Quick Read
- The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Phoenix Mercury 83-61 on August 21, securing their ninth consecutive victory.
- A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 19 points and 13 rebounds, marking her 18th double-double of the season.
- Phoenix struggled offensively, hitting season lows with 31% field-goal shooting and 61 points.
- The Aces’ defense and balanced scoring proved decisive, with five players scoring in double figures.
- The win moved the Aces to third place in the WNBA standings, while the Mercury fell to fifth.
The Las Vegas Aces continued their remarkable resurgence in the WNBA standings with an emphatic 83-61 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night, August 21, 2025, at the Michelob ULTRA Arena. The win marked the Aces’ ninth consecutive victory, propelling them to the third spot in the league standings with a record of 23-14. The Mercury, now 21-14, dropped to fifth place after a performance hampered by season-low offensive output.
A’ja Wilson Leads the Charge
A’ja Wilson, the centerpiece of the Aces’ success, delivered another stellar performance with 19 points and 13 rebounds, securing her 18th double-double of the season. Though her streak of three consecutive 30-point games came to an end, Wilson’s dominance in the paint and her defensive presence set the tone for the Aces. Dana Evans contributed 17 points, while Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, and NaLyssa Smith each added 12 points in a balanced scoring effort.
Wilson’s impact extended beyond the stat sheet, as her leadership on both ends of the floor inspired her teammates. Speaking after the game, Aces head coach Becky Hammon praised the team’s resilience, noting, “Our locker room could have fallen apart earlier in the season when things weren’t going well. But this team has shown incredible character and a determination to rise above adversity.” (ESPN)
Defensive Dominance Stifles Mercury
The Aces’ defensive strategy was a key factor in their victory. Phoenix was held to just 31% shooting from the field, including a dismal 18.5% from beyond the arc. The Mercury’s total of 61 points was their lowest of the season, as the Aces disrupted their offensive rhythm throughout the game. “We become a very dangerous group when we play defense like that,” Hammon remarked, emphasizing the importance of defensive consistency in the Aces’ game plan. (Arizona Sports)
Key defensive plays came at crucial moments. Kierstan Bell’s three-pointer late in the first quarter sparked a 7-0 run, giving the Aces a lead they would never relinquish. The team’s ability to convert Phoenix’s turnovers into points further widened the gap, with the Aces scoring 21 points off 14 Mercury miscues while committing only six turnovers themselves.
Game Flow: Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
The Aces established control early, closing the first quarter with a 23-17 lead thanks to their efficient shooting and aggressive defense. In the second quarter, they extended their advantage with a 17-1 run, entering halftime with a commanding 43-29 lead. Phoenix managed to keep pace in the third quarter, trimming the deficit to nine points at one stage, but the Aces responded with timely baskets from Evans and Gray to maintain a double-digit cushion.
In the final frame, the Aces delivered the knockout blow with an 8-0 run that pushed their lead to 20 points, effectively sealing the game. The Mercury never recovered, as Las Vegas outscored them 24-15 in the fourth quarter to cap off their dominant performance. (WNBA.com)
Key Stats and Milestones
The Aces’ balanced attack and disciplined play were reflected in the final statistics. They shot 46.6% from the field compared to Phoenix’s 31% and committed zero turnovers that led to points for the Mercury—a rare feat in WNBA history. Additionally, the Aces’ bench outscored Phoenix’s reserves 22-11, highlighting their depth.
Individually, Wilson’s 117th career double-double placed her fifth on the all-time WNBA leaderboard, underscoring her status as one of the league’s premier players. Chelsea Gray also reached a career milestone, recording her 1,000th defensive rebound. Meanwhile, the Aces extended their sellout streak to 45 games, with 10,460 fans in attendance.
What’s Next?
With their playoff hopes bolstered, the Aces now embark on a three-game road trip, beginning with a matchup against the Washington Mystics on Saturday, August 23. The Mercury, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly as they face a tough stretch to maintain their playoff position.
As the WNBA season enters its final stages, the Las Vegas Aces’ late-season surge serves as a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and championship aspirations.