Aces Overcome Mercury in Offensive Battle to Secure Playoff Spot

The Las Vegas Aces have officially clinched their spot in the 2025 WNBA Playoffs after a hard-fought 105-95 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night. In a game defined by explosive offensive performances on both sides, it was the Aces' championship pedigree that ultimately shone through, allowing them to pull away in a tense fourth quarter. The sellout crowd at Michelob ULTRA Arena was treated to a spectacular duel between superstars, as the game remained tight until the final minutes. With the win, the Aces not only secured their postseason berth but also solidified their position as a top contender for the championship title.

Las Vegas was powered by its formidable "Big Three," with A'ja Wilson leading the charge. The reigning MVP delivered a dominant performance, pouring in 31 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, proving to be an unstoppable force in the paint. She was flanked by stellar outings from guards Jackie Young, who contributed 18 points and 8 assists, and Chelsea Gray, who added 18 points of her own. Their combined effort was crucial in weathering the storm from a resilient Mercury squad that refused to back down. The Aces' offense was firing on all cylinders, shooting an efficient 52% from the field and showcasing the ball movement and chemistry that has defined their season. The victory improves their season record to an impressive 28-10.

The Phoenix Mercury, despite the loss, showed incredible fight, largely thanks to a heroic effort from superstar Kahleah Copper. Copper was electric, dropping a game-high 30 points and keeping the Mercury within striking distance for much of the contest. She was complemented by a historic performance from Alyssa Thomas, who recorded a triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, demonstrating her all-around impact on the court. DeWanna Bonner also added a double-double, further highlighting the offensive firepower the Mercury possess. However, their efforts weren't enough to overcome the Aces' late-game execution. Phoenix's record now stands at 19-19, and they will need to fight hard in their remaining games to secure a favorable playoff seed.