The Las Vegas Aces have solidified their place as one of the most dominant teams in WNBA history, winning their third championship in four seasons after a 97-86 victory over the Phoenix Mercury. The win completed a four-game sweep in the best-of-seven WNBA Finals series. Led by league MVP A’ja Wilson, who scored 31 points in the decisive game and earned her second Finals MVP honor, the Aces proved unstoppable despite a late Mercury surge. The championship capped a remarkable turnaround season for Las Vegas, which began slowly but ended with a 16-game regular-season winning streak and a dominant playoff run.

The Championship Game

Playing in Phoenix, the Aces jumped out to a commanding 20-point lead in the third quarter before the Mercury battled back to cut the deficit to six late in the fourth. Guard Kahleah Copper led Phoenix with 30 points but fouled out in the closing minutes, sealing the Aces’ victory. Las Vegas maintained its composure, driven by strong performances from Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young, who each scored 18 points. The win marked the team’s fourth straight in the Finals and completed a dominant postseason that included tough series against Seattle and Indiana. As the clock expired, Wilson embraced her teammates, calling the championship “special” and crediting hard work and faith for the team’s success.

A’ja Wilson’s Historic Season

Already the 2025 WNBA MVP, Wilson delivered another career-defining performance in the Finals. Her 31-point outing in Game 4 capped a postseason filled with clutch moments, including a buzzer-beating jumper to win Game 3. With two Finals MVPs, four league MVPs, and three titles, Wilson has cemented her legacy as one of the most accomplished players in WNBA history. She praised her teammates for their perseverance and unity, saying the team’s chemistry was the key to overcoming early-season adversity. After the game, she shared an emotional moment with her boyfriend, NBA All-Star Bam Adebayo, before addressing fans and celebrating with head coach Becky Hammon, who guided the Aces to another championship.

Becky Hammon’s Leadership and Team Culture

Head coach Becky Hammon continues to redefine excellence in the WNBA, guiding Las Vegas to three titles in four years since taking the helm. Her leadership style — marked by trust and encouragement — has shaped the Aces into a cohesive and resilient unit. Hammon said her approach centers on giving players courage “when their knees are shaking” and helping them find greatness in each other. This season tested the team’s resolve following roster changes and an early losing record, but Hammon’s steady presence helped the Aces regain their rhythm. Her influence also drew praise from new addition Jewell Loyd, who credited the coach with creating an environment where she could “heal” and “play free.”

A Season of Transformation


The Aces’ 2025 campaign began with uncertainty. A front-office reshuffle and a major three-team trade sent All-Star Kelsey Plum to another franchise in exchange for Jewell Loyd, a move that initially drew skepticism. The team struggled early, winning just nine of its first 20 games. However, a midseason turnaround — highlighted by a 16-game winning streak — propelled Las Vegas into the playoffs as the No. 2 seed with a 30-14 record. The Aces battled through two grueling series before sweeping Phoenix in the Finals. The victory not only restored their championship dominance but also demonstrated their adaptability and commitment to maintaining the standard they have set for the entire league.

Triumph Amid League Tension

The Aces’ celebration came amid growing unease across the WNBA. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert was loudly booed by fans in Phoenix during the trophy presentation, reflecting tensions over ongoing collective bargaining negotiations. Players have voiced dissatisfaction with league leadership as the current CBA nears its October 31 expiration. Despite the off-court drama, the Aces’ win underscored the league’s competitive strength and rising visibility. Veteran Jackie Young called the championship proof that “Vegas is the standard,” while Hammon emphasized the team’s bond as its greatest strength. As the Aces prepare to defend their title next season, they do so as the clear benchmark for excellence — a team defined by resilience and unity.

Sources: NBC News, The New York Times