Wilson Drains Buzzer-Beater As Aces Survive Phoenix Rally To Seize Pivotal 3-0 WNBA Finals Lead

 

The Las Vegas Aces are one win away from their third WNBA championship in four years with a heart-stopping 90-88 victory over the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the Finals on Tuesday night in downtown Phoenix. A’ja Wilson delivered the decisive blow with a turnaround jumper with just 0.3 seconds remaining, capping off a historic performance that saw her score 34 points and grab 14 rebounds.

The Aces now hold a commanding 3-0 series lead and can close out the championship on Friday night. Wilson’s clutch shot came after the Mercury mounted a furious fourth-quarter rally, erasing what had been a 17-point deficit to tie the game at 88-88 with just over a minute remaining. The comeback effort was fueled by veterans Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner, who combined for 20 of Phoenix’s 29 fourth-quarter points.

The game took a dramatic turn late in the fourth quarter when Mercury forward Satou Sabally suffered a head injury after colliding with Kierstan Bell’s knee while battling for a loose ball. Sabally, who had scored 24 points before the injury, needed assistance walking off the court and did not return. Despite the setback, Phoenix rallied behind Copper’s 11 consecutive points and Bonner’s clutch shooting to force the dramatic finish.

Wilson’s Performance Highlights Game 3 Key Takeaways

Wilson’s performance cemented her legacy as one of the greatest Finals performers in WNBA history. She became the first player ever to record consecutive Finals games with at least 25 points and 10 rebounds, while also setting a new record for most points scored in a single postseason with her latest outburst. 

Other takeaways from Game 3:

•  Long-range shooting key to Aces’ lead: The Aces’ three-point shooting proved to be the difference-maker in building their substantial lead. Las Vegas connected on nine first-half three-pointers, with seven coming on uncontested attempts as Phoenix’s defense struggled to rotate properly. Jackie Young and Jewell Loyd combined to hit eight triples in the opening two quarters, with Loyd’s four first-quarter makes helping silence an electric Phoenix crowd early.
• The scary injury details: Sabally’s injury casts a shadow over Phoenix’s already slim championship hopes. The Mercury’s leading scorer was having another stellar performance before the frightening collision that left her visibly shaken as she was helped to the locker room. Without specific details on the severity of her head injury, Phoenix faces the possibility of being without its top offensive weapon in a must-win Game 4.
• Mercury’s poor first-half defensive performance:  Phoenix’s defensive struggles in the first half put them in an insurmountable hole despite their incredible comeback effort. The Mercury allowed 55 first-half points, the most they’ve surrendered in any half this postseason, while committing seven turnovers compared to just three for Las Vegas. 
• Point guard shines for Aces: Young’s playmaking ability created numerous scoring opportunities for her teammates throughout the contest. The Aces guard finished with 21 points and nine assists, combining with Wilson to score or assist on 72 points – tied for the fifth-highest total by a duo in Finals history. Her ability to find open teammates while also creating her own shot kept Phoenix’s defense constantly off-balance.
• Great coaching is key for Las Vegas:  Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon’s tactical adjustments throughout the series have been masterful, improving her Finals record to 9-2 – the highest winning percentage in league history. From employing zone defense in Game 1 to unleashing Young in Game 2 and drawing up the perfect final play for Wilson in Game 3, Hammon has consistently stayed one step ahead of Phoenix’s coaching staff. “We can’t dig ourselves that kind of hole against a team this good,” said Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts.
• Phoenix’s surge was just too late: The Mercury’s fourth-quarter surge demonstrated their championship mettle but also highlighted missed opportunities earlier in the game. Copper’s 11 straight points during a crucial stretch showed exactly what Phoenix is capable of when locked in defensively and executing offensively. “That’s how we should be playing from the start,” said Alyssa Thomas, who finished just shy of a triple-double with 14 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. 

Aces Can Win WNBA Championship Friday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Aces find themselves in the driver’s seat with a chance to complete a championship sweep on Friday night. Wilson’s historic performance and the team’s ability to withstand Phoenix’s desperate rally attempt demonstrated the championship experience that has defined this Las Vegas core. With Young providing excellent secondary scoring and playmaking, the Aces appear ready to capture their third title in four seasons.