GAME RECAP: Las Vegas Aces Extend Winning Streak to 9 with 83-61 Defeat of Mercury
Fri, Aug 22, 2025, 5:34 AM
LAS VEGAS (Aug. 21, 2025)—In an impressive display of teamwork and skill, the Las Vegas Aces (23-14) clinched their ninth consecutive victory, overpowering the Phoenix Mercury (21-14) with a decisive score of 83-61 at Michelob ULTRA Arena on Thursday evening. This win not only solidified their dominance but also elevated them from fifth to third in the fiercely competitive WNBA standings, with the top four seeds separated by just 1.5 games.
The Aces’ offensive performance was a standout feature of the game, as five players contributed significantly to the scoreboard. Leading the charge was A’ja Wilson, who tallied a game-high 19 points alongside 13 rebounds, showcasing her all-around prowess. Dana Evans assisted with 17 points, while Chelsea Gray, NaLyssa Smith, and Jackie Young each chipped in with 12 points. This balanced approach underlined the Aces’ strategy of teamwork and depth.
On the opposing side, Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally were key players for the Mercury, finishing with 17 and 15 points, respectively. However, the depth of the Aces proved too much for the Mercury to handle.
First Quarter Insights
The match began with Phoenix quickly landing a three-pointer, but Las Vegas swiftly reclaimed the momentum, leading 9-5 early on. As the quarter progressed, the Aces maintained their edge, closing it out with a 7-0 run to finish 23-17. Las Vegas demonstrated superior shooting skills, connecting on 50% of their attempts, while Phoenix struggled at just 33.3% overall.
Second Quarter Surge
The Aces didn’t ease up in the second quarter. What started as a 7-0 run evolved into a substantial 17-1 streak, pushing them to a commanding 33-18 lead midway through the quarter. The Aces shot 47.4% from the field, while the Mercury faltered at 23.5%, creating a chasm in scoring. Wilson led the charge during this phase with eight points, whereas no Mercury player scored more than three.
Third Quarter Dynamics
Despite Las Vegas maintaining a comfortable cushion, the Mercury fought valiantly in the third quarter, attempting to close the gap. The Aces’ shooting cooled off slightly, with a conversion rate of 37.5% and a failure to connect on any three-pointers. However, significant defensive efforts allowed Las Vegas to keep Phoenix at bay, limiting them to just 23.5% shooting. This led to a score of 59-46 heading into the final quarter.
Fourth Quarter Finish
The final quarter saw Las Vegas extend their lead to as much as 20 points. Following a brief Phoenix scoring surge, the Aces answered with eight consecutive points, effectively sealing their victory. With their shooting at 50% for the quarter and three successful three-pointers, the Aces firmly established control. Evans led the scoring in this quarter with seven points, highlighting the Aces’ continued offensive rhythm.
Key Statistics
The Aces exhibited a shooting efficiency of 46.6% from the field and 27.3% from beyond the arc. Conversely, the Mercury struggled significantly, finishing at 31% overall and only 18.5% from three-point territory. At the free-throw line, both teams showcased strong performances, with the Aces at 90% and the Mercury at 84.6%.
While the Mercury out-rebounded the Aces (43-37), including 13 offensive boards to the Aces’ 6, Las Vegas turned their defensive prowess into scoring, netting 21 points off 14 turnovers committed by Phoenix. This efficiency proved critical in defining the game’s outcome.
Historic Context
The Aces’ nine-game winning streak marks a significant milestone, tying the longest regular-season streak since the franchise’s move to Las Vegas and only the second-longest in the team’s history overall. The franchise record remains 12 consecutive wins set by the 2012 San Antonio Silver Stars.
This match also stands out in the history of the league, as it marked the first instance where the Aces did not allow any points from their own turnovers, a rare achievement. Gray, who needed three defensive rebounds to hit the 1,000-career milestone, accomplished this feat seamlessly during the game.
Looking Ahead
With this thrilling victory behind them, the Aces are set to embark on a challenging three-game road trip, beginning with a matchup against the Washington Mystics (16-20) at CareFirst Arena on Saturday, August 23. This game promises to be another test for the Aces as they strive to maintain their impressive form in the final stretch of the season.