Sports
2025 WNBA Finals: Aces Face Mercury in Historic Showdown
Las Vegas, NV – The 2025 WNBA Finals tip off on Friday, October 3, at 8 p.m. ET, featuring the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury. This series marks the league’s first-ever best-of-seven format, promising a thrilling conclusion to the season.
The Aces, led by reigning league MVP A’ja Wilson, are returning to the Finals for the third time in four years. After a record-setting season, they finished with a 30-14 record. In their playoff journey, they battled through close matchups, including a dramatic Game 5 overtime win over the Indiana Fever.
“It’s been a wild ride, but we’re ready to compete at the highest level,” Wilson said. The Aces executed a remarkable 16-game winning streak late in the regular season, showcasing their offensive prowess with a postseason offensive rating of 108.9.
The Mercury, the No. 4 seed with a 27-17 record, are looking to claim their first championship since 2014. They showcased resilience this postseason, overcoming challenges after initially losing to the New York Liberty in the first round to eventually defeat the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx.
“We have the momentum, and we believe we can take this,” said Mercury guard Alyssa Thomas, who has been pivotal in their recent success with exceptional playmaking skills.
Both teams have unique strengths. The Aces rely on Wilson’s dominating play inside, averaging 26.0 points and 9.1 rebounds in the playoffs. In contrast, the Mercury’s late-game comebacks, bolstered by players like Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, have kept them competitive.
The Aces swept the regular-season series, but the games were closely contested, indicating the Mercury’s ability to challenge their rivals. The upcoming Finals are expected to deliver intense competition as both teams vie for the coveted title.
“This series is about heart and execution,” said Aces guard Jackie Young. “We have to stay focused.” With games broadcast on ESPN and ABC, fans are eager to witness this historic matchup beginning Friday night.
