The Las Vegas Aces struggled in the late stages of Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, surrendering a 17-point lead in the final quarter. The game ultimately came down to a crucial offensive possession with five seconds left.
Despite the tense situation, there was no panic among the Aces. The presence of A’ja Wilson, a four-time MVP, provided a sense of security. Wilson’s turnaround jumper with 0.3 seconds remaining sealed a 90-88 victory over the Phoenix Mercury, propelling the Aces to a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.
Aces coach Becky Hammon expressed confidence in Wilson, stating that there was no need for discussion on who would take the final shot. Hammon emphasized the simplicity of the strategy, saying, “You give the ball to A’ja and get out of the way.”
With the win, the Aces are on the brink of securing their third championship in four seasons. The teams will meet for Game 4 in Phoenix on Friday.
Although Las Vegas held a comfortable 76-59 lead entering the fourth quarter, the Mercury staged a late comeback, narrowing the gap to 84-83. Wilson’s heroics in the final seconds secured the victory, as she sank the decisive shot over defenders Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner.
Wilson, standing at 6-foot-4, continued her exceptional playoff performance with 34 points and 14 rebounds in the game. She has set a new WNBA postseason record with 291 total points over 11 games. Jackie Young contributed 21 points to the Aces’ victory.
Phoenix, led by Bonner’s 25 points and Satou Sabally’s 24, fought hard but fell short in their attempts to turn the tide. Copper’s 17 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter, provided a late spark for the Mercury. Thomas nearly achieved a triple-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
The Aces capitalized on a strong start, utilizing a 17-0 run in the first quarter to establish an early lead. Despite a brief surge from Phoenix to tie the game, Las Vegas maintained control and headed into halftime with a 55-43 advantage.
Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts acknowledged the need for defensive improvement, as the Aces’ effective 3-point shooting kept the game high-scoring. While disappointed with the loss, Tibbetts commended his team’s resilience and competitive spirit.
Sabally’s injury late in the game added to the challenges faced by the Mercury, and her condition post-game remained uncertain. Las Vegas demonstrated composure in the face of a vocal home crowd, showcasing the experience and maturity of a team acquainted with pressure situations.