A Season to Remember
The Phoenix Mercury’s magical postseason run came to an end Friday night in front of a roaring home crowd as the Las Vegas Aces claimed a 97–86 win to close out the WNBA Finals.
But for Phoenix, this was more than a loss — it was the beginning of a new chapter.
The Mercury became the first team in WNBA or NBA history to reach the Finals while returning two or fewer players from the previous season’s roster. Their rapid rebuild was nothing short of remarkable.
Along the way, Phoenix took down two of the league’s toughest opponents — Minnesota (34–10) and New York (27–17) — who combined for a .693 regular-season winning percentage, the second-highest ever faced by a team en route to the Finals.
They also became just the fourth team in WNBA history to eliminate both reigning Finals participants in a single postseason — a stat that perfectly captures the fight, chemistry, and belief that carried them this far.
Thomas Makes History
Alyssa Thomas continued her legendary season with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, earning her second triple-double of the postseason and 25th of her career — the most in WNBA history.
Thomas now owns six of the eight all-time WNBA playoff triple-doubles, passing icons like Courtney Vandersloot and Sylvia Fowles in multiple statistical categories.
“I think this game just shows what we’re about,” Thomas said postgame. “No one expected us to even be here… but we have a lot to build on.”
Her leadership and unrelenting consistency have not only elevated Phoenix but redefined what versatility and playmaking look like in the WNBA.
Copper’s Fire and Fight
Kahleah Copper left it all on the floor, scoring a playoff career-high 30 points on 12-for-22 shooting — making her the 14th player in Finals history to record a 30-point game.
After the final buzzer, Copper gathered her teammates together in an emotional huddle.
“Just take a couple seconds – feel it, hear it,” Copper told them. “You know you hate this feeling… just remember it and let it fuel you.”
She later spoke about the unwavering energy from the Mercury fan base:
“The X-Factor, y’all know how I feel about y’all. I love y’all… You’ve really been our sixth man all year.”
Coach Tibbetts Reflects on a Transformational Year
In his first year as head coach, Nate Tibbetts guided a new-look Mercury roster to a Finals appearance few believed possible.
“This is one of the funnest years I’ve ever had in basketball,” Tibbetts said. “For a new group to come together the way we did and compete says a lot about our locker room. The city of Phoenix and the state of Arizona really got behind us because we play the right way.”
Phoenix entered the postseason with just a 1.7% projected chance to win it all, but that didn’t stop them from climbing all the way to the league’s biggest stage.
“We had maybe the toughest road to get here,” Tibbetts added. “I’m so damn proud of this group and where we ended up.”
Aces Cement Their Dynasty
On the other side, Las Vegas continued to build its case as one of the WNBA’s all-time great dynasties.
A’ja Wilson led all scorers with 31 points and 9 rebounds, going 17-for-19 from the free-throw line — matching Phoenix’s entire roster in attempts.
Head coach Becky Hammon praised her team’s unity and resilience, while Wilson reflected on what greatness means beyond the banners:
“Greatness is being patient and waiting on your moment… You’ve got to be great when the lights aren’t on you.”
The Bigger Picture
Though the Mercury’s season ends without a trophy, it’s clear this team has redefined expectations.
They’ve built a foundation rooted in chemistry, culture, and belief — one that has reignited basketball energy in the Valley.
Alyssa Thomas may have said it best:
“Of course it didn’t end the way we wanted, but we have a lot to build on.”
From historic milestones to unforgettable performances, this Finals run was a testament to Phoenix’s grit, growth, and the rebirth of championship basketball in Arizona.
Final Score:
Phoenix Mercury 86 – Las Vegas Aces 97
Series: Aces win WNBA Finals 4–0
Featured Player Stats
- Kahleah Copper: 30 points, 6 rebounds
- Alyssa Thomas: 17 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists (triple-double)
- DeWanna Bonner: 10 points, 10 rebounds
