GAME RECAP: Las Vegas Aces Outlast Host Phoenix Mercury 86-83 for 6th Straight Victory
Sat, Aug 16, 2025, 5:59 AM
PHOENIX (Aug. 15, 2025) — In a thrilling contest that showcased resilience and talent, the Las Vegas Aces (20-14) edged out the Phoenix Mercury (19-13) 86-83 at PHX Arena, marking their sixth consecutive victory. The star of the night was A’ja Wilson, whose commanding 30-point performance, combined with Chelsea Gray’s pivotal late-game contributions, secured the win for the Aces.
Wilson not only scored 30 points but also claimed 16 rebounds, demonstrating her dominance on both ends of the court. Gray complemented Wilson’s performance with 16 points and a season-high 9 assists, showcasing her playmaking skills during critical moments. Jackie Young stepped up with 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Jewell Loyd contributed 10 points to the team effort.
On the Mercury’s side, Satou Sabally shone bright, leading her team with 26 points. Fellow teammates Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper added 15 points each, making substantial contributions in a tightly contested matchup.
Box Score | Photos | Game Highlights
| TEAM | 1st Quarter | 2nd Quarter | 3rd Quarter | 4th Quarter | Final |
| Aces | 15 | 26 | 19 | 26 | 86 |
| Mercury | 17 | 25 | 17 | 24 | 83 |
First Quarter Highlights (Phoenix 17, Las Vegas 15)
The game began with the Aces trailing early at 4-0 and struggling to find their rhythm. A’ja Wilson broke the scoreless streak with a jumper, but Phoenix quickly regained momentum, leading by as much as six points. Despite a slow shooting start, the Aces rallied late in the quarter, concluding with a 9-5 run led by Wilson, bringing the score to 15-17 as they began to find their footing.
Second Quarter Highlights (Phoenix 42, Las Vegas 41)
The second quarter showcased back-and-forth action. With both teams exchanging leads, the Aces managed to tie the game at 17-all. However, Phoenix responded with an 8-2 run, but Wilson’s determination shone through as she scored multiple points to help the Aces tie it up again at 30-30. The shooting improved for Las Vegas as they outscored Phoenix 16-10 in the paint, yet the Mercury maintained a slight lead as the half closed, with Wilson leading all scorers with 20 points.
Third Quarter Highlights (Las Vegas 60, Phoenix 59)
Coming out of halftime, the Aces found their momentum, propelled by a 17-6 run to take a 58-48 lead. However, the Mercury responded aggressively, finishing the quarter with an 11-2 run of their own, ending the third down by just one point. The increased scoring pace saw both teams vying for dominance as the Aces struggled from long range while Phoenix capitalized on timely shots.
Fourth Quarter Highlights (Las Vegas 86, Phoenix 83)
The final quarter remained fiercely competitive, with eight lead changes and four ties. The Mercury briefly took the lead with a little over four minutes left, but a clutch three-pointer from Young turned the tide back in favor of the Aces. Chelsea Gray’s leadership shone through as she scored the final six points for Las Vegas, including critical free throws that ultimately sealed the victory.
KEY STATS
With the final score, the Aces continued to demonstrate their offensive prowess. The teams were nearly even in overall field goal percentage, with the Mercury shooting 45.6% and the Aces slightly behind at 45.5%. However, the Aces excelled at the free throw line, hitting 22 of 26 attempts compared to the Mercury’s 11 of 14. Las Vegas also out-rebounded Phoenix 39-30, indicating their physical presence in the paint.
Despite some turnover challenges, the Aces managed to convert their defensive opportunities into points, highlighting their ability to capitalize on mistakes made by the Mercury. The battle in the paint showed what both teams could do; while the Mercury outscored the Aces 38-34 in that area, Las Vegas held a slight edge in second-chance points.
GAME NOTES
In this victory, the Aces have now won 8 of their last 9 games, demonstrating a strong closing push as the season enters its final stretch. A’ja Wilson’s double-double marked the 115th of her career, moving her up in the all-time ranks. Wilson also broke records, marking her 31st game with 30 or more points, solidifying her standing within elite company.
The Aces played without key player Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (maternity leave), yet their depth and leadership showed as they adapted and excelled. The upcoming game against the Dallas Wings marks the beginning of another home stand, setting the stage for continued excitement in the WNBA.