PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury couldn’t come up with a win against the Las Vegas Aces, 84-81, in a nail-biting finish and ending their six-game win streak on June 29.
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Phoenix Mercury’s Satou Sabally shoots from the paint against the Las Vegas Aces on June 29, 2025. Credits: Vasco Dixon / Burn City Sports
The Aces took an early 4-2 lead to start the game. The Mercury then went on an 8-0 run, with Kahleah Copper scoring five points. Phoenix took a 21-15 lead after the first quarter, after continuing to put pressure on defense to force Las Vegas turnovers.
The Aces quickly changed things around in the second quarter, going on a 17-8 run and ending the half tied with the Mercury, 40-40.
Las Vegas Aces’ Jackie Young drives a layup against the Phoenix Mercury on June 29, 2025. Credits: Vasco Dixon / Burn City Sports
Phoenix struggled in the third quarter, scoring only 10 points and failing to secure critical shots. The Mercury went on a 7-0 run to start the fourth quarter, with Sami Whitcomb capping the run off with a three-point shot. Both sides battled for the lead the entire quarter.
However, Aces’ A’ja Wilson scored their go-ahead shot in the final 22 seconds to give Las Vegas the win.
Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson looks to pass the ball against the Phoenix Mercury on June 29, 2025. Credits: Vasco Dixon / Burn City Sports
Alyssa Thomas led scoring for the Mercury with 16 points and eight assists.
Phoenix is now 12-5 for the season.
Questionable Calls
There were questionable calls during the game, something that visibly frustrated both benches. When asked by Hayden Cilley from Clutch Points about the calls, Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts said he wouldn’t have done anything differently.
Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts talks with guard Kahleah Copper (2) during the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Aces at PHX Arena Jun 29, 2025. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
“That was a playoff basketball game,” Tibbetts said.”… I don’t think that we would change anything that we did. We’re going to compete and be physical.”
Shaking Off The Loss
Kahleah Copper finds an open Sami Whitcomb for three! The @PhoenixMercury are making a comeback against the @LVAces!
Phoenix trails Las Vegas by a score of 59-57 with 7:55 left in the fourth quarter!
????: @benbliklen #Mercury #Aces #WNBA pic.twitter.com/Aw1uKCSNHe
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) June 29, 2025
The Phoenix Mercury will have a few days to regroup as they head to Texas to face the Dallas Wings on July 3.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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