LAS VEGAS — The Phoenix Mercury are putting their Game 1 loss against the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA Finals behind them as they prepare for Game 2 on Sunday.
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Oct 3, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) looks to tip a loose ball away from Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) during the fourth quarter of game one of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
After a dominant first-half showing, the Mercury couldn’t carry momentum over into the second. The Aces adapted to the Mercury’s playing style, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on fouls. Phoenix couldn’t overcome Las Vegas’ defense, scoring just 15 points in the fourth quarter and losing 89-86.
The team now has the opportunity to bounce back in Game 2 before heading home for the next two games of the series.
Oct 3, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) shoots against Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) during the second quarter of game one of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
“Some of it is just we have to make shots,” Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb said. “I thought I got some great looks and I missed. We have to do our job as shooters to make those shots. I know we’re gonna generate those looks, [Alyssa Thomas] has done that for us all year. So, some of it is just as simple as knocking down shots that we didn’t knock down.”
Las Vegas’ 89 points are the most Phoenix has given up in the playoffs thus far, highlighting the team’s defensive struggles. The Aces scored 20 or more points in each quarter.
Oct 3, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) looks to shoot against Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) during the fourth quarter of game one of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
“We gave up 89 points,” Whitcomb said. “There’s a lot we need to do on that end still and fix. Make those adjustments and hopefully that then puts less pressure on our offense.”
This isn’t the first time the Mercury have played from behind in these playoffs. They lost both Game 1s in their previous series but came back to win the remaining games and advance. While there’s no guarantee this series will follow the same path, the team has been in this position before.
If Phoenix takes Game 2, the team will come home with the series tied and forcing a Game 5. With their backs against the wall once again, the Mercury will look to rely on a quick turnaround and adjustments in Game 2.
“We have to do our jobs as shooters to make those shots.”
Phoenix Mercury’s Sami Whitcomb on what the team needs to adjust and balance on heading into Game 2 of the #WNBAFinals. #WNBA pic.twitter.com/QtSQ4oqS2M
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) October 4, 2025
The Phoenix Mercury and the Las Vegas Aces will play Game 2 of the WNBA Finals on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 12 p.m.
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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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