Aces Secure Third WNBA Title, Wilson Earns Historic Triple Crown

The Las Vegas Aces have once again ascended to the pinnacle of the WNBA, claiming their third championship in four seasons with a dominant four-game series victory over the Phoenix Mercury. The decisive victory came on Friday, October 10, 2025, with a 97-86 win in Game 4 held at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. This triumph solidifies the Aces' status as the league's gold standard, showcasing their consistent excellence and championship pedigree.

theguardian.com reported, At the heart of this historic run was A'ja Wilson, who delivered another MVP-caliber performance throughout the series and in the final game. Wilson, a four-time MVP, led all scorers in Game 4 with 31 points, complemented by 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. Her exceptional play earned her a second Finals MVP award, capping a season where she also secured the regular season MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors, a historic triple crown in WNBA history.

The Aces' victory was a comprehensive display of their offensive power and team depth. They never trailed in the series-clinching Game 4, building a significant lead early and maintaining control despite a resilient effort from the Mercury. Key contributions from Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young, who each added 18 points, further underscored the team's balanced attack. This four-game series concluded the WNBA Finals, which are structured as a best-of-five series.

cbsnews.com noted, Phoenix, despite a valiant playoff run that included upsets over the defending champion New York Liberty and top-seeded Minnesota Lynx, ultimately could not overcome the Aces' relentless pressure and their own injury woes. Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts was ejected in the third quarter of Game 4, reflecting the mounting frustration against the dominant Las Vegas squad. The Aces' consistent performance throughout the season, winning 25 of their final 28 games, culminated in this well-deserved championship.

• **Historic Dynasty Status:** The Las Vegas Aces' third WNBA championship in four seasons places them in an elite category, becoming the first team since the Houston Comets (1997-2000) to achieve such a feat. This accomplishment ties them with the Los Angeles Sparks, Phoenix Mercury, and Detroit Shock for fourth all-time in WNBA championships, firmly establishing their dynastic presence in the league.
• **A'ja Wilson's Unprecedented Season:** A'ja Wilson's 2025 season is etched in WNBA history, as she became the first player ever to win the regular season MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP in the same year. Her dominant Finals performance, averaging 28.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals, showcased her unparalleled impact on both ends of the court.
• **Game 4 Breakdown:** In the decisive Game 4, the Aces defeated the Mercury 97-86. Las Vegas established an early lead, finishing the first quarter up 30-21 and extending it to 54-38 by halftime. Despite a brief Mercury rally in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to six points, clutch plays from Chelsea Gray helped the Aces regain control and seal the victory.
• **Key Player Contributions:** Beyond A'ja Wilson's 31 points, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young were instrumental for the Aces, each contributing 18 points in Game 4. Jewell Loyd added 12 points and Dana Evans chipped in 10 off the bench, highlighting the team's balanced scoring attack. For the Mercury, Kahleah Copper led with 30 points, and Alyssa Thomas recorded a triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists.
• **Phoenix Mercury's Resilient Playoff Journey:** Despite the series loss, the Phoenix Mercury demonstrated significant resilience throughout their playoff run. They successfully navigated past the defending champion New York Liberty in the opening round and then upset the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the semifinals, showcasing their determination and competitive spirit leading up to the Finals.
• **Challenges Faced by the Mercury:** The Mercury's Finals campaign was hampered by key injuries. Forward Satou Sabally was sidelined with a concussion suffered late in Game 3, and Alyssa Thomas sustained a shoulder injury in Game 4, though she made a courageous return. The frustration was palpable, leading to the ejection of Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts in the third quarter of the final game after receiving two technical fouls.
• **Offensive Prowess of the Aces:** The Las Vegas Aces' offensive efficiency was a hallmark of their championship run, particularly in the Finals where they averaged over 90 points per game. Their ability to score consistently, coupled with strong ball movement and spacing, overwhelmed the Mercury defense throughout the series. The Aces shot 55% in the first quarter of Game 4, setting an aggressive tone.
• **Future Implications for the WNBA:** The Aces' sustained success and their third title in four years signal a potential shift in the WNBA landscape, cementing their status as a dominant force. This era, characterized by the stellar play of A'ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young, sets a high bar for future competitors and promises continued excitement and high-level basketball in the league.