LAS VEGAS — The Phoenix Mercury fell behind the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA Finals after a 91-78 loss Sunday afternoon, putting them at a disadvantage in the series.
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Oct 5, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) shoots the ball against Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) and guard Jackie Young (0) during the first quarter of game two of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
Similar to Game 1, the Mercury went on an early 9-2 run to begin the game. The Aces started their comeback quickly in the first quarter to get to within three points. In the second quarter, Las Vegas ramped up its defense to keep Phoenix to 10 points as the team took advantage of fouls and easy layups.
The Aces had a nine-point lead at halftime, 46-37.
Oct 5, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) dribbles the ball against Las Vegas Aces guards Jewell Loyd (24) and Jackie Young (0) during the first quarter of game two of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
Phoenix didn’t come out of halftime strong, as defensive miscues and an inability to go on an offensive run allowed Las Vegas to extend its lead by double digits. After going 3-for-4 on three-pointers to begin the game, the Mercury shot 17.9% from beyond the arc the rest of the way.
The Aces jumped to a 7-0Â run to open the fourth quarter, extending their lead to over 20 points at one point to seal the win.
Kahleah Copper had 23 points in the game for Phoenix with three rebounds. Jackie Young had 32 points for Las Vegas, with eight rebounds and two assists.
Oct 5, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani (8) shoots from the free throw line against the Las Vegas Aces during the first quarter of game two of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts said the team didn’t execute timely passes and over-dribbled the ball at times, which led to the Aces making their comeback early in the game
“We need to do a better job of finding mismatches,” he said. “Either in the post or in the pick-and-roll. In the second quarter, we kind of just stood and watched… You can’t do that against a team like this.”
shifty satou. pic.twitter.com/QNu7Va8O5D
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) October 5, 2025
The WNBA Finals now head to Phoenix as the Mercury and Aces play Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 5 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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