Las Vegas Aces Win Third WNBA Championship in Four Years
The Las Vegas Aces have won their third WNBA championship in four years with an impressive 97-86 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Friday. This victory marks their fourth consecutive win in the best-of-seven series, securing another championship title for the team.
The Game-Changing Win
The Aces beat the Mercury at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, with Aces star A’ja Wilson leading the team to victory with 31 points. Point guard Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young also made significant contributions, each scoring 18 points. The team’s determination and perseverance were evident in their ability to fend off a fourth-quarter comeback attempt by the Mercury.
A Comeback Attempt Falls Short
The Mercury’s efforts to narrow the lead were thwarted by costly mistakes, including a foul by guard Kahleah Copper, who had 30 points, with just 1:30 left in the game. The Aces had maintained a significant lead, with a 20-point advantage in the third quarter, and were able to hold off the Mercury’s late surge.
A Season of Ups and Downs
The Aces’ path to the championship was not without its challenges. After winning back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, the team lost in the semifinals of last year’s playoffs to the eventual champion New York Liberty. The team made significant changes in the offseason, including restructuring their front office and making a three-team trade that sent away four-time All-Star and two-time champion Kelsey Plum.
A Strong Finish to the Season
Despite a slow start to the 2025 season, winning only nine of their first 20 games, the Aces finished the regular season on a 16-game winning streak, entering the playoffs with a 30-14 record, the second-best in the WNBA. The team’s perseverance and determination ultimately paid off, as they secured their third championship in four years.
Postseason Performance
In the postseason, the Aces went the distance in each of their first two series, beating the Seattle Storm in three games and the Caitlin Clark-less Indiana Fever in five. The team’s performance in the finals was impressive, with a comeback win in Game 1 and a 13-point win in Game 2. Wilson’s MVP moment in Game 3, where she hit a turnaround jumper with 0.3 seconds left, was a highlight of the series.
A New Chapter for the Aces
The Aces will begin their title defense next season, but the first hurdle for both the league and its players will be agreeing to a new collective bargaining agreement. The current CBA expires on October 31, and players have already expressed their displeasure with the league office. As the team looks to the future, they will need to navigate these challenges while maintaining their focus on the court.
Conclusion
The Las Vegas Aces’ win over the Phoenix Mercury marks a significant achievement for the team, demonstrating their strength and determination. As they look to the future, they will need to balance their on-court performance with the challenges of navigating a new collective bargaining agreement.
FAQs
- Q: Who won the WNBA championship?
- A: The Las Vegas Aces won the WNBA championship.
- Q: Who was the leading scorer for the Aces?
- A: A’ja Wilson led the team with 31 points.
- Q: What was the final score of the game?
- A: The Aces won 97-86.
- Q: What is the current state of the collective bargaining agreement?
- A: The current CBA expires on October 31, and players have expressed their displeasure with the league office.
- A: The current CBA expires on October 31, and players have expressed their displeasure with the league office.
