Overview

• Las Vegas took a 1-0 series lead as reserves outscored Phoenix's bench 41-16, with Dana Evans scoring 21 and Jewell Loyd adding 18.
• Evans hit 5-of-6 from three and recorded four steals, becoming the first player with five threes and four steals in a WNBA Finals game.
• A'ja Wilson posted 21 points and 10 rebounds, extending her WNBA Finals record to five games with at least 20 points and 10 boards.
• Coach Becky Hammon said a move to zone defense cooled Phoenix, with Kahleah Copper limited to two points after a 19-point first half.
• In the closing sequence, Alyssa Thomas missed two free throws with 24.6 seconds left, Jackie Young made two with 13.5 remaining, and Satou Sabally missed a tying three; Game 2 is Sunday in Las Vegas.