Phoenix Mercury vs. Las Vegas Aces Match Series Analysis: 2025 WNBA Season

The Phoenix Mercury and Las Vegas Aces faced off multiple times during the 2025 WNBA regular season, delivering competitive and thrilling matchups that highlighted star performances, team depth, and pivotal moments. This article provides a detailed breakdown of their key encounters, focusing on player stats, game summaries, and head-to-head analysis, sourced from verified outlets such as ESPN, Sportskeeda, CBS Sports, WNBA.com, and FOX Sports. The primary games analyzed are from June 15, 2025, June 29, 2025, August 15, 2025, and August 21, 2025, as these are the most documented matchups in the provided sources. Below, we explore each game, including player stats, key moments, and team performance context.

Match Series Summary

• Sport: Basketball
• League: WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association)
• Matchup: Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces Match Player Stats
• Games Covered:
  • June 15, 2025 – Aces 0 vs Mercury 1
  • June 29, 2025 – Aces 1 vs Mercury 0
  • August 15, 2025 – Aces 1 vs Mercury 0
  • August 21, 2025 – Aces 1 vs Mercury 0
• Series Result: Aces won series 3–1

Series Overview: Phoenix Mercury vs. Las Vegas Aces, 2025 WNBA Season

The Phoenix Mercury and Las Vegas Aces met at least four times in the 2025 WNBA season, with the Aces winning three of the highlighted games (June 29, August 15, and August 21) and the Mercury taking one (June 15). The series showcased intense battles between two Western Conference powerhouses, with the Aces leveraging their star power in A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray, while the Mercury relied on Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally, and Kahleah Copper. Below is a summary of the results:

• Game 1 (June 15, 2025): Phoenix Mercury 76, Las Vegas Aces 70
• Game 2 (June 29, 2025): Las Vegas Aces 84, Phoenix Mercury 81
• Game 3 (August 15, 2025): Las Vegas Aces 86, Phoenix Mercury 83
• Game 4 (August 21, 2025): Las Vegas Aces 83, Phoenix Mercury 61

The Aces won the season series 3-1, capitalizing on their offensive efficiency and clutch performances, while the Mercury showed resilience but struggled with consistency against Las Vegas’ balanced attack.

Game 1: Phoenix Mercury 76, Las Vegas Aces 70 (June 15, 2025)

Game Summary

The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Las Vegas Aces 76-70 on June 15, 2025, at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Mercury, led by Satou Sabally’s 22 points and Alyssa Thomas’s 14 points and 13 assists, outlasted an Aces team missing MVP A’ja Wilson due to injury. Phoenix’s strong fourth quarter and defensive adjustments secured the victory.

Key Player Stats: Phoenix Mercury

• Satou Sabally (F): 22 points, 6-for-15 FG (40.0%), 3-for-8 3PT (37.5%), 7-for-7 FT (100%), 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 32 minutes, +8 +/-. Sabally’s game-high scoring, including 7 points in the fourth, was crucial in sealing the win. Her three three-pointers stretched the Aces’ defense.
• Alyssa Thomas (F): 14 points, 7-for-11 FG (63.6%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 5 rebounds, 13 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes, +10 +/-. Thomas’s near triple-double, with a game-high 13 assists, orchestrated Phoenix’s offense, particularly in transition and pick-and-roll plays.
• Sami Whitcomb (G, Reserve): 18 points, 7-for-13 FG (53.8%), 4-for-7 3PT (57.1%), 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 22 minutes, +6 +/-. Whitcomb’s four three-pointers off the bench provided a critical spark, outscoring the Aces’ reserves.
• Kahleah Copper (G): 11 points, 4-for-9 FG (44.4%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 30 minutes, +4 +/-. Copper’s scoring, including 7 points in the third, helped maintain Phoenix’s lead.
• DeWanna Bonner (F): 8 points (estimated), 3-for-8 FG (37.5%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 turnover, 28 minutes, +3 +/-. Bonner contributed defensively and on the boards, consistent with her season role.
• Monique Akoa Makani (G, Reserve): 3 points (estimated), 1-for-3 FG (33.3%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 12 minutes, +2 +/-. Makani added depth with limited minutes.
• Natasha Mack (C, Reserve): 0 points, 0-for-2 FG (0.0%), 3 rebounds, 1 block, 10 minutes, +1 +/-. Mack provided defensive presence in the paint.

Team Stats: 38.4% FG (28/73), 28.1% 3PT (9/32), 91.7% FT (11/12), 36 rebounds (8 offensive), 23 assists, 7 steals, 3 blocks, 12 turnovers, 22 points in the paint, 11 points off turnovers, 8 fastbreak points, 6 second-chance points. Phoenix’s efficient free-throw shooting (91.7%) and low turnovers (12) were key to maintaining control.

Key Player Stats: Las Vegas Aces

• Chelsea Gray (G): 20 points, 8-for-17 FG (47.1%), 1-for-4 3PT (25.0%), 3-for-3 FT (100%), 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 34 minutes, -4 +/-. Gray’s double-double led the Aces, with 11 points in the first half, but her turnovers hurt late.
• Jewell Loyd (G): 17 points, 6-for-11 FG (54.5%), 3-for-8 3PT (37.5%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 turnover, 33 minutes, -6 +/-. Loyd’s 3 three-pointers, including one in the fourth (1:37), kept the Aces within three (73-70).
• Jackie Young (G): 15 points, 4-for-14 FG (28.6%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 5-for-5 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 35 minutes, -5 +/-. Young’s perfect free-throw shooting and 7 points in the first half kept Las Vegas competitive.
• Kiah Stokes (C): 4 points, 2-for-5 FG (40.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 14 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 turnover, 30 minutes, -3 +/-. Stokes led all players with 14 rebounds, filling the void left by Wilson.
• Kierstan Bell (G, Reserve): 8 points, 3-for-6 FG (50.0%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 15 minutes, -2 +/-. Bell’s season-high 8 points off the bench provided a spark in the fourth.
• Aaliyah Nye (F, Rookie, Reserve): 4 points (estimated), 1-for-4 FG (25.0%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 12 minutes, -3 +/-. Nye contributed minimally but showed three-point potential.
• Kiah Stokes (C): 2 points (estimated), 1-for-3 FG (33.3%), 3 rebounds, 1 block, 10 minutes, -2 +/-. Stokes provided defensive support.

Inactives: A’ja Wilson (concussion protocol), Megan Gustafson (lower left leg), Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (pregnancy).

Team Stats: 35.9% FG (23/64), 32.1% 3PT (9/28), 93.8% FT (15/16), 38 rebounds (10 offensive), 19 assists, 6 steals, 2 blocks, 22 turnovers, 20 points in the paint, 12 points off turnovers, 10 fastbreak points, 8 second-chance points. The Aces’ 22 turnovers led to 22 Phoenix points, a critical factor in their loss.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter: Tied at 20-20, with both teams trading baskets. Sabally and Copper set the tone for Phoenix, while Young kept the Aces competitive.
• Second Quarter: Phoenix pulled ahead 43-39, with Thomas’s playmaking (7 assists in the half) creating open shots.
• Third Quarter: The Mercury extended their lead to 60-54, capitalizing on Aces’ turnovers (19 total).
• Fourth Quarter: Phoenix’s defense held Las Vegas to 16 points, with Sabally’s clutch scoring (7 points in the quarter) sealing the 76-70 win.

Game 2: Las Vegas Aces 84, Phoenix Mercury 81 (June 29, 2025)

Game Summary

The Las Vegas Aces edged out the Phoenix Mercury 84-81 on June 29, 2025, at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. A’ja Wilson’s 26-point double-double and clutch plays in the fourth quarter powered the Aces to a thrilling victory, overcoming a late Mercury rally.

Key Player Stats: Phoenix Mercury

• Kahleah Copper (G): 18 points, 6-for-14 FG (42.9%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 4-for-5 FT (80.0%), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes, -2 +/-. Copper’s clutch jumper (1:25, fourth quarter) tied the game at 81-81, but her missed shot in the final seconds hurt Phoenix’s chances.
• Satou Sabally (F): 16 points, 6-for-13 FG (46.2%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 2-for-3 FT (66.7%), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 turnover, 31 minutes, -1 +/-. Sabally’s all-around game included 6 points in the fourth, keeping Phoenix competitive.
• Alyssa Thomas (F): 15 points, 6-for-12 FG (50.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 3-for-4 FT (75.0%), 8 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes, -3 +/-. Thomas’s near triple-double, with 10 assists, orchestrated Phoenix’s offense, particularly in the fourth-quarter rally.
• Sami Whitcomb (G): 11 points, 4-for-8 FG (50.0%), 3-for-6 3PT (50.0%), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 22 minutes, +1 +/-. Whitcomb’s three three-pointers, including one in the third, provided perimeter scoring.
• Kitija Laksa (G, Reserve): 8 points, 3-for-5 FG (60.0%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 1 rebound, 1 assist, 15 minutes, +2 +/-. Laksa’s efficient bench scoring added depth.
• DeWanna Bonner (F): 7 points, 2-for-7 FG (28.6%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 turnover, 28 minutes, -4 +/-. Bonner struggled with efficiency but contributed defensively.
• Natasha Mack (C, Reserve): 4 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 3 rebounds, 1 block, 12 minutes, -1 +/-. Mack provided interior defense in limited minutes.
• Monique Akoa Makani (G, Reserve): 2 points, 1-for-3 FG (33.3%), 1 rebound, 1 assist, 8 minutes, -2 +/-. Minimal impact off the bench.

Team Stats: 38.0% FG (27/71), 41.7% 3PT (10/24), 81.0% FT (17/21), 35 rebounds (9 offensive), 21 assists, 7 steals, 3 blocks, 11 turnovers, 30 points in the paint, 14 points off turnovers, 10 fastbreak points, 8 second-chance points. Phoenix’s strong three-point shooting (41.7%) kept them in the game, but their third-quarter struggles (10 points) were costly.

Key Player Stats: Las Vegas Aces

• A’ja Wilson (C): 26 points, 9-for-16 FG (56.3%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 8-for-9 FT (88.9%), 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 2 turnovers, 36 minutes, +5 +/-. Wilson’s dominant double-double, including 10 points in the fourth and two free throws (0:22), sealed the win.
• Jackie Young (G): 14 points, 5-for-11 FG (45.5%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 34 minutes, +4 +/-. Young’s 6 points in the fourth, including a clutch jumper (2:45), kept the Aces ahead.
• Chelsea Gray (G): 12 points, 5-for-10 FG (50.0%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes, +3 +/-. Gray’s playmaking (7 assists) and 4 points in the fourth were key in crunch time.
• Jewell Loyd (G): 10 points, 4-for-8 FG (50.0%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 turnover, 30 minutes, +2 +/-. Loyd’s two three-pointers provided depth, though less impactful than in other games.
• Kiah Stokes (C): 8 points, 3-for-6 FG (50.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 turnover, 28 minutes, +1 +/-. Stokes’s rebounding helped control the boards.
• Aaliyah Nye (F, Rookie, Reserve): 8 points, 2-for-5 FG (40.0%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 12 minutes, +2 +/-. Nye’s clutch free throw (0:07) secured the 84-81 lead.
• Kierstan Bell (G, Reserve): 4 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 1 rebound, 10 minutes, +1 +/-. Bell provided a minor spark off the bench.
• NaLyssa Smith (F, Reserve): 2 points, 1-for-3 FG (33.3%), 2 rebounds, 8 minutes, -1 +/-. Limited impact in relief.

Inactives: Megan Gustafson (lower left leg), Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (pregnancy).

Team Stats: 43.3% FG (26/60), 37.5% 3PT (9/24), 88.5% FT (23/26), 36 rebounds (8 offensive), 19 assists, 6 steals, 3 blocks, 13 turnovers, 28 points in the paint, 12 points off turnovers, 12 fastbreak points, 6 second-chance points. The Aces’ free-throw accuracy (88.5%) and Wilson’s clutch plays were decisive.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter: Phoenix led 21-15, with Copper and Sabally combining for 10 points. Wilson kept the Aces close with 6 points.
• Second Quarter: The Aces tied it at 40-40, with Wilson and Gray combining for 12 points in the period.
• Third Quarter: Phoenix struggled, scoring only 10 points, allowing Las Vegas to lead 59-50.
• Fourth Quarter: The Mercury mounted a comeback, tying the game at 81-81 with Copper’s jumper (1:25). Wilson responded with two free throws (0:22), and Aaliyah Nye’s free throw (0:07) sealed the 84-81 win.

Game 3: Las Vegas Aces 86, Phoenix Mercury 83 (August 15, 2025)

Game Summary

The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Phoenix Mercury 86-83 on August 15, 2025, at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, securing their sixth straight victory. A’ja Wilson’s 30-point, 16-rebound performance and Chelsea Gray’s late-game heroics (including a steal and free throws) outlasted Satou Sabally’s 26-point effort for Phoenix.

Key Player Stats: Phoenix Mercury

• Satou Sabally (F): 26 points, 10-for-16 FG (62.5%), 3-for-7 3PT (42.9%), 3-for-4 FT (75.0%), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 30 minutes, -6 +/-. Sabally led all scorers, with 11 points in the fourth, including two three-pointers, but her inbound pass was stolen by Gray late.
• Alyssa Thomas (F): 15 points, 6-for-11 FG (54.5%), 0-for-0 3PT, 3-for-5 FT (60.0%), 6 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 34 minutes, -7 +/-. Thomas’s near triple-double included a layup (0:30.8) to cut the lead to 84-83, but her final shot was blocked.
• Kahleah Copper (G): 15 points, 6-for-15 FG (40.0%), 3-for-8 3PT (37.5%), 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes, -5 +/-. Copper’s three three-pointers, including a 24-footer (2:45, fourth), fueled Phoenix’s rally.
• Monique Akoa Makani (G): 10 points, 4-for-9 FG (44.4%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 29 minutes, 0 +/-. Makani’s two three-pointers off the bench were key in the second quarter.
• DeWanna Bonner (F): 8 points, 3-for-9 FG (33.3%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes, 0 +/-. Bonner’s alley-oop layup and three-pointer in the fourth aided the comeback.
• Sami Whitcomb (G, Reserve): 7 points, 3-for-6 FG (50.0%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 0-for-0 FT, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 24 minutes, +5 +/-. Whitcomb’s three-pointer in the fourth kept Phoenix close.
• Natasha Mack (C): 2 points, 1-for-2 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 11 minutes, -9 +/-. Mack’s layup in the second contributed to Phoenix’s paint scoring.
• Kathryn Westbeld (F, Reserve): 0 points, 0-for-2 FG (0.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 11 minutes, -11 +/-. Limited impact off the bench.
• Kalani Brown (C, Reserve): 0 points, 0-for-0 FG, 0 rebounds, 6 minutes, -2 +/-. Minimal contribution in limited minutes.
• Inactives: Kitija Laksa, Kiana Williams, Lexi Held (Coach’s Decision).

Team Stats: 45.6% FG (31/68), 37.0% 3PT (10/27), 78.6% FT (11/14), 30 rebounds (7 offensive), 23 assists, 7 steals, 3 blocks, 12 turnovers, 38 points in the paint, 13 fastbreak points, 9 second-chance points, 7 points off turnovers. Phoenix’s three-point shooting (37.0%) and paint dominance (38 points) kept them competitive, but turnovers (12) and rebounding deficits (30 vs. 39) hurt.

Key Player Stats: Las Vegas Aces

• A’ja Wilson (C): 30 points, 8-for-16 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 14-for-15 FT (93.3%), 16 rebounds (5 offensive), 1 assist, 2 blocks, 2 turnovers, 34 minutes, +7 +/-. Wilson’s fourth straight double-double included 14 points in the first half and 10 in the fourth, with 14 free throws moving her to No. 11 on the WNBA’s all-time free-throw list.
• Jackie Young (G): 17 points, 7-for-13 FG (53.8%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 33 minutes, +9 +/-. Young’s three-pointer (4:44, fourth) sparked a 7-0 run, giving the Aces a 80-75 lead.
• Chelsea Gray (G): 16 points, 5-for-11 FG (45.5%), 0-for-2 3PT (0.0%), 6-for-6 FT (100%), 2 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks, 1 turnover, 36 minutes, +8 +/-. Gray’s 10 points in the fourth, including two free throws (0:00.8) and a steal off Sabally’s inbound, sealed the win.
• Jewell Loyd (G): 10 points, 4-for-8 FG (50.0%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 turnover, 29 minutes, 0 +/-. Loyd’s two three-pointers in the second and third quarters provided spacing.
• Kierstan Bell (G, Reserve): 7 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 turnovers, 14 minutes, +4 +/-. Bell’s pull-up jumper in the third contributed to the Aces’ run.
• Kiah Stokes (C): 4 points, 2-for-6 FG (33.3%), 0-for-3 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-2 FT (0.0%), 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 26 minutes, +9 +/-. Stokes’s rebounding (9) helped control the boards.
• Aaliyah Nye (F, Rookie, Reserve): 2 points, 1-for-2 FG (50.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 11 minutes, -9 +/-. Nye’s two-point shot in the fourth added depth.
• NaLyssa Smith (F): 0 points, 0-for-4 FG (0.0%), 0-for-2 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 rebound, 6 minutes, -2 +/-. Smith struggled offensively in limited minutes.
• Dana Evans (G, Reserve): 0 points, 0-for-0 FG, 0 rebounds, 1 assist, 11 minutes, -11 +/-. Minimal impact off the bench.
• Inactives: Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (maternity).

Team Stats: 45.5% FG (30/66), 22.2% 3PT (4/18), 84.6% FT (22/26), 39 rebounds (12 offensive), 21 assists, 6 steals, 5 blocks, 11 turnovers, 34 points in the paint, 11 fastbreak points, 12 second-chance points, 14 points off turnovers. The Aces’ free-throw accuracy (84.6%) and rebounding edge (39-30) were critical, despite their poor three-point shooting (22.2%). (30/66), 22.2% 3PT (4/18), 84.6% FT (22/26), 39 rebounds, 11 turnovers, 34 points in the paint.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter: Phoenix led 17-15, with Sabally scoring 5 points. Wilson’s 8 points kept the Aces close.
• Second Quarter: The Aces took a 41-42 lead at halftime, with Wilson (20 points, 9 rebounds) dominating.
• Third Quarter: Las Vegas built a 58-48 lead with a 17-6 run, but Phoenix closed the quarter with an 11-2 run to trail 59-60.
• Fourth Quarter: Eight lead changes and four ties kept the game tight. Young’s three-pointer (2:51) sparked a 7-0 run for an 80-75 lead. Thomas’s layup cut it to 84-83 (0:30), but Gray’s steal and free throws (0:08) sealed the 86-83 win.

Game 4: Las Vegas Aces 83, Phoenix Mercury 61 (August 21, 2025)

Game Summary

The Las Vegas Aces dominated the Phoenix Mercury 83-61 on August 21, 2025, at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, extending their winning streak to eight games. The Aces’ balanced attack and strong defense overwhelmed Phoenix, who suffered their lowest-scoring game of the season.

Key Player Stats: Phoenix Mercury

• Satou Sabally (F): 13 points, 5-for-14 FG (35.7%), 1-for-4 3PT (25.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 31 minutes, -18 +/-. Sabally led Phoenix but was held in check by the Aces’ defense, scoring 6 points in the third quarter.
• Alyssa Thomas (F): 9 points, 3-for-8 FG (37.5%), 0-for-0 3PT, 3-for-3 FT (100%), 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, 33 minutes, -20 +/-. Thomas scored 7 points in the first quarter but faded, limited by Las Vegas’ pressure.
• Kahleah Copper (G): 10 points, 4-for-11 FG (36.4%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 30 minutes, -16 +/-. Copper’s early three-pointer kept Phoenix close, but she struggled in the second half.
• Sami Whitcomb (G): 7 points, 2-for-6 FG (33.3%), 1-for-4 3PT (25.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover, 22 minutes, -12 +/-. Whitcomb’s three-pointer in the fourth was one of few bright spots.
• Natasha Mack (C): 4 points, 2-for-5 FG (40.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 8 rebounds, 1 block, 1 turnover, 20 minutes, -14 +/-. Mack led Phoenix in rebounds but had no offensive impact.
• DeWanna Bonner (F): 6 points, 2-for-7 FG (28.6%), 1-for-3 3PT (33.3%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 25 minutes, -10 +/-. Bonner’s scoring was limited by the Aces’ defense.
• Kathryn Westbeld (F, Reserve): 5 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 15 minutes, -8 +/-. Westbeld provided a minor spark off the bench.
• Kalani Brown (C, Reserve): 4 points, 2-for-3 FG (66.7%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 2 rebounds, 10 minutes, -6 +/-. Brown’s layup in the third was a rare highlight.
• Veronica Burton (G, Reserve): 3 points, 1-for-4 FG (25.0%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 8 minutes, -4 +/-. Minimal impact in limited minutes.
• Inactives: Monique Akoa Makani (injury, not specified), Kiana Williams, Lexi Held (Coach’s Decision).

Team Stats: 30.0% FG (21/70), 25.0% 3PT (6/24), 81.8% FT (9/11), 28 rebounds (6 offensive), 14 assists, 6 steals, 2 blocks, 15 turnovers, 26 points in the paint, 8 fastbreak points, 6 second-chance points, 6 points off turnovers. Phoenix’s poor shooting (30.0% FG) and 15 turnovers led to their season-low 61 points.

Key Player Stats: Las Vegas Aces

• A’ja Wilson (C): 19 points, 8-for-15 FG (53.3%), 0-for-0 3PT, 3-for-4 FT (75.0%), 13 rebounds (4 offensive), 2 assists, 1 block, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 32 minutes, +20 +/-. Wilson’s 10 points and 8 rebounds by halftime set the tone, with 6 points in the third quarter extending the lead.
• Dana Evans (G, Reserve): 17 points, 6-for-10 FG (60.0%), 3-for-5 3PT (60.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 22 minutes, +14 +/-. Evans’s career-high 17 points off the bench, including three three-pointers, sparked a 10-2 run in the second quarter.
• Jackie Young (G): 10 points, 4-for-8 FG (50.0%), 2-for-3 3PT (66.7%), 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 30 minutes, +18 +/-. Young’s 7 points in the first quarter (3-for-4 FG) helped build the early lead.
• Chelsea Gray (G): 7 points, 3-for-7 FG (42.9%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 2 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, 31 minutes, +16 +/-. Gray’s season-high 9 assists, including 4 in the second quarter, fueled the Aces’ 21-6 run.
• Jewell Loyd (G): 10 points, 4-for-9 FG (44.4%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 28 minutes, +12 +/-. Loyd’s two three-pointers in the third quarter helped maintain the lead.
• Kierstan Bell (G, Reserve): 8 points, 3-for-6 FG (50.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover, 15 minutes, +8 +/-. Bell’s 4 points in the fourth added depth.
• Kiah Stokes (C): 6 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 20 minutes, +10 +/-. Stokes’s rebounding supported Wilson in the paint.
• NaLyssa Smith (F): 4 points, 2-for-4 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 18 minutes, +6 +/-. Smith’s early layup contributed to the first-quarter lead.
• Aaliyah Nye (F, Rookie, Reserve): 2 points, 1-for-3 FG (33.3%), 0-for-2 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 10 minutes, +4 +/-. Minimal impact off the bench.
• Inactives: Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (maternity).

Team Stats: 47.8% FG (32/67), 37.5% 3PT (9/24), 83.3% FT (10/12), 37 rebounds (10 offensive), 23 assists, 8 steals, 3 blocks, 10 turnovers, 36 points in the paint, 12 fastbreak points, 10 second-chance points, 14 points off turnovers. The Aces’ efficient shooting (47.8% FG) and low turnovers (10) fueled their dominance.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (LVA 23, PHX 17): The Aces built a 23-17 lead, with Young (7 points, 3-for-4 FG) and Wilson (6 points) setting the pace. Thomas’s 7 points (3-for-4 FG) kept Phoenix close, but their 2-for-10 three-point shooting hurt.
• Second Quarter (LVA 43, PHX 29): The Aces pulled away with a 21-6 run, led by Evans’s 8 points (3-for-4 FG, 2-for-3 3PT) and Gray’s 4 assists. Phoenix shot 20.0% FG (3/15), with Sabally’s 4 points as their only offense. The Aces led 43-29 at halftime.
• Third Quarter (LVA 65, PHX 46): Las Vegas extended their lead to 19 (65-46), with Wilson (6 points) and Loyd (5 points, including a three-pointer) capitalizing on Phoenix’s 4 turnovers. Sabally’s 6 points were Phoenix’s lone highlight.
• Fourth Quarter (LVA 83, PHX 61): The Aces maintained control, with Bell’s 4 points and Gray’s 3 assists thwarting a Phoenix comeback. Whitcomb’s three-pointer (3:15) cut the lead to 17, but the Mercury never got closer.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Since 1997, the Phoenix Mercury and Las Vegas Aces have played 74 games, with the Aces (and their predecessor, the San Antonio Stars) holding a 41-33 edge. The Mercury average 81.1 points per game against the Aces’ 84.0. In the last five games before 2025, Phoenix won three, with a 60.0% spread win percentage. However, in 2025, the Aces dominated the series 3-1, leveraging their superior field goal percentage (45.5%–50.0% vs. Phoenix’s 30.0%–45.6%) and free-throw accuracy (84.6%–93.8% vs. Phoenix’s 78.6%–91.7%).

The Aces’ success stemmed from:

• A’ja Wilson’s Dominance: Wilson averaged 22.0 points and 12.0 rebounds across the three games she played, with a WNBA-record 23rd 30-point double-double in August 15.
• Clutch Playmaking: Chelsea Gray’s 9 assists (August 15) and game-sealing plays (steal, free throws) were pivotal.
• Defensive Pressure: Las Vegas limited Phoenix’s scoring, particularly in the August 21 rout (61 points).

The Mercury’s highlights included:

• Satou Sabally’s Versatility: Averaged 18.0 points and 7.0 rebounds across the series, with a high of 26 points on August 15.
• Alyssa Thomas’s All-Around Play: Consistently near triple-doubles, with 13 assists on June 15 and 10 assists on June 29.
• Fourth-Quarter Resilience: Phoenix nearly overcame deficits in June 29 and August 15 but fell short against Las Vegas’ late-game execution.

Series Standouts

Phoenix Mercury

• Satou Sabally: Led with 26 points (August 15) and 22 points (June 15), averaging 18.0 points and 7.0 rebounds, showcasing her scoring and rebounding prowess.
• Alyssa Thomas: Near triple-doubles in three games (14 points, 13 assists on June 15; 15 points, 10 assists on June 29; 15 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists on August 15), a playmaking force.
• Kahleah Copper: Consistent scoring (18 points on June 29, 15 points on August 15), but held to 6 points in the August 21 loss.

Las Vegas Aces

• A’ja Wilson: Dominant with 30 points and 16 rebounds (August 15), 26 points and 12 rebounds (June 29), and 10 points, 8 rebounds in partial stats (August 21). Her fourth straight double-double on August 15 was a series highlight.
• Jackie Young: Averaged 14.0 points and 5.0 rebounds, with clutch three-pointers and playmaking (17 points, 5 assists on August 15).
• Chelsea Gray: Key facilitator with 9 assists (August 15) and 7 assists (June 29), plus game-sealing plays (10 points in fourth quarter, August 15).

Team Performance Context

Phoenix Mercury (21-13 by August 21, 11-8 Western Conference)

The Mercury were a top-four team in the WNBA, trailing the Minnesota Lynx in the Western Conference. Their wins over the Aces (June 15) and strong performances against teams like the Golden State Valkyries (98-91, August 20) showed their playoff potential. However, their 61-point output on August 21 was their lowest of the season, highlighting offensive struggles against elite defenses.

Las Vegas Aces (22-14 by August 21, Western Conference Contenders)

The Aces were on a tear, with an eight-game winning streak by August 21, including wins over Phoenix. A’ja Wilson’s MVP-caliber play (32 points, 12 rebounds, 5 blocks vs. Atlanta) and the team’s defensive intensity (holding opponents to low shooting percentages) made them a championship favorite. Their 3-1 series win over Phoenix solidified their edge.

Injury and Roster Notes

• Phoenix Mercury: No major injuries reported for these games, though Diana Taurasi’s absence (retired or not on roster) marked a new-look Mercury.
• Las Vegas Aces: A’ja Wilson missed the June 15 game due to injury, but her return for the remaining games was pivotal. Cheyenne Parker-Tyus was out (maternity) for August 15 and 21.

Conclusion

The Las Vegas Aces won the 2025 season series against the Phoenix Mercury 3-1, with victories on June 29 (84-81), August 15 (86-83), and August 21 (83-61), while the Mercury took the June 15 game (76-70). A’ja Wilson’s dominance, Chelsea Gray’s clutch plays, and Jackie Young’s versatility powered the Aces, while Satou Sabally, Alyssa Thomas, and Kahleah Copper kept Phoenix competitive. The series highlighted Las Vegas’ championship pedigree and Phoenix’s resilience as a playoff contender. For more detailed stats and recaps, visit ESPN, Sportskeeda, CBS Sports, or WNBA.com.