41-16.
  • Jewell Loyd added 18 off the bench, while A’ja Wilson posted 21 points and 10 rebounds and Chelsea Gray logged 10 assists.
  • Las Vegas’ fourth-quarter move to a zone defense cooled Phoenix to 6-for-18 shooting in the period after the Mercury had been over 52% through three quarters.
  • The finish turned on execution: Alyssa Thomas missed two free throws with 24.6 seconds left, Jackie Young made two with 13.5 remaining, and Satou Sabally’s tying three at the buzzer missed.
  • The Finals expand to a best-of-seven for the first time, Las Vegas leads 1-0, and Game 2 is Sunday in Las Vegas as commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s response to player criticisms frames the backdrop.