### Aces Take Commanding Lead in WNBA Finals
The 2025 WNBA Finals have seen the Las Vegas Aces establish an impressive 3-0 lead over the Phoenix Mercury, culminating in a nail-biting 90-88 victory in Game 3 on Wednesday night. A’ja Wilson, a standout player for the Aces, delivered a career-defining moment by scoring 34 points—her new Finals career-high—and hitting a game-winning jumper with just 0.3 seconds left on the clock.
### A Competitive Start
The game kicked off with a fierce back-and-forth pace, showcasing both teams’ strengths. Major runs were exchanged during the first quarter, but it was the Aces who ultimately seized control. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, they had built a commanding 17-point lead, a position that seemed almost insurmountable.
### Mercury’s Resilience
However, the Mercury displayed their characteristic fighting spirit. Even after losing key player Satou Sabally to a head injury in the fourth quarter, they found the resolve to mount a comeback. Kahleah Copper became the catalyst for this resurgence, contributing a personal 9-0 run in less than a minute, narrowing the deficit to just a single point. The final minutes saw thrilling exchanges as both teams traded baskets in a high-pressure situation.
### A High-Stakes Final Possession
With the score tied at 88-88 and less than 30 seconds remaining, the Mercury had an opportunity to take the lead. However, Alyssa Thomas’s shot was thwarted by Megan Gustafson, leaving the Aces to reclaim the ball for a chance at the win. Initially, they opted not to call a timeout, but as the possession unfolded without traction, head coach Becky Hammon decided to regroup, stopping the clock with five seconds left.
### A’ja Wilson: The Hero of the Night
When the game was on the line, the Aces went straight to Wilson, their MVP. Given the ball at the elbow, she faced a crowd of defenders. Forced to maneuver through multiple obstacles, Wilson executed a spin and fadeaway jumper that seemed like it might bounce off—but instead, it found its way through the net. The roar from the Aces’ bench encapsulated the enormity of the moment. This shot not only solidified the team’s lead but also added a new chapter to Wilson’s already storied career.
### Record-Setting Performance
Wilson’s statistics from Game 3 bolster her legendary status: 34 points on 11-for-20 shooting, alongside 14 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. This performance marks her as the third player in WNBA Finals history to record a 30/10 game. With nine 30-point playoff games to her name, Wilson is rapidly closing in on establishing herself as a perennial post-season threat.
### The Mercury’s Determination
Even in defeat, the Mercury had standout performances. DeWanna Bonner led her team with 25 points coming off the bench, while Sabally, despite her unfortunate exit from the game, contributed 24 points. The Mercury’s heart and resilience highlights the intensity of this Finals showdown.
### The Road Ahead: Must-Win Game 4
As the series shifts to Phoenix for Game 4, the Mercury find themselves in a must-win situation. With their backs against the wall, they will need to harness the competitive energy they displayed in the fourth quarter if they hope to extend the Finals. Meanwhile, the Aces, armed with the momentum and a remarkable performance from Wilson, will look to secure their third title in four years, eyeing the finish line with determination.
### A’ja Wilson’s Legacy
A’ja Wilson’s career accolades are extensive: she is the only four-time MVP in WNBA history, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, and a seven-time All-Star. Yet, her career continues to soar as she seeks to further solidify her legacy. The gravity of her game-winning shot has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest moments in league history, further enhancing her case as one of the all-time greats.
Wilson’s sentiment captures the essence of the game perfectly: “These are the moments that you dream of.” As eyes turn to Friday’s Game 4, the anticipation builds for what could be another unforgettable chapter in WNBA history.