On the eve of the 2025 WNBA Finals, Las Vegas Aces guard Dana Evans found herself struggling to speak, her voice reduced to a scratchy whisper. Despite her vocal challenges, Evans delivered an impressive performance, scoring 21 points in just 26 minutes off the bench. Her contributions were crucial in leading the Aces to a thrilling 89-86 comeback victory over the Phoenix Mercury, giving Las Vegas a 1-0 series lead.
Fellow reserve guard Jewell Loyd also played a pivotal role, adding 18 points to the Aces' effort as they overcame a nine-point deficit midway through the third quarter. Prior to the game, Aces coach Becky Hammon highlighted the team's depth as a significant advantage. “I think we have the best overall bench that we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Hammon stated, emphasizing the importance of their depth in the Aces' quest for a third title in four years.
Hammon's assessment proved accurate, especially considering the Aces’ bench outscored the Mercury reserves 41-16 in the game. “That’s what makes us a difficult team,” Hammon remarked. “We have the potential for someone else to come up and get 20, not just (A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray), but multiple options. They were timely today. Oh my goodness, our bench was huge.”
As the Aces returned to a raucous home crowd, Hammon urged Young and Gray to help get Evans and Loyd involved early. Although Loyd's scoring average dipped this season, she demonstrated her capability as a proven scorer, having averaged nearly 20 points per game just a year prior. Hammon affectionately refers to Evans as “Gears” because of her ability to change the game’s tempo. A’ja Wilson also has a special nickname for her teammate. “Dana’s our battery,” Wilson said. “She makes us play at a different pace. I tell her we go as she goes.”
Meanwhile, Wilson herself contributed significantly, recording a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Despite some signs of fatigue, her experience and leadership were invaluable to the team. The Aces demonstrated resilience, tightening their defense in the fourth quarter and limiting the Mercury to just 15 points on 33.3% shooting.
Even with defensive adjustments and a scoring surge from the bench, the Mercury had chances to pull ahead, particularly in the game's closing moments. Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas had an opportunity to give her team a one-point lead but missed both free throws with 24.6 seconds left on the clock. In contrast, the Aces capitalized on their opportunities, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
Thomas finished the game just shy of a triple-double, notching 15 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. Meanwhile, Kahleah Copper and Satou Sabally added 21 and 19 points, respectively, for Phoenix. However, the spotlight shone on the Aces' bench, particularly Evans, who joined the team this offseason after a successful stint with the Chicago Sky, where she won a championship in 2021.
Evans’ role on the team is clear: play aggressive defense and leverage her speed to penetrate the paint on offense. She emphasized that her defensive intensity fuels her game, and her ability to shoot from beyond the arc was crucial in the Finals opener. Notably, she became the first player in WNBA Finals history to record five 3-pointers and four steals in a single game.
Game 2 is set to take place on Sunday afternoon, and the Mercury will need to respond quickly to maintain their playoff momentum. They have previously won their last two Game 2s after dropping the first game in each round this postseason. However, with the stakes higher than ever in the WNBA's inaugural best-of-seven finals, every opportunity is precious.
Evans is optimistic as her voice has mostly returned, and her performance has lifted her spirits. Hammon also expressed confidence in the team's ability to continue this success. “I predict our bench will be better,” Hammon stated, to which Wilson added, “Please predict that.” With their depth and talent, the Aces are poised to make a strong showing as the series progresses.
