The Las Vegas Aces are one victory away from clinching their third championship in four seasons, holding a commanding 3-0 lead over the Phoenix Mercury in the 2025 WNBA Finals. As Game 4 approaches, the Mercury face a daunting challenge, compounded by the absence of All-Star forward Satou Sabally, making their quest to extend the historic best-of-seven series a true test of grit against an Aces dynasty on the verge of a sweep.
The 2025 WNBA Finals have delivered intense playoff drama, culminating in a historic best-of-seven series between the defending champion Las Vegas Aces and the resilient Phoenix Mercury. With the Aces leading 3-0 after a thrilling 90-88 victory in Game 3, they now stand on the precipice of securing their third title in four seasons. The Mercury, however, are staring down elimination, burdened by the daunting statistical reality that no team in NBA history has ever overcome a 0-3 deficit in a playoff series, a record of 159-0. Their challenge is further amplified by the significant injury to key player Satou Sabally, who will be sidelined for Game 4, as reported by USA TODAY.
The Road to a Potential Dynasty: Las Vegas Aces’ Playoff Journey
The Las Vegas Aces entered the 2025 postseason as the No. 2 seed, showcasing consistent depth and star power throughout the regular season. Led by two-time MVP A’ja Wilson, who averaged over 20 points and 9 rebounds per game, along with significant defensive impact (2.3 blocks per game), the Aces have proved formidable. Their journey to the finals was not without its trials. They navigated a tough three-game opening-round series against the Seattle Storm, with Jackie Young’s clutch play proving vital. In the semifinals, they faced the Indiana Fever in an instant classic five-game series that pushed them to an overtime decider in Game 5, where Wilson and Young combined for an astounding 67 points in their 107-98 victory, demonstrating their championship poise. The Aces finished the regular season on an impressive 16-game winning streak, solidifying their status as a dominant force and earning home-court advantage for the finals, as detailed by Yahoo Sports.
Phoenix Mercury: Underdog Grit Against All Odds
The Phoenix Mercury’s path to the finals has been characterized by remarkable resilience and an undeniable underdog spirit. Despite finishing as the No. 4 seed with a 27-17 record, their second-half season surge was a testament to their newfound chemistry under head coach Nate Tibbetts. They kicked off their playoff run by eliminating the defending champion New York Liberty in a five-game thriller. The semifinals presented an even greater challenge against the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx. The Mercury thrived in their underdog role, splitting the first two games before securing a pivotal Game 3 win and delivering a defining 13-point fourth-quarter comeback in Game 4, led by DeWanna Bonner’s scoring burst and Alyssa Thomas’s all-around brilliance, to clinch the series with an 86-81 victory. This team is talented and hungry for the organization’s fourth WNBA title.
The Impact of Satou Sabally’s Injury
A significant storyline heading into Game 4 is the absence of Mercury All-Star forward Satou Sabally, who suffered a concussion in Game 3 after a collision. Sabally, in her first season with the Mercury, had a career year in scoring, averaging 16.3 points per game, and has been a crucial part of Phoenix’s postseason success. Her absence will undoubtedly challenge the Mercury’s offensive and defensive schemes, forcing other key players like Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas to elevate their game even further to compensate for her scoring and playmaking. This injury adds another layer of adversity for an already embattled Mercury squad hoping to avoid a sweep.
A Statistical Showdown: Aces Dominance vs. Mercury Resilience
While the Mercury have shown incredible resilience in the playoffs, their regular-season record against the Aces tells a story of dominance from Las Vegas. The Aces swept the four-game regular-season series. However, these victories were not always easy, with two clashes decided by just three points. These close contests suggest that while the Aces often found a way to win, the Mercury possess the ability to disrupt their rhythm and push them to their limits. The Aces’ comfortable wins, particularly an August 21st blowout, often highlighted A’ja Wilson’s interior dominance and a defense that forced Phoenix into difficult shots, as detailed by Olympics.com.
How to Watch WNBA Finals Game 4: Time, Channel, and Streaming
Fans across the country are eager to catch every moment of this high-stakes series. Game 4 promises to be an intense battle as the Phoenix Mercury fight to stay alive against the dominant Las Vegas Aces.
Game 4 Details:
- Date: Friday, October 10
- Time: 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT)
- Location: Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN Unlimited app, Fubo, ESPN+, DirecTV
Full 2025 WNBA Finals Schedule
This year marks the first time the WNBA Finals adopted a best-of-seven format, expanding on previous seasons’ best-of-five series. All games are scheduled for prime time, ensuring fans can easily tune in to the action.
- Game 1: Phoenix Mercury at Las Vegas Aces, October 3, 8:00 PM ET (ESPN)
- Game 2: Phoenix Mercury at Las Vegas Aces, October 5, 3:00 PM ET (ABC)
- Game 3: Las Vegas Aces at Phoenix Mercury, October 8, 8:00 PM ET (ESPN)
- Game 4: Las Vegas Aces at Phoenix Mercury, October 10, 8:00 PM ET (ESPN)
- Game 5*: Phoenix Mercury at Las Vegas Aces, October 12, 3:00 PM ET (ABC)
- Game 6*: Las Vegas Aces at Phoenix Mercury, October 15, 8:00 PM ET (ESPN)
- Game 7*: Phoenix Mercury at Las Vegas Aces, October 17, 8:00 PM ET (ESPN)
*If necessary
What’s at Stake: A Championship or a Comeback?
For the Las Vegas Aces, Game 4 is a chance to etch their name deeper into WNBA history, solidifying their reign as a true dynasty. A sweep would be a powerful statement, showcasing their unparalleled talent and cohesion. For the Phoenix Mercury, it’s a battle for pride and a monumental task to extend the series. While no team has ever come back from a 0-3 deficit, sports history is filled with moments of unexpected heroics. The Mercury’s gritty style and experienced roster, even without Sabally, could make Game 4 a captivating fight for survival, setting the stage for what could be an iconic moment in WNBA lore.
