WNBA Finals Showdown: Wilson’s Aces Face Thomas’ Mercury

The 2025 WNBA Finals feature an exciting matchup between the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury, marking the first time these two franchises have squared off for the championship. Located approximately 300 miles apart, both teams have enjoyed past success but look to capture their latest title.

Path to the Finals

The Aces, seeded second, secured their Finals spot by defeating the Indiana Fever, the sixth seed, in a thrilling overtime Game 5 with a score of 107-98. On the other hand, the Mercury, who entered as the fourth seed, eliminated the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in a decisive 3-1 series victory.

Key Players

Led by four-time MVP A’ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces have been a formidable force, winning championships in 2022 and 2023. The Mercury, historically successful with titles in 2007, 2009, and 2014, now rely on triple-double machine Alyssa Thomas to lead their revamped roster after the retirement of Diana Taurasi.

Regular Season Showdown

The two teams faced each other four times during the regular season, with the Aces taking three of the four contests:

• June 15: Mercury 76, Aces 70 (at Las Vegas)
• June 29: Aces 84, Mercury 81 (at Phoenix)
• August 15: Aces 86, Mercury 83 (at Phoenix)
• August 21: Aces 83, Mercury 61 (at Las Vegas)

Recent Performances

The Aces finished the regular season strong after a rocky start. They went 0.500 at the All-Star break, but a remarkable 16-game winning streak carried into the playoffs. However, they faced challenges, nearly falling to the Seattle Storm in the first round before overcoming the Fever in the semifinals.

In contrast, the Mercury’s journey has been about resilience. Having undergone significant roster changes, they faced elimination multiple times but displayed great grit, particularly in their semifinal series against the Lynx. They became the first team to achieve a comeback from a 20-point deficit in a playoff game and secured a crucial win in Game 4.

Matchup Overview

The WNBA Finals will be a best-of-seven format, enhancing the competitive stakes of the series. The matchup will likely hinge on the performances of the respective star players:

• For the Aces: A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young.
• For the Mercury: Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally, and Kahleah Copper.

Historical Significance

This series has the potential to be historic for both franchises. The Aces are vying for their third title in four years, while the Mercury aim to reclaim their former glory after a challenging rebuild. Both teams are fully healthy as they head toward Game 1 on Friday at 8 p.m. ET, which will be broadcast on ESPN.

Conclusion

As the Aces and Mercury prepare for this highly anticipated WNBA Finals showdown, fans can expect an electrifying competition filled with skilled play and determination. Both teams have different narratives driving them forward, promising an intriguing series ahead.