Las Vegas Aces Sweep Short-Handed Phoenix Mercury

The Phoenix Mercury hosted the Las Vegas Aces in a do-or-die Game 4 at the Mortgage Matchup Center in downtown Phoenix on Friday night. Here’s what you need to know about Game 4.

Phoenix Mercury vs. Las Vegas Aces Starters

The Phoenix Mercury’s game vs. the Las Vegas Aces was a tale of two halves. The Mercury had a chance to extend the best-of-seven series, while Vegas had an opportunity to go home with the WNBA Finals trophy. The Mercury entered the game just a day after partnering with the WNBA and Jr. WNBA to host a basketball clinic for aspiring female athletes in the Phoenix metro area. The Mercury’s starting lineup featured Kahleah Copper, Natasha Mack, Monqiue Akoa Makani, Alyssa Thomas, and DeWanna Bonner. The Mercury’s injury report listed Satou Sabally out with a concussion.

Vegas advanced to the WNBA Finals for the third time in four years. Their starting lineup featured Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kierstan Bell, NaLyssa Smith, and A’ja Wilson.

Game Recap

The Phoenix Mercury vs. Las Vegas Aces game was action-packed. The first quarter was a high-scoring affair on both ends of the court. Las Vegas led 30-21 after the first 10 minutes. The second quarter saw an Aces surge. They took a 54-38 lead at halftime.

The third quarter started sluggishly but heated up in favor of the Mercury before Las Vegas picked up the pace. The Aces maintained a 76-62 lead after three quarters. The fourth quarter witnessed a Mercury comeback. However, the Aces held off the Mercury’s attempts in the final minutes. Las Vegas won 97-86 in regulation.

Aces Guard Chelsea Gray passed former Minnesota Lynx Forward Angel McCoughtry (86) for sixth all-time on the WNBA Postseason steals list, thanks to two steals. Mercury Forward Alyssa Thomas passed former New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (484) for sixth all-time on the WNBA postseason rebounds list with 485.

Final Thoughts

Despite the sweep, the Phoenix Mercury had much to be proud of. Mercury Forward Alyssa Thomas earned a 2025 All-WNBA First Team Selection. This was Thomas’ third-career First-Team selection. Vegas had a stellar season before the sweep. Aces Guard Jackie Young brought her A-game to the court all season long. Young’s on-court success led to a 2025 All-WNBA Second Team selection.