In a nail-biting finish on Wednesday night, A’ja Wilson hit a stunning seven-foot fadeaway jumper with just three-tenths of a second remaining, propelling the Las Vegas Aces to a hard-fought 90-88 victory over the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. This victory puts the Aces ahead 3-0 in the best-of-seven series, bringing them closer to clinching their third championship title in just four seasons.
Wilson's remarkable performance saw her score an impressive 34 points and grab 14 rebounds, showcasing her dominance on the court. The Aces can secure the championship title with a win in Game 4, which is set to take place on Friday in Phoenix. The game's intensity increased when DeWanna Bonner tied it at 88 with two free throws just over a minute before Wilson's game-winning shot. Receiving an entry pass from Chelsea Gray, Wilson executed the decisive shot over Alyssa Thomas from the left side of the lane, sealing the victory for Las Vegas.
As the clock wound down, the Mercury had one last opportunity to tie the game, but Bonner’s jumper from the foul line hit the rim as time expired. Other notable performances for the Aces included Jackie Young, who contributed 21 points, and Jewell Loyd, who added 16 points. Gray also made her mark with 11 points, five assists, three steals, and three blocks, underscoring her all-around impact on the game.
The Aces showcased their offensive prowess early in the game, opening with a staggering 17-0 run midway through the first quarter, highlighted by Loyd’s four three-pointers in under two minutes. Despite this early setback, the Mercury answered back with a 13-0 run of their own, tying the game at 21 points. By the end of the first quarter, the Aces held a narrow lead at 26-23.
Las Vegas continued to extend their lead throughout the game, reaching a 55-43 advantage by halftime after successfully converting nine of 16 three-point attempts. Wilson notably scored nine consecutive points in the third quarter, helping the Aces build a commanding 68-52 lead. Loyd’s free throws late in the third period pushed the Aces’ largest lead of the night to 76-59.
The final quarter saw the Mercury mount a fierce comeback, outscoring the Aces 29-14. Kahleah Copper was instrumental during this surge, scoring 11 straight points, while Bonner hit a crucial three-pointer to tie the game at 86 with just 1:33 remaining. After Gray's layup gave Las Vegas a brief lead, Bonner's two free throws once again evened the score, setting the stage for Wilson’s clutch performance.
Bonner led the Mercury with 25 points, while Satou Sabally contributed 24 points before leaving the game due to an apparent head injury with 4:26 left in the fourth quarter. Thomas also had a standout game, finishing with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists, demonstrating her versatility on the court. Copper added 17 points, with 11 of those coming in the critical fourth quarter.
With her remarkable 34-point outing, Wilson pushed her postseason total to an astounding 291 points, breaking the WNBA record for most points scored in a single playoff. This year, she is averaging over 26 points per game across 11 postseason appearances, solidifying her status as a key player in this series and a formidable presence in women’s basketball.
As the Las Vegas Aces prepare for Game 4, fans eagerly anticipate whether they will secure their championship title and whether A’ja Wilson will continue her record-setting performances.
