In a nail-biting opener to the 2025 WNBA Finals, the Las Vegas Aces clawed back from a double-digit deficit to defeat the Phoenix Mercury 89-86 on Friday night at Michelob Ultra Arena. The victory sets the tone for what promises to be a fierce best-of-five series, with the Aces leaning heavily on their depth and resilience. Indeed, it was the bench that turned the tide, outscoring Phoenix's reserves 41-16 in a display of unexpected firepower.
Dana Evans emerged as the unlikely star, exploding for 21 points off the bench, including five made threes on seven attempts. Her performance wasn't just scoring; she added four steals, becoming the first player in Finals history to notch that combo in a single game. Evans' energy injected life into an Aces squad that looked sluggish early, trailing by as much as 12 in the first half. A'ja Wilson, the league's dominant force, contributed 24 points and 12 rebounds in her usual commanding fashion, but it was Evans who sealed the drama with clutch buckets down the stretch.
Over on the Mercury side, Kahleah Copper fought valiantly, dropping 22 points and grabbing eight boards, yet Phoenix couldn't hold their lead. The team's vaunted trio—Copper, Brittney Griner, and Diana Taurasi—combined for solid output, but defensive lapses allowed Las Vegas to surge ahead in the fourth. Griner had 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Taurasi chipped in 16, but the Mercury's bench faltered badly, exposing a vulnerability that coach Sandy Brondello will surely address before Game 2 on Sunday.
Becky Hammon's Aces, now chasing a third title in four years, showed why they're favorites, though the win felt gritty rather than polished. Jewell Loyd, wait no—scratch that, the Aces' backcourt shuffled effectively without her, but Kierstan Bell added timely sparks from the wing. However, the close scoreline hints at Mercury's upset potential if they tighten up. Moreover, with the series shifting to Phoenix next, fatigue could play a role for both sides after a grueling playoffs run.
As these two powerhouses battle for supremacy, one can't help but wonder how long the Aces' bench magic will hold against Phoenix's star power.