By Tiffany Williams –
Las Vegas has officially cemented its dominance in the WNBA. The Aces, now 4-0 in the 2025 Finals, completed a clean sweep of the Phoenix Mercury, capping a remarkable season with a 97-86 victory in Game 4. With the win, Las Vegas claims its third championship in four years, tying the Los Angeles Sparks, Phoenix Mercury, and Detroit Shock for second-most titles in league history.
A’ja Wilson once again proved why she is the undisputed cornerstone of the Aces dynasty. Her 31-point, 9-rebound, 4-assist, 2-steal, 3-block performance in Game 4 was merely the icing on a record-breaking postseason. Wilson averaged 28.5 points and 11.8 rebounds across the Finals while adding 4.0 assists and 2.0 blocks per game. In doing so, she became the first player in WNBA history to claim MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP in the same season—a feat that underscores her all-around dominance on both ends of the court.
The game itself was a microcosm of Las Vegas’s season: relentless, efficient, and opportunistic. From the opening tip, the Aces never trailed. NaLyssa Smith broke a 4-4 deadlock with a free throw, and from that moment on, the Mercury were chasing shadows. Las Vegas set the tone early with a controlled first quarter, shooting 55% and building a 9-point lead. Kahleah Copper kept Phoenix within striking distance with five first-quarter points, but it wasn’t enough to keep up with the Aces’ offensive firepower.
The second quarter saw Las Vegas pull away, thanks to a 12-2 run featuring four three-pointers. Chelsea Gray and Dana Evans led the charge, hitting timely shots while Phoenix struggled from deep, connecting on just 1-of-6 attempts. The Aces capitalized on turnovers, scoring eight points off Mercury mistakes while giving up none from their own lone miscue. By halftime, Las Vegas had extended the lead to 54-38, and the narrative was clear: the Mercury were outclassed.
Even a Phoenix surge in the third quarter could not derail the Aces. The Mercury shot a scorching 52.9% from the field, but Las Vegas’s disciplined approach—making 13 of 16 free throws—kept the game under control. Wilson and Copper exchanged 13-point quarters, but Las Vegas never allowed the lead to shrink below 11. The game’s final quarter was a test of composure. Phoenix briefly rallied with an 8-0 spurt, cutting the lead to six, but Las Vegas quickly responded with a 6-0 run to seal the outcome.
Statistically, the Aces’ dominance is as much about efficiency and opportunism as it is about star power. Las Vegas shot 38.9% from the field, with a 38.7% mark from three-point range, compared to Phoenix’s 49.2% shooting overall but just 27.8% from distance. The Mercury out-rebounded Las Vegas 41-32 and dominated the paint 48-28, yet the Aces converted 18 Phoenix turnovers into 26 points, while giving up just six on their own. Las Vegas even held an edge in second-chance points, 11-7, proving that they could maximize opportunities even when out-rebounded.
Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young each scored 18 points, Jewell Loyd added 12, and Dana Evans contributed 10. For Phoenix, Kahleah Copper led the charge with 30 points, but the supporting cast couldn’t compensate for Las Vegas’s collective strength. Young’s free throw streak of 35 consecutive makes was finally snapped in the third quarter, yet her impact on the court extended far beyond the line.
Wilson’s achievements go well beyond this single game. She set the WNBA record for most rebounds in a single postseason with 120, broke the scoring mark for a single Finals series with 114 points, and climbed to third on the all-time postseason scoring list, surpassing Candace Parker and Tamika Catchings. She now ranks among the elite company of multi-Finals MVPs, joining Breanna Stewart, Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, Diana Taurasi, Lisa Leslie, and Tamika Catchings.
The ripple effect of Wilson’s performance extends across the Aces’ roster. Chelsea Gray moved to seventh on the all-time Finals scoring list with 298 points and ranks third in Finals steals. Jewell Loyd set a record for minutes played by a reserve in a Finals series, averaging 31:14 per game. Jackie Young tied Sue Bird for most playoff games with at least five assists in the first quarter, while leading the league for single-postseason first-quarter assists.
Strategically, Las Vegas’s approach in the series underscored the importance of balance between star power and team execution. Phoenix’s offensive efficiency and paint dominance were not enough to overcome the Aces’ discipline, turnover conversions, and timely shooting. Las Vegas demonstrated a rare combination of talent, preparation, and adaptability, which allowed them to control games even when key stats like field-goal percentage or rebounding were unfavorable.
A closer look at the Aces’ championship formula reveals several key takeaways for the league. First, having a transcendent star like Wilson anchors the team on both ends of the court. Second, depth matters: Gray, Young, Loyd, and Evans all contributed consistently, proving that Las Vegas is not a one-player team. Third, adaptability and execution under pressure, particularly in fourth-quarter situations, allowed the Aces to neutralize Phoenix’s late surges and secure wins decisively.
The Aces’ dynasty is now firmly entrenched. With three championships in four years, Las Vegas has established itself as the team to beat in the WNBA. Their blend of elite talent, coaching acumen, and high basketball IQ creates a benchmark for other franchises. Wilson’s historic season serves as a blueprint for individual dominance translating into team success, while the supporting cast demonstrates the necessity of complementary contributions.
Looking forward, the league will be watching closely. Can Phoenix regroup and challenge Las Vegas in future seasons, or will the Aces continue their ascent? Las Vegas’s victory also sets a high bar for individual and team milestones, particularly with Wilson redefining the parameters for excellence. Her triple crown of MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP may stand for decades as one of the most dominant individual seasons in WNBA history.
In retrospect, Game 4’s stats tell a story beyond the scoreboard. Las Vegas converted pressure into points, maintained composure despite shooting slumps, and maximized every opportunity. Phoenix had moments of brilliance but ultimately lacked the consistency and depth to match the Aces’ championship pedigree. Las Vegas’s ability to win in multiple ways—through free throws, turnovers, and key bench contributions—highlights why they are the league’s standard-bearers.
The 2025 Finals may have concluded, but Las Vegas’s impact will resonate. Wilson’s record-breaking performances, combined with the supporting cast’s steady contributions, cement a legacy of excellence. From the opening tip to the final whistle, the Aces demonstrated why they are champions, both individually and collectively.
For Aces fans, the message is clear: dominance is not a one-year phenomenon. The team’s strategic execution, depth, and star power have set the standard in the WNBA, and the league now faces a benchmark that will be difficult to surpass. Wilson’s historic season will be remembered not just for its statistical feats but for its transformative impact on the franchise and the league as a whole.
Sports Insider Daily 