A’ja Wilson gives Aces the win with a clutch basket in WNBA Finals

A’ja Wilson Leads Aces to Victory in WNBA Finals

In an exciting match, A’ja Wilson proved her worth once again, leading the Las Vegas Aces to a crucial victory over the Phoenix Mercury with a score of 90-88. This triumph puts the Aces just one win away from their third title in four years.

With five seconds remaining in regulation and the score tied, Wilson received the ball after a pass from the inbounds. Quickly, she assessed the situation, dribbled, and, facing the double team of DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas, made a quick spin and shot the ball. The basket, which went in and out, finally fell, sealing the victory for the Aces.

“With Becky Hammon, we have never won a Game 3. This was a game we needed to win,” Wilson commented. “I feel like my biggest mindset and what I relayed to my teammates is that we just need to win one… win possessions, win the quarters, and everything else will fall into place.”

A’ja Wilson

Wilson’s decisive play, which became the ninth game-winning basket in the last five seconds of a Finals game in WNBA history, was exactly as Hammon planned it.

“Give the ball to A’ja and get out of the way,” Hammon joked.

Becky Hammon

Wilson, aware of the importance of the moment, highlighted the trust placed in her by the coach.

“I appreciate Becky trusting me in those moments. These are playoff basketball moments. These are moments you live for. I’m glad I can come to work,” Wilson affirmed. “These are the Finals… These are the moments you see on TV and say, ‘Oh my God, to be in that place’ and it’s really powerful.”

A’ja Wilson

Wilson finished the game with 34 points, 14 rebounds, and an impressive 59% field goal percentage on contested shots. In addition, she held the Mercury to 18% shooting when she was defending them. Despite a last-minute error, where she lost the ball, Wilson remained focused and ensured the team regained control of the game.

“I knew I had to get something back because that would have crushed my soul… When I saw the next play was for me, I said, ‘Trust me,’” Wilson explained.

A’ja Wilson

The Aces’ dominance was maintained for the first 30 minutes of the game, reaching a 17-point lead before the final quarter. Despite the Mercury’s reaction, the Aces managed to stay calm and secure the victory.

Description: “Get the ball to A’ja and get out of the way,” quipped coach Becky Hammon when describing the play she designed for the Aces in the final seconds of Game 3. With this victory, the Aces are one step away from being crowned champions. The Mercury, for their part, will have to win the next four games to aspire to the title.

“We have a difficult road ahead, but we must take it one game at a time,” commented Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts.

Nate Tibbetts