The Las Vegas Aces secured a decisive 100-82 road victory over the Phoenix Mercury on September 25, driven by A’ja Wilson’s double-double, setting the stage for their postseason debut.
The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Phoenix Mercury 100-82 in a regular-season finale played on September 25, 2026. The result solidified Las Vegas as the third seed in the Western Conference Division with a 31-13 record, while the Phoenix Mercury concluded their campaign with a 16-28 record, finishing sixth in their division. The decisive factor was the Aces’ overwhelming offensive efficiency and defensive pressure, led by three-time AP Player of the Year A’ja Wilson, who dominated the paint and facilitated the offense to secure a crucial win before the playoffs begin.
Las Vegas Aces Performance
A’ja Wilson was the undisputed engine of the Las Vegas Aces, recording a massive double-double with 34 points and 10 rebounds. Her performance underscored her status as the league’s premier player, providing the scoring punch necessary to overcome significant roster depletion. Jackie Young orchestrated the floor effectively, dishing out a game-high 11 assists to keep the Mercury’s defense off balance. While specific box score details for other contributors were limited in the immediate report, Jewell Loyd provided critical energy off the bench, adding 25 points to ensure the lead remained insurmountable in the second half.
The Aces managed this victory despite listing five key players as Out due to injury: Kara Dunn, Kelsey Plum, Jovana Nogic, Dana Evans, and NaLyssa Smith. The coaching staff navigated these absences by relying on Wilson’s star power and Young’s playmaking. This resilience highlighted the team’s depth issues but also demonstrated their ability to close out the regular season on a high note. The win serves as a momentum builder as they prepare to host the Indiana Fever in Game 1 of the first round on September 27 at 8:00 PM ET.
Phoenix Mercury Performance
The Phoenix Mercury struggled to contain the Aces’ interior presence, ultimately falling short despite individual efforts from their veterans. Kahleah Copper led Phoenix in scoring with 18 points, showcasing her ability to generate offense even in a losing effort. However, the Mercury lacked the secondary scoring production needed to match Las Vegas’s output. Alyssa Thomas contributed significantly in the passing lane with 9 assists, attempting to stabilize the offense, while Natasha Mack grabbed 7 rebounds to help compete on the glass.
Despite Copper’s earlier brilliance during the regular season, including a 31-point performance against Dallas, she could not single-handedly turn the tide against a disciplined Las Vegas squad. The Mercury’s inability to stop Wilson’s dual-threat impact—both scoring and rebounding—proved fatal. The loss marks the end of the line for Phoenix in 2026, concluding a season that saw them finish sixth in the Western Conference Division. The team will now regroup for the offseason without postseason contention.
Turning Point
The turning point in the contest was the Aces’ ability to leverage A’ja Wilson’s dominance early and maintain it throughout. Wilson’s 34 points and 10 rebounds created mismatches that Phoenix could not solve. When combined with Jackie Young’s 11 assists, Las Vegas controlled the tempo and limited Phoenix to just 82 points. The gap widened as Jewell Loyd’s bench contribution added another layer of offensive firepower that the Mercury’s defense could not adjust to, effectively sealing the 18-point victory.
What It Means
This victory carries significant weight for the Las Vegas Aces as they enter the WNBA Playoffs. Facing the Indiana Fever (28-16) in the first round, the Aces must navigate the absence of five key rotation players. Their success in this final regular-season game suggests confidence, though questions remain about their depth against a tough Fever squad coached by Stephanie White. For Phoenix, the loss confirms their rebuilding status, ending hopes of a playoff berth after a difficult 16-28 season.
- A’ja Wilson recorded 34 points and 10 rebounds, leading all scorers and securing the AP Player of the Year narrative.
- Jackie Young served as the primary facilitator with 11 assists, offsetting the lack of traditional point guard depth.
- Kahleah Copper led Phoenix with 18 points, but the Mercury lacked sufficient support to challenge the Aces’ lead.
- Injury Impact: Five Aces players (Dunn, Plum, Nogic, Evans, Smith) were Out, testing the team’s resilience before the playoffs.
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