The Las Vegas Aces strategically implemented a zone defence in the fourth quarter of the WNBA Finals opener against the Phoenix Mercury, a tactic they had not extensively practiced before. This decision proved beneficial as it helped cool off Phoenix’s hot shooting and allowed the Aces to secure an 89-86 victory in Game 1. A’ja Wilson and Dana Evans both contributed 21 points to lead the Aces to their win, with Wilson notably scoring 12 points in the final 14 minutes. The game was tight with only a three-point difference, as Phoenix’s Satou Sabally missed a crucial 3-pointer in the closing seconds that could have tied the score.
The Aces’ head coach, Becky Hammon, explained that the shift to zone defence was a strategic move to counter Phoenix’s strong offensive plays in the paint, which were causing vulnerabilities for the Aces. The adjustment paid off as the Aces were able to better defend against Phoenix’s shooters and secure the win.
Dana Evans played a significant role off the bench, scoring five 3-pointers and recording four steals, making her a key player in the Aces’ victory. Jewell Loyd contributed 18 points from the bench, leading the Aces’ reserves to outscore the Mercury’s bench by a significant margin. The Aces also saw strong performances from A’ja Wilson, who added 10 rebounds, and Chelsea Gray, who recorded 10 assists.
On the Phoenix side, Kahleah Cooper led the scoring with 21 points, supported by Sabally with 19 points and Alyssa Thomas with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. The game was marked by intense back-and-forth action, with multiple lead changes and ties, indicating that the Finals series is likely to remain highly competitive.
Looking ahead to Game 2, both teams are gearing up for another intense matchup. The Aces will aim to extend their lead in the series, while the Mercury will be looking to bounce back and level the playing field. The stage is set for a thrilling series as the two teams battle it out for the WNBA championship title.