Jackie Young Sets WNBA Finals Record with Stellar Performance
In an impressive display of skill and determination, Jackie Young set a new record in the WNBA Finals, scoring 21 points in the third quarter. Her outstanding performance culminated in a total of 32 points, leading the Las Vegas Aces to a resounding 91-78 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday, securing a 2-0 lead in the series.
The next game, Game 3, will take place on Wednesday in Phoenix. The Aces will seek to consolidate their dominance in the series and move closer to their third title in four years. On the other hand, the Mercury face the challenge of winning four of the next five games to secure their fourth championship, which would tie them in the WNBA record.
Young, who tied his playoff points high, was just one point away from the league record of 22 points in a postseason quarter. This achievement has been reached by three players, the most recent being Jewell Loyd, Young’s teammate, who achieved this feat for Seattle against the Mercury in 2021.
A’ja Wilson scored 20 of her 28 points in the first half, in addition to grabbing 14 rebounds. Chelsea Gray contributed 10 points and 10 assists, demonstrating the team’s versatility.
Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with 23 points, Satou Sabally scored 22, and Alyssa Thomas added 10, despite facing foul trouble for much of the game.
As in Game 1, where they started with a 10-2 lead, the Mercury started strong, scoring the first seven points. Phoenix scored 27 points in the first quarter, but the Aces limited the Mercury to a combined total of 24 points in the next two periods.
At that point, the Aces had already taken control of the game, leading 76-51 at the end of the third quarter and reaching a maximum lead of 22 points.
Any team facing Aces coach Becky Hammon in a Game 2 in Las Vegas knows they are facing a considerable challenge. Hammon extended her record to 9-0 with this victory, with an average margin of more than 17 points.
