Las Vegas Aces Dominate Phoenix Mercury in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals
The Las Vegas Aces, ranked second, defeated the Phoenix Mercury, ranked fourth, with a score of 91-78 in Game 2 of the 2025 WNBA Finals. With this victory, the Aces extend their lead in the series to 2-0.
Jackie Young led the Aces’ attack with 32 points, while four-time MVP A’ja Wilson contributed 28 points and 14 rebounds. Despite a discreet performance in terms of scoring, the Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas surpassed Courtney Vandersloot to become the WNBA’s all-time postseason assists leader, accumulating 386.
The exciting match, played on Sunday, sets the stage for Game 3, which moves to Phoenix on Wednesday.Keys to Victory for the Aces
The connection and experience of the stellar trio from Las Vegas, made up of A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray, was fundamental. The Aces took control of the game in the second quarter with a 22-10 lead, and then buried the Mercury with 30 points in the third quarter, where Young scored 21 points, setting a WNBA Finals record for a single quarter.
Gray, living up to his nickname “Point Gawd”, racked up 10 assists, in addition to 10 points and eight rebounds. His ability to anticipate the movements of Wilson and Young was key. Once the Aces managed to synchronize, the Mercury seemed to be a step behind for the rest of the game.
The Aces’ defense, based on offense, was evident in the second quarter, hindering the Mercury’s options. Even when Phoenix generated better opportunities, it was already too late.Analysis of the Mercury’s Defeat
The Mercury struggled to defend Wilson without Alyssa Thomas getting into foul trouble, and they couldn’t contain Young. Despite a good start and a 27-24 lead at the end of the first quarter, the offensive reliance on Kahleah Copper, who finished with 23 points, was a problem.
Satou Sabally scored 22 points, but her early shots in the possession clock allowed the Aces to generate points in transition. The low contribution from the Phoenix bench and their low three-point percentage (5 of 28) were also determining factors. Every comeback attempt by Phoenix was countered by Las Vegas, frustrating any hope of a return.Key Factors for Game 3
The Mercury must rethink their strategy, after seeing the Aces win the first two games in different ways. The Aces came back in Game 1, and dominated in Game 2. Gray has been key in both games, adding 20 assists so far in the Finals.
The return home for Games 3 and 4 could be a boost for the Mercury, but they need to find a way to slow down the Aces’ perimeter offense and neutralize Gray’s distribution and the scoring of the other Aces players. They have a few days to come up with a strategy.
