LAS VEGAS — The Phoenix Mercury fell to the Las Vegas Aces in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Friday, 89-86.
Oct 3, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) makes a pass over the arm of Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) during the second quarter of game one of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
The Mercury started the game on a 10-2 run against the Aces. Las Vegas was able to cut Phoenix’s run and come back from an eight-point deficit to tie the game in the last minute of the first quarter, 21-21.
Las Vegas would take its first lead in the second quarter in the first minute, but Phoenix quickly responded to tie it up once again. Both teams would exchange leads throughout the quarter, without either team being able to mount an extended offensive run. However, Mercury’s 6-0 run from Kahleah Copper during the final three minutes of the first half gave them a 50-45 lead at halftime.
Phoenix’s bench had eight points in the first half, while Las Vegas had 25.
Oct 3, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) shoots against Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) during the second quarter of game one of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
The Aces went on a 6-0 run to open the third quarter for the lead, but the Mercury went on their own 7-0 run to retake it. Las Vegas was able to close in within one point in the last seconds of the quarter, but Phoenix continued to push for a 71-67 lead after the third.
Las Vegas was able to get within one again as they went on an 8-5 run in the fourth quarter, 76-75. The teams again exchanged leads in the quarter, but Ace’s Dana Evans 3-point shot began a 5-0 run. It was enough to keep Las Vegas ahead and seal the win.
Copper had 21 points for Phoenix, shooting 58.3% from the field and 55.6% from three.
Evans had 21 points, going 61.5% from the paint and 83.3% from beyond the arc.
Oct 3, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) shoots against the Las Vegas Aces during the second quarter of game one of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Phoenix has had controlled fourth quarters in other playoff series, but wasn’t able to contain Las Vegas’ consistent scoring in this fourth. They were outscored 22-15 and missed crucial free throws that could have brought them closer.
Now 0-1, the Mercury will look to even the series against the Aces before heading back home next week.
AT! AT! AT! pic.twitter.com/RjHPCK0zVh
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) October 4, 2025
The Phoenix Mercury and the Las Vegas Aces play Game 2 of the WNBA Finals on Sunday, Oct. 5.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
