Led by an unstoppable A’ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces dominated the Phoenix Mercury with a decisive 4-0 sweep in the 2025 WNBA Finals, capping off a remarkable season to clinch their third championship in four years and proving their dynasty status.
The Las Vegas Aces have once again etched their name into WNBA history, capturing their third championship in just four seasons with a commanding sweep of the Phoenix Mercury. In a thrilling Game 4 at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, the Aces defeated the Mercury 97-86 on Friday, October 10, 2025, to close out the league’s first-ever best-of-seven finals in a clean 4-0 sweep. This victory not only solidified the Aces’ status as a burgeoning dynasty but also highlighted their incredible resilience and star power.
The Rise of a Dynasty: Aces’ Third Title in Four Seasons
The Las Vegas Aces have been a force to be reckoned with, and their third championship in four years firmly establishes them among the WNBA’s elite. Their journey this season was particularly notable, as they overcame a challenging 11-11 start to the season, their worst since 2018. However, an incredible turnaround saw them finish the regular season with a 19-3 run, including a remarkable 16-game winning streak that tied for the second-longest in league history. This resurgence demonstrated the team’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure, especially after their first-round and semifinal playoff series against the Seattle Storm and Indiana Fever both went the full distance.
A’ja’s support system >> https://t.co/OBHFOmcsFN pic.twitter.com/ORDjTAH7rO
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 11, 2025
Game 4 Breakdown: Aces’ Unyielding Offense and Clutch Play
The Aces’ offensive onslaught was a defining characteristic of this finals series. In Game 4, they put up 54 points in the first half and averaged over 90 points per game throughout the series. They never trailed in the series clincher, building a 30-21 lead by the end of the first quarter with an impressive 55% shooting from the field. A’ja Wilson led the charge early with 12 points in the first quarter, including 4-of-5 from the free-throw line.
The second quarter saw Las Vegas extend their lead to 54-38 by halftime, outscoring the Mercury 24-17. The three-pointer proved to be a critical weapon for the Aces, who shot 52.9% (9-of-17) from beyond the arc in the first half. Five different Aces players contributed with three-pointers. Jewell Loyd, Chelsea Gray, and Dana Evans hit three consecutive three-pointers early in the second quarter, pushing the Aces’ lead to 19 points.
Although the Mercury attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 76-70 with 7:56 left after an 8-0 run, the Aces maintained their composure. Chelsea Gray‘s clutch four 3-pointers, including two in the final quarter, helped to turn back Phoenix‘s rally and seal the victory. Beyond her scoring, Gray also contributed four assists, showcasing her all-around impact. Jackie Young added 18 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds, rounding out a formidable offensive effort for the champions.
Mercury’s Valiant Fight Amidst Adversity
Despite the sweep, the Phoenix Mercury displayed remarkable grit throughout their playoff run and in the Finals. They made it to the championship stage by defeating the defending champion New York Liberty in the opening round and upsetting the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the semifinals. Their performance in Game 4 was led by Kahleah Copper with 30 points on 12-of-22 shooting and Alyssa Thomas, who recorded an impressive 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, securing a triple-double. This marked Phoenix‘s second WNBA Finals loss in five years, having also fallen to the Chicago Sky in 2021.
The Mercury faced significant challenges, including injuries to key players. Forward Satou Sabally was sidelined for Game 4 due to a concussion suffered near the end of Game 3. Further adversity struck when Alyssa Thomas had to leave the game just before halftime in Game 4 after taking a hard hit to her right shoulder on a screen from Jewell Loyd. Although Thomas returned for the second half, she was visibly hampered by the injury.
Emotions also ran high, with Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts ejected in the third quarter after receiving two quick technical fouls for arguing a call. DeWanna Bonner and Kahleah Copper also picked up technical fouls in the fourth quarter, reflecting the competitive intensity of the game. Despite these setbacks, the Mercury‘s deep playoff run under Coach Tibbetts showcased their potential, even if they couldn’t find a way to slow down the dominant Aces.
A’ja Wilson’s Dominance: A Double MVP Season
The undisputed leader of this Aces dynasty is A’ja Wilson, who delivered a phenomenal performance in Game 4 with 31 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three blocked shots, and two steals. Despite shooting 7-of-21 from the floor, she was nearly perfect from the free-throw line, sinking 17 of 19 attempts. Her exceptional play earned her the WNBA Finals MVP award, her second Finals MVP title (her first was in 2023), complementing her League MVP award for the 2025 season. This accomplishment marks the eighth time in WNBA history that the league MVP went on to win a championship and Finals MVP in the same season, highlighting her individual brilliance and impact on the team’s success.
As Wilson eloquently stated, “We understood the assignment and what was in front of us. All we had to do was believe in one another and you see that. We’re grateful. We’re blessed. I wouldn’t do it with any other group,” a sentiment that encapsulates the team’s collective spirit and belief, as reported by USA TODAY Sports.
Chelsea Gray echoed the emotional significance of the victory, “This team has been through hell and back. Everyone stepped up, we have the greatest player in the world in A’ja Wilson. … Everyone was huge. True champions. Winning takes care of everything.”
What Lies Ahead for Both Franchises
For the Las Vegas Aces, this championship solidifies their place as a modern WNBA dynasty. With a core group led by A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young, their future remains incredibly bright. The team has already planned a parade for October 17th to celebrate their historic achievement.
The Phoenix Mercury, despite the sweep, can take pride in their deep playoff run under coach Nate Tibbetts. Facing injuries and a dominant opponent, they showed tremendous fight. Their path to the finals, overcoming higher-seeded teams, indicates a strong foundation for future seasons. While they couldn’t secure the title this year, their resilience and individual talent, particularly from Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas, suggest they will remain a competitive force in the league.
Las Vegas Aces Roster
- 0 Jackie Young | G 6′ 0″ – Notre Dame
- 1 Kierstan Bell | F 6′ 1″ – Florida Gulf Coast
- 3 NaLyssa Smith | F 6′ 4″ – Baylor
- 11 Dana Evans | G 5′ 6″ – Louisville
- 12 Chelsea Gray | G 5′ 11″ – Duke
- 13 Aaliyah Nye | G 6′ 0″ – Alabama (Rookie)
- 17 Megan Gustafson | C 6′ 4″ – Iowa
- 22 A’ja Wilson | C 6′ 5″ – South Carolina
- 24 Jewell Loyd | G 5′ 11″ – Notre Dame
- 32 Cheyenne Parker-Tyus | F 6′ 4″ – Middle Tennessee State
- 41 Kiah Stokes | C 6′ 3″ – Connecticut
Phoenix Mercury Roster
- 0 Satou Sabally | F 6′ 4″ – Oregon
- 1 Alexa Held | G 5′ 10″ – DePaul (Rookie)
- 2 Kahleah Copper | G 6′ 1″ – Rutgers
- 4 Natasha Mack | F 6′ 4″ – Oklahoma State
- 8 Monique Akoa Makani | G 5′ 11″ – Cameroon (Rookie)
- 9 Kitija Laksa | G 6′ 1″ – South Florida (Rookie)
- 14 DeWanna Bonner | G 6′ 4″ – Auburn
- 21 Kalani Brown | C 6′ 7″ – Baylor
- 23 Kiana Williams | G 5′ 8″ – Stanford
- 24 Kathryn Westbeld | F 6′ 3″ – Notre Dame (Rookie)
- 25 Alyssa Thomas | F 6′ 2″ – Maryland
- 33 Sami Whitcomb | G 5′ 10″ – Washington
For more detailed statistics on A’ja Wilson‘s career and accomplishments, you can visit her player profile on USA TODAY Sports Data.
