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A’ja Wilson worked in the paint, getting bucket after bucket despite multiple defenders clinging to him.
She got a lot of help from Chelsea Gray, Jewel Loyd and Dana Evans. The trio started raining 3 seconds early in the second quarter.
vegas The Aces were – once again – an offensive force wnba Finals, and they were on their way to their third championship in four seasons. They completed a four-game sweep surprise Friday night with the Mercury winning 97-86.
“These guys are special,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said.
Wilson had 31 points and nine rebounds while Gray and Jackie Young each scored 18 points. Five players scored in double figures.
The Aces made a quick run to the league’s first best-of-seven finals. He scored 54 points in the first half and averaged over 90 points per game in the series.
Wilson came to the post-game press conference wearing large ski goggles from the champagne celebration in the locker room and carrying a pink tambourine, which she waved after answering the questions she liked.
“It’s a symbol of the happiness that we have right now,” Wilson said, smiling. “I’m so grateful to be with this group – and it’s not about the alcohol.”
Wilson – who was honored as Finals MVP – led the way for the Aces despite a poor shooting night. The four-time regular season MVP finished 7 of 21 from the field but made 17 of 19 free throws. Gray made four 3-pointers, two of which were in the fourth quarter, to help spark the Mercury’s final rally.
The Aces were presented with the championship trophy by embattled WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who were greeted with applause by the large contingent of Las Vegas fans who traveled to Phoenix.
The Aces led 76–62 in the fourth quarter, but the Mercury went on an 8–0 run, cutting the deficit to 76–70 with 7:56 left. That was as close as they could get.
Kahleh Copper led the Mercury with 30 points, shooting 12 of 22 from the field. Elisa thomas He had 17 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.
Mercury coach Nate Tibbets was ejected in the third quarter after receiving two quick technical fouls from official Gina Cross. Tibet Mercury guard Monique Akoah was arguing a foul call against Makani, and reacted in disbelief when he was escorted off the court.
Devanna Bonner and Copper were also called for technical fouls in the fourth quarter.
The Aces never trailed in the series decider, taking a 30-21 lead on 55% shooting at the end of the first quarter. Loyd, Gray and Evans made three consecutive 3s early in the second quarter to put Las Vegas ahead by 19.
Las Vegas had a 54–38 advantage at halftime. Wilson had 14 points before the break while Gray added 10.
Tibbetts said the Aces were a tough team to defend all series.
“Unbelievable team – they were playing at an extremely high level,” Tibbetts said. “We’ve put ourselves in a position to get opportunities in some games, but what runs they’re scoring. Hitting big shots one after another.”
The Mercury were without forward Sato Sabally, who suffered an injury at the end of Game 3. He suffered another injury blow on Friday, when Thomas had to leave just before halftime after taking a hard hit on his right shoulder on a Lloyd screen.
Thomas returned in the second half but was hampered by injury.
The Mercury enjoyed a deep playoff run led by Tibbetts, but could not find a way to slow down the Aces. Phoenix advanced to the finals by defeating defending champion New York Liberty in the preliminary round and top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the semi-finals.
Phoenix lost in the WNBA Finals for the second time in five years, losing to the Chicago Sky in 2021. The Mercury have won three championships, the last coming in 2014.
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AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball