A’ja Wilson became the fastest player to 6,000 points in Aces vs. Storm win. (Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images
By Rich Perez
Monday evening the Las Vegas Aces (8-3) defeated the Seattle Storm (3-10) 101-91. It was the A’Ja Wilson show. She finished with a double double, 34 points and 12 rebounds. She has won countless awards and tonight in the fourth quarter another accolade for Wilson. She reached and surpassed 6000 career points and she is the fastest athlete to have reached that mark in the WNBA.
Game recap: Monday night the Aces will be looking to hold down that second place spot and even make a move on the first place Lynx. The Storm outscored the Aces in the first ten minutes of play 25-23 but the Aces got going in the second quarter and with under three minutes left in the half Las Vegas had taken a ten point lead 46-26.
A’Ja Wilson had already scored 20 points and the team was protecting the ball well with only five turnovers. Their largest lead of the game had been 11 points. The Storm rallied in the final minutes of the first half cutting the Aces ten point lead to five 46-41. As the clock ran out in the first half the Aces had a 50-43 advantage. They had outscored the Storm 27-18 in the second quarter.
It had been all Wilson in the first two quarters of play. The Aces did have a bit of a slow start in the first quarter but they remained close due to the 12 points scored in the first quarter by Wilson. At the half Wilson had scored 21 points with six rebounds.
She was also two of four from downtown. She was running the show in the first half. Nalyssa Smith chipped in 13 points and seven rebounds. The strong start that the Storm came in with was buried by Las Vegas in the second quarter.
As the third quarter came to an end the Aces had outscored the Storm 22-16 and led 72-59 taking their largest lead of the game. The fourth quarter could be yet another milestone for A’Ja Wilson who needed one more point to reached 6,000 points.With 4:45 left in the game Wilson reached and surpassed 6000 career points.
The Storm outscored the Aces in the fourth quarter 32-29, but were unable to catch Las Vegas. The Aces won this game 101-91.
A’Ja Wilson finished with the game high of 34 points and a double double with 12 rebounds. At the half the team needed more from Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray and that’s just what they got. Young finished with 29 points and Chelsea Gray had 12. Nalyssa Smith also had a solid game coming very close to a double double with 16 points and nine rebounds.
The high for the Storm was Dominique Malonga with 19 points.
Game notes: Monday night the Aces picked up another home win as they beat the Storm at Michelob ULTRA Arena. The Aces were coming off a win over the Golden State Valkyries Saturday night 84-79 in a real nail biter that was not decided until the final seconds of the game. Seattle has been struggling losing Saturday night to the Lynx 88-68. Currently the Aces are holding down second place in the Western Conference.
Next up for the Aces will be the Portland Fire this Thursday night at Moda Center. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
Janelle Salaun #13 of the Golden State Valkyries reacts after making a three-point shot over Frieda Buhner #20 of the Portland Fire in the first half during a WNBA Commissioner’s Cup game at Chase Center on June 2, 2026, in San Francisco, California .(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
By Michael Villanueva
SAN FRANCISCO – This Tuesday evening, the WNBA tipped off the Commissioner’s Cup at Ballhalla with the Golden State Valkyries defeating the Portland Fire, 92-23. This was Portland’s first time ever playing here at Chase Center, as they were set to join the WNBA this year as the league’s 15th team. After the Valkyries’ last home game loss to Las Vegas, Golden State bounced back at home and got their first win for the Cup against Portland. Golden State is now 6-3 in its first nine games of the season. Portland Fire drops to 6-5 for the season so far.
The WNBA Commissioner’s Cup is an annual in-season competition that links top competition to community impact is the Commissioner’s Cup, sponsored by Coinbase. From June 1–17, there will be 49 games in the event. A $500,000 prize pool and the Commissioner’s Cup Championship Game will be contested by the team from each conference with the best record in Commissioner’s Cup games. The team with the highest winning percentage in regular-season games through June 17 will host the championship game on Tuesday, June 30.
The Valkyries started guards Veronica Burton, Cecilia Zandalasini, forwards Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, and center Kiah Stokes as their five. In Golden State’s last game, they hosted the Las Vegas Aces, but lost, 91-81, just two days ago. They were led by forward Gabby Williams, 20 points, on her 4-of-6 shooting from three pointers. So the Valkyries were determined to make this home game a win and start the Commissioners Cup with a win in the tournament bracket.
Portland went with gaurds Carla Leite (former Valkyrie player), Bridget Carleton, forwards Nyadiew Puoch, Emily Engstler, and center Megan Gustafson as their starting five. Portland, in their last game, hosted and defeated the Indiana Fever, 100-84, just three days ago. Fires center Megan Gustafson led Portland with her 22 points, and went perfect from the floor, 8-of-8 on field goals. Portland is hoping to make this game their second win in a row.
Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton would hit a corner three to start the game off, here, in San Francisco. Then, in the next possession, Portland would respond with their forward Emily Engstler knocking down a 26-foot three-point jumper to get Fire on the board for the night.
However, Valkyrie Kayla Thornton was feeling herself from the start, as she made the first three 3-pointers for Golden State. Thornton would end with 11 points by herself in the first quarter, and give help the Valkyries the lead, 21-20.
At halftime, Golden State had a 20-point lead over Portland, 56-36. The Valkyries’ shooting in the first half is what gave them the control the whole night. Even though Portland was dominated in the paint, Fire had scored 22 of their points in the paint. Golden State was shooting above the 50% almost the entire second quarter. In fact, the Valkyries set a team record, making 12 three-pointers in the first half.
At the start of the third quarter, Fire would go on a quick 4-0 scoring run, and would cut the lead to 14 points. Then Golden State’s Veronica Burton would hit a 24-foot three-pointer to extend the team’s lead. Then, right in the next possession, Valkyrie Kiah Stokes joins the party and knocks down a three-pointer of her own. By the end of the quarter, Golden State had an 18-point lead, 74-56, going into the final quarter.
In the final quarter, Portland would get as close as eight points from the lead. Halfway through the fourth quarter, the score was 75-67. However, Golden State just never let up from their shooting and would knock down multiple three-pointers that led them to a win in Ballhalla. In fact, the Valkyires have set a new single-game franchise record with 18 three-point field goals made.
The Valkyries win this one, due from an explosive second quarter performance. The Valkyries would drop 35 points, just in the second quarter. Their shooting ability really showed off for the home crowd as Golden State starts this month off with a win. Golden State was led in this game by Kayla Thornton’s 19 points, eight rebounds, and her 5-of-10 shooting from deep.
The Golden State Valkyries will head on the road to Minnesota, to face off against the Lynx, who are currently 1st in the West (7-2) at the Target Center. The Minnesota Lynx are being led by Courtney Williams, who averages 17.8 points per game. The tip-off will be at 6:00 p.m., Thursday evening, broadcast on Prime Video.
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May 28, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles past Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) and is defended by center Kiah Stokes (41) in the first quarter at Chase Center. (Photo Credits to David Gonzales-Imagn Images)
By Michael Villanueva
SAN FRANCISCO – After just six days ago, in Indiana, the Indiana Fever would take the win against the Valkyries in their first matchup against each other of the season. Indiana’s guard Caitlin Clark would drop 22 points on the Valkyrie, as she now saw herself playing against the Valkyries, but this time in “Ballhalla”.
Thursday night was meaningful for Golden State, as they celebrated another sell out, their 28th out of 28 games at Chase Center. That means every game the Valkyries played at home, was a sell out. So it was right the Valkyries showed out for their fans, and they did as they got the win, 90-88. Golden State is now 5-2, through their first seven games of the season.
The Golden State Valkyries went with Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, Kiah Stokes, Kaila Charles, and Veronica Burton as their starting five for this game. Gabby Williams in the last home game would lead the team with 15 points, on 3-of-5 from three point shooting. Overall, that win was a confidence booster for Golden State as they were preparing for their rematch with Indiana Thursday night.
Indiana hoping to make this their fourth straight win. They sent out Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, Caitlin Clark, Lexie Hull, and former Valkyrie Monique Billings. With both teams holding a 4-2 record at the moment, this win could be their fifth win of the season through the first seven games. This is the second game held at Chase Center in the week, after on Mondays win for Valkyries, who took down the Connecticut Sun, 97-70.
Golden States Veronica Burton would get the game going, and the home crowd energy as well on a tough and-1 layup she made to get herself a three point play. She would give the Valkyries a quick, 5-2 lead at the start. Burton was just feeling herself and loving the home court energy, as she was knocking down deep three pointers and increasing the lead to seven points, 14-7.
However, the Indiana Fever were quick to reestablish themselves out there, and get back in the game. With her third assist in the second quarter, Indiana Caitlin Clark becomes the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 1,000 points and 500+ assists, in just 59 games. So with that, at halftime we would have ourselves a tied game at 44-44 in San Francisco. Caitlin Clark and Veronica Burton both reach double-digit scoring points for their teams.
At the start of the third quarter, Indiana’s Aliyah Boston would get the third quarter going with a quick floater in the paint, and also give the Fever the lead, 46-44. The second half intensity would pick up drastically, after both teams would lock in and do their best to score and get the lead. Golden State Valkyries Veronica Burton impact would be crucial for Golden State’s success. Burton would also have herself a career high in blocks this game (5).
Heading into the final quarter, Indiana would hold on to the lead by just four points. However with eight minutes and 45 seconds left in the game. Valkyries Gabby Williams ties the ball game at 69-69 with a fast drive into the paint for a layup. Then, again, Golden States Veronica Burton would get another tuff and one play and lead her team with 23, and now at 25 points.
16.3 seconds left on the clock, Indiana is down two points, 90-88. Golden State Valkyries are rushing back down the court to play defense as they held their own and stop the Fever. With 1.9 seconds left, they call a jump ball, however Indiana isn’t done as they win the jump ball and get one more chance. Although, they now have 0.6 seconds left, but the Valkyries defense comes up big and stops the Fever from scoring. The Valkyries would take the win on this thrilling, Thursday evening, 90-88.
Golden State would get the next couple of days to rest before their next matchup. They will stay at home and host the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, May 31st, at 12:30 p.m. on NBC/Peacock right back here in Chase Center. The Valkyries are hoping to continue their winning streak now and make it to three straight wins on Sunday.
Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) drives on the Los Angeles Sparks forward Park Ji-hyun (6) at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sat May 23, 2026 (Las Vegas Aces X photo)
By Rich Perez
The last game that the Las Vegas Aces (4-2) was a wild affair winning that game by a single point and Saturday night’s game was more of the same. The Los Angeles Sparks (3-3) gave Las Vegas all they could handle winning the game 101-95. Former Ace Kelsey Plum was outstanding scoring 38 points with ninth rebounds. The Aces A’Ja Wilson had a double double finishing with 24 points and 15 rebounds.
Game recap: The Sparks came out in the first quarter with a lot of energy. Las Vegas would be facing former team-mate Kelsey Plum and she sure did show up with four three’s made in the opening quarter.
She finished the quarter scoring 14 points. As in the Aces last game Chennedy Carter coming off the bench was on fire hitting 10 points in 8 minutes. The two teams traded leads with the Sparks leading much of the time and when the quarter came to an end the Sparks had a 32-30 lead. This game had all the makings of a real barn-burner.
Much like the opening quarter the second quarter was equally competitive, both teams jockeying for the lead. The game remained tight with four points being the largest lead for both the Aces and the Sparks.
The three’s were flying, the Sparks hitting seven and the Aces hitting six. Despite the 11 turnovers, the Sparks were giving the Aces the fight of their lives. When the first half came to an end, the Aces had outscored the Sparks 22-14 in the second quarter and took a 52-46 lead into the half.
At 7:42 in the third quarter the Aces took their largest lead of the game 57-48. Just when Las Vegas started to put a little distance between themselves and the Sparks Los Angeles rallied back taking a 58-57 lead going on a 10-0 run prompting an Aces timeout.
With seconds left on the clock in the third, the Aces were hanging onto a 71-70. After three quarters this game could not be any tighter with the Sparks outscoring the Aces in the quarter 26-21.
The Aces took a slim 73-72 lead into the fourth quarter. It would all comes down to the final quarter in this aggressive, fierce and impassioned game. Which team would have the determination and discipline to pull this game out?
The Sparks took an early fourth quarter lead 80-73 a minute into the quarter and the Aces had some work to do. Las Vegas was missing far too many shots trailing by six points 82-76 with just under six minutes left in the game.
With 5:30 left in the game Las Vegas rallied trailing by a single point 81-82 sending the arena into a wild frenzy. This game was reminiscent of the Aces last game against Atlanta. It was nothing short of amazing with A’Ja Wilson and Chelsea Grey’s will to win obvious in the final minutes.
This game was tied at 90 with three minutes left in the game. The Aces came up just short in this game. With 29.7 left in the game Los Angeles had a 99-94 lead. The many missed shots by Las Vegas down the stretch in the fourth quarter were looming large as Las Vegas faced their second loss of the season. The Sparks had pulled this game out 101-95 for the victory.
Las Vegas had some nice numbers from A’Ja Wilson who finished with a double double, 24 points and 15 rebounds. Nalyssa Smith finished with 22 points and 9 rebounds and bench player Chennedy Carter shot for 23 points. The Aces came up just short in this game. They missed a few too many shots down the stretch in the fourth quarter.
Los Angeles’ Kelsey Plum had the game high with 38 points and 9 assists.
Game notes: It has been a minute since the Aces took the court, their last game played in Atlanta five days ago in a real nail-biter that saw Las Vegas win in the final seconds 85-84. Chelsea Gray made the go-ahead jumper with 3.6 seconds left on the clock for the win. Saturday night the Aces lost at Michelob ULTRA Arena to the Sparks. The Sparks last played Thursday night against the Phoenix Mercury winning that match-up 97-88.
Next up for the Aces will be a matchup with the Dallas Wings next Thursday night. Los Vegas will be on the road for this game. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM and can be viewed on Prime Video.
Golden State Valkyries Gabby Williams (1) takes a jump shot against the Phoenix Mercury at the Chase Center on Sun May 10, 2026 (Golden State Valkyrie X photo)
By Michael Roberson
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Golden State Valkyries (2-0) won their initial home game of the 2026 & 30th WNBA season, with a victory over the Phoenix Mercury (1-1) 95-79 inside a raucous sellout Chase Center crowd.
The Mercury, fresh off the heels of upsetting the defending champion Las Vegas Aces on their home opener and ring ceremony, attempted to do the same at Ballhalla. Phoenix started the game with a 7-0 run, punching the home team in the mouth. The lead in the first quarter peaked at nine for the visitors from the Arizona desert.
After ten minutes of game action, the Valkyries trailed by three, 20-17. They chipped away from the larger deficit, to be within one possession of a tie or the lead. Golden State was about to make a gigantic roll of their own.
In the second quarter, the home team completed a 27-point turnaround, going from nine down to up by 18 before halftime. The Valkyries fought back and finally took the lead around the 7-minute mark of the second stanza. Later, with a 7-0 run included, they posted their highest advantage of 18 points. After outscoring Phoenix by 20 points in the second quarter, Golden State led by 17 at recess, 48-31.
Only one player on either squad scored at least 10 points at the half. Valkyries’ forward Kayla Thornton scored 14 points, in her attempt to recover from her season-ending injury months ago.
In the second half, Phoenix began the segment as they did in the first half, with an 8-0 run. They made several attempts to chip down the lead, but Golden State was able to stave them off every time. As the third quadrant ended, the lead was down to single digits (4), 66-62.
The final quarter was also contentious momentarily, as the Mercury was a three-pointer away from tying the game at 73. However, when that shot went awry, Golden State turned that opportunity into a 10-0 run for themselves. That essentially put the contest out of reach, during that time frame.
As the final buzzer sounded in the arena by the Bay, the Valkyries won by 16 points, 95-79, and were still undefeated.
The Valkyries had five players with double-figure scoring. Janelle Salaun led all players with 21 points, while both Kayla Thornton and Gabby Williams each had 19 points. Veronica Burton performed a double-double with 13 points and 11 assists, and Laeticia Amihere also chipped in 13 points.
The Mercury presented four hoopers with the aforementioned accomplishment. Alyssa Thomas almost messed around and had a triple-double, as she tallied 19 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds. Joining her was Jovanna Nogic (16), and Kahleah Copper & Natasha Mack, both put up 11 points for their team.
The Valkyries will next be in action Wednesday, May 13 KMAX/KPIX + against the Chicago Sky a 7:00pm tip in San Francisco, While Phoenix will be at home hosting the following two games the Minnesota Lynx Tuesday May 12 at 7:00pm PDT followed by the Chicago Sky 7:00pm PDT on Fri May 15 both games will be on 3TV.
Golden State Valkyries Kaitlyn Chen drives to the basket against Seattle Storm in WNBA pre season action at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Apr 25, 2026 (photo by Michael Villanueva)
Golden State Valkyries game wrap: Valkyries quiet the Storm 78-76, Saturday Evening in the City by the Bay
By Michael Roberson
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Golden State Valkyries finished up the preseason with a 78-76 thrilling victory over the Seattle Storm, inside a customary sold out Chase Center.
The Valkyries got the party started with a Veronica Burton trey. The lead increased to 5 during the initial quarter, but ended with the 3-point margin from the beginning of the game, 21-18. Hip Hop sensation and rookie, Flau’jae Johnson, who the Valkyries originally drafted, grabbed 4 rebounds in the initial stanza.
In the second quarter, Seattle made a strong push, while the aforementioned rookie scored 10 points within the quarter’s timeframe. Her team also led by as many as 11 points, but settled for nine by recess, 42-33. Johnson’s second quarter explosion led her team in scoring for the entire first half. Burton topped both teams with 14 points to her credit.
The third quarter had the home team start off on a 10-0 run, rapidly erasing the 9-point halftime deficit. However, the Storm were able to hold on to the lead after three quarters, 56-54. At that point in the game, there were 15 lead changes and 8 ties.
The final 1/4 of the contest produced another strong run (9-0) by the Valkyries, and an 8-point lead. Seattle continued to fight back, resulting an additional lead change and two more ties,
When the final whistle blew, the Valkyries had weathered the storm, 78-76. The victory was greatly celebrated by yet another capacity crowd for the second year team.
Veronica Burton and Miela Sowah both tallied 14 points, to lead the way, Kaitlyn contributed 11 points to the double digit mix. The latter two scored their share from off the bench.
Seattle also had three players eclipse that plateau. Johnson scored 12 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Zia Cooke joined her with 12 points, while Dominique Malonga put up 10 points and 5 rebounds.
In a weird circumstance of scheduling, these two teams will open their regular season against each other. The game will be in Seattle, Friday, May 8 at 7 PM PT on ION.
With another 18,064 filling the Chase Center, the Valkyries continue to be the beacon of light and fandom for the WNBA and women’s basketball in general.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addresses the news media at the NBA All Star Game weekend in Los Angeles on Sat Feb 14, 2026 (AP News photo)
Headline Sports podcast Charlie O:
#1 WNBA and the players association are still negotiating over a new collective bargaining agreement. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said he is not ready to set a deadline to get a deal in place. The WNBA season is scheduled to start May 8th. Silver said that it’s getting pretty close to the 11th hour when it comes to bargaining.
#2 In essence the WNBA players want a more equitable revenue share model (gross revenue)Stronger working conditions and support systems, Significantly higher salaries and better pay structure, Broader benefits (retirement, mental health, parental), Both sides are still negotiating, and there’s no deal yet — and even talk of a potential work stoppage if terms aren’t met.
#3 What specific qualities or past achievements of Klint Kubiak made him an appealing choice for the Las Vegas Raiders head coach?
#4 Stephen Vogt is the manager of the Cleveland Guardians, entering his third season in 2026 after being appointed in November 2023. He achieved historic success by winning the AL Manager of the Year award in both 2024 and 2025, his first two seasons, leading the team to an AL Central title in 2025. You got to know Vogt when he was a player at the Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants no suprise that he’s come this far?
#5 Currently the Sacramento Kings are on a 14 game losing streak. It’s been a long tough streak for the Kings but the All Star break couldn’t have come at a better time?
Women National Basketball Players Asscoation logo (from the WNBAPA)
By Stephen Ruderman and Vince Cestone
The WNBA season begins in May 2026 and negotiations between the league and the players and both sides are far apart on salary, revenue sharing and the deadline to get a contract together was this past Fri Jan 9th. Sources told the AP.
The league has offered a league minimum salary of $1 million for 2026 that could go up to $1.3 million. That would be increase from $249,000. The league offered to grow the minimum salary to $2 million for the duration of the contract.
The league is offering the players 70% of the net revenue the players would profit after expenses were paid. The expenses listed were upgraded facilities, charter flights, five star hotels, medical services, security and arenas.
The average salary for the players would be $530,000 a raise from $120,000 and it would increase to $770,000. The league’s minimum salary would rise to $250,000. Star players in the league like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers would receive double the money their making now on their rookie contracts.
The sticking point of the negotiations is the leauge wants the players to start paying their own housing with the minimum salary going up to $250,000. The players union said the individual teams should continue to pay for the players housing.
The union also stated since that expansion fees that Cleveland, Detroit and Philadephia paid by 2030 should be revenue that the league should include in revenue projection pay. If the contract continues to be delayed it could delay the beginning of the season which is scheduled to start in May.
Free agency was supposed to start in late January if both sides had agreed to a contract by last Friday however both sides did not agree to a contract which could further push negotiations back possibly two months to get free agency started.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is considering expansion teams to Las Vegas and Seattle that will be up for discussion sometime in 2026 (CNN photo)
That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: NBA Expansion to Las Vegas:
NBA Expansion to Las Vegas
That’s Amaury News Commentary
By Amaury Pi-González
A decision on expansion (potentially to 32 teams) is anticipated sometime in 2026. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Las Vegas support for basketball. The Commissioner notes support in Las Vegas for the WNBA Aces, the Summer League, and the NBA Cup. Seattle is also another city that the NBA is showing interest.
The Seattle SuperSonics played in Seattle for 41 seasons, from their inaugural 1967-1968 season until relocating to become the Oklahoma City Thunder after the 2007-2008 season. They were Seattle’s first major sports franchise and won one NBA championship in 1979 under legendary coach Lenny Wilkens.
I remember as I covered the Warriors visiting Seattle with the team and witnessed the support of the Supersonics fans, the arena where they played was right, where the World’s Fair was held in 1962, today known as Seattle Center, next to the Space Needle and the Monorail. It was made even more famous in 1963 with Elvis as the star in the movie “It Happened At The World’s Fair”.
Expasion history: Last time the NBA expanded was in 2004 when the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) joined as the league’s 30th team. While there’s been talk of expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle, no new teams have joined since the Bobcats’ debut.
More Hoops: Below made the rounds here in the Bay Area and in the national news of one Golden State Warriors Fan complaining to owner Joe Lacob about the struggles of the team recenlty even as Stephen Curry scoring in big numbers but still no victories.
(via Justdutari/Reddit, Alex Simon/SFGate)
A Warrior fan wrote Lacob: “Dear Joe, Please do something about this team. What Steph need to do every night to win? Drop 50 points? Team is need a real second option. Jimmy tool are being underutilized because he is playing as a power forward due to the small position players. We have no true center.”
Lacob replied: “You can’t be as frustrated as me. I’am working on it. It’s complicated. Style of play. Coaches desires regarding players. League trends. Jimmy is not the problem.”
Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.
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LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.
Phoenix Mercury forward Aylssa Thomas (25) drives on the Las Vegas Aces center A’Ja Wilson (22) in the first half at ULTRA Michelob Arena in Las Vegas on Fri Oct 3, 2025 (AP News photo)
By Rich Perez
LAS VEGAS–The Las Vegas Aces (1-0) trailed for much of this game but remained within striking distance for most of it ultimately beating the surging Phoenix Mercury (0-1) 89-86. The Aces bench was amazing with Dana Evans hitting 21 points.
She was 5 of 6 from downtown and 8 of 13 from the field. It was a fight from start to finish with Las Vegas closing out the game in the final seconds. Game two promises more of the same.
Game recap: The opening quarter was all Phoenix to start taking a 15-8 lead in the early minutes of the quarter. It was exactly the start that Phoenix was looking for. At the three minute mark the Aces begin to pick away at the Mercury lead.
With 50 seconds left on the clock the Aces tied up the game at 21 and as the opening quarter came to an end the tie remained.
The score remained close in the second quarter. with both teams trading leads. The Mercury began to take a bit of a lead in the latter minutes of the quarter and with 1:19 left in the half had a 50-42 lead over Las Vegas.
Kahleah Copper was having an amazing game hitting 5 of 6 from downtown shooting for 19 points in the first half. Phoenix had a 50-45 lead at the half outscoring the Aces 29-24 in the second quarter.
25 of the Aces points scored in the first half came from some stellar play off the bench. Jewell Loyd hit 13 points and Dana Evans had ten.
Wilson finished the half with nine points and Young had eight. They would be looking for more in the second half. They would need to really step it up to keep up with the surging Mercury. Wilson, Young and Gray had to push their limits in the third and fourth quarters.
The third quarter got underway and in a flash, the Aces scored the first six points of the quarter and Las Vegas had a 51-50 lead. The Mercury responded with a 7-0 run taking a 57-51 lead. Both of these teams were shooting around 50% from the field and the Aces had only turned the ball over four times.
The Mercury were also shooting at 50% from beyond the arc most of those shots coming from Copper who also had shot well from the field hitting 7 of 9. Gray took a hard hit in the quarter when she collided with Copper who received a flagrant foul type 1.
Gray who fouled while attempting a three successfully hit all three free throws tying up the game at 57. Gray would go to the locker room after the successful free throws and would return with her leg taped.
The Mercury took a 66-57 lead with under four minutes left in the quarter. Phoenix’s Sami Whitcomb took a terrible hit that sent her to the locker room for evaluation. She was able to reach the locker room with help.
The Aces were getting close throughout the quarter but were unable to take the lead . Every time they threatened the Mercury pushed right back continuing to hang onto the lead. Going into the fourth quarter, Phoenix had a 71-67 advantage.
The fourth quarter got underway hot and heavy with each team hitting a three but Phoenix continued to lead 74-70. Dana Evans hit the Aces seventh three of the game and Las Vegas trailed by a single point 76-75.
With 4:21 left in the game it was all tied up at 82. With 3:37 left on the clock Dana Evans hit her 5th three of the game giving the Aces an 85-82 lead. She had been spectacular all game. With seconds left in the game the Aces had a one-point lead 87-86.
Young was fouled with 13.6 seconds left in the game and made both free throws giving the Aces an 89-86 lead which turned out to be the final. The Aces had won an unbelievable opening act in this series.
The Las Vegas bench was outstanding collectively scoring 41 points. Evans had the high on the bench with 21 points. Wilson also had 21 points and ten assists. Loyd finished the game with 18 points. Young chipped in ten points in this hard-fought win in game one. The Aces protected the ball well in the game with only seven turnovers.
The high for the Mercury was Copper who scored 21 points. She scored 19 of those points in the first half was only able to hit one basket in the entire second half. The Mercury played an amazing game but were unable to close out the game at the end.
Game notes: Friday evening the Las Vegas Aces began their most important series of the 2025 season taking on the Phoenix Mercury in game one of the WNBA finals. The Aces will be looking for a third championship in the past four years. The Mercury are in the finals for the first time since 2021 and after upsetting the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the semi-final series will be looking to pull off another upset and take home the title.
The Aces have a far different vision with the amazing Wilson leading the charge and Young, Gray and Lloyd along for the ride. This game has all the makings of an amazing championship series between two of the best teams the WNBA has to offer.
With the series getting underway at Michelob ULTRA Arena the Aces start the series with the first two games at home. They will had the support of their fans and it was enough to really spark them to a win in this first game of the series.
The Aces will now try to take a two-game lead before going back to Phoenix for game three. Game two is scheduled to get underway this Sunday with tipoff at 12:00 PM in Vegas. Game two can be seen on ABC TV.
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