Alyssa Thomas Misses Key Free Throws as Mercury Fall in WNBA Finals Opener

LAS VEGAS — Alyssa Thomas of the Phoenix Mercury faced a heartbreaking moment in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Friday night. With less than a minute remaining, she made an impressive drive to score against A’ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces star. This brought the Mercury within one point of taking the lead.

However, in a tense moment, Thomas found herself at the free-throw line, responsible for turning the game in her team’s favor. She missed both attempts, which could have sealed a victory for the Mercury. The first shot hit the back rim and the second circled the hoop before rolling out.

“We know the pressure is high during the Finals,” Thomas said, reflecting on her performance, which included 15 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. Despite her strong numbers, the missed free throws became a pivotal moment in the game.

The Aces seized the opportunity, implementing strategic defensive adjustments at halftime that stifled Phoenix’s offense. Their bench players provided valuable contributions, ultimately leading to a thrilling 89-86 win and a 1-0 series lead.

Head coach Becky Hammon praised the team’s defensive effort and the reaction to the free throws. “We knew Alyssa would be a challenge,” she noted, crediting the switch to a zone defense that made it harder for the Mercury to penetrate the paint.

Thomas’s missed opportunities highlighted the pressures of the Finals, yet her teammates remained supportive. Mercury guard Kahleah Copper stated, “Alyssa is resilient, and we have her back.”

The Mercury had performed well throughout the season and advanced to the Finals after overcoming the highly rated Minnesota Lynx in the semifinals. Despite the setback, they are determined to fight back in Game 2.

The stakes are high as the series progresses, with Thomas expected to respond strongly. “Most of us have been here before,” she said. “Game 2 will be a different story.”