Mercury’s magical playoff run falls short of title in Game 4 loss to Aces

The Mercury had to adjust without Satou Sabally, as she was ruled out after sustaining a concussion in Game 3. Phoenix started DeWanna Bonner in her place and head coach Nate Tibbetts included Kalani Brown and Lexi Held in the rotation.

The Aces attacked early and took advantage of early fouls. The second quarter began with an Aces’ 9-2 run as they sank three 3-pointers and evaded the Mercury’s defense. Phoenix struggled to keep the ball, giving up nine turnovers in the first half. While the Mercury slowly cut into an 18-point deficit, the Aces took a 54-38 lead into halftime.

However, with seconds left in the first half, Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas injured her right shoulder after colliding with Aces’ Jewell Loyd. Thomas eventually returned after getting her shoulder taped to begin the second half.

Las Vegas quickly jumped on a 4-0 run before Phoenix countered with a 6-2 run of its own to begin the second half. The game unraveled with under three minutes in the third quarter, as Tibbetts was given two technical fouls and was ejected from the game.

Phoenix slowly chipped at Las Vegas’ lead after his ejection, but was still down by double digits at the end of the third.

The Mercury went on an 8-0 run to start the fourth quarter and get within six points. It wasn’t enough, as the Aces maintained their lead the rest of the game.

Las Vegas took Game 4 in a decisive 97-86 win over Phoenix, winning their third championship in four years.

Kahleah Copper had 30 points in the loss. She was one of Phoenix’s lead scorers throughout the series.

Despite falling short of their ultimate goal, the Mercury made an unexpected playoff run, proved doubters wrong during a rebuilding period and can build on the foundation they laid this season.