The 2025 WNBA Finals are set, pitting the Las Vegas Aces against the Phoenix Mercury in what promises to be a fierce battle for the championship. Game 1 tips off Friday night in Las Vegas, with the Aces holding home-court advantage after their grueling overtime victory over the Indiana Fever on Tuesday. Indeed, the series schedule unfolds quickly: Game 2 shifts to Phoenix on Sunday, before returning to Vegas for Game 3 on Tuesday. If needed, Games 4 and 5 would alternate, potentially stretching to a decisive Game 7 by mid-October.
At the heart of the Aces' push is guard Jackie Young, whose explosive play has been pivotal in dragging her team to this third Finals appearance in four years. Young, averaging 18.5 points and 4.2 assists through the playoffs, delivered 22 points in that nail-biting Game 5 win against Indiana, sealing the deal with clutch defense down the stretch. Her versatility—switching seamlessly between scoring bursts and lockdown perimeter work—has critics nodding in reluctant approval, even as questions linger about the Aces' depth amid ongoing injury concerns.
However, the Mercury present a formidable obstacle. Phoenix clinched their Finals spot last Sunday, riding a wave of momentum from Brittney Griner's dominant interior presence and Kahleah Copper's sharpshooting. The Mercury's path here wasn't without drama; they dispatched a stubborn opponent in the semifinals, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on fast breaks. Moreover, their recent form suggests a team hungry to upend the Aces' dynasty aspirations—Las Vegas did, after all, knock Phoenix out of last year's playoffs in a controversial finish.
Young's journey adds layers to this matchup. Traded to the Aces in 2019, she's evolved into a cornerstone, yet whispers of burnout surface amid the league's compressed schedule. The Finals could test her limits, especially against Phoenix's veteran savvy. Still, with A'ja Wilson anchoring the frontcourt, Young has the pieces to shine.
As the series dawns, one wonders if this rematch will finally crown a new era or reinforce the Aces' grip on the throne.