Image Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

2025 WNBA Finals Game 1: A’ja Wilson and Dana Evans Combine 42 Points to Lead Aces Over Mercury Establishing Early Dominance in Series

The Aces are leading the best-of-seven series 1-0.

Image Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

A’ja Wilson and Dana Evans dropped 42 combined points to lead the Las Vegas Aces to a thrilling 89-86 victory over the Phoenix Mercury in Game 1 of the 2025 WNBA Finals. Wilson grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out five assists while shooting 7-16 from the field. With the victory, the Aces recorded an early 1-0 lead over their counterparts in the league’s first-ever best-of-seven finals series.

𝐐𝐔𝟑𝟑𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝟑 👑

♠️ 21 PTS
♠️ 3 AST
♠️ 4 STL
♠️ 5-6 3PM
♠️ 62% FG@Danaaakianaaa // #RaiseTheStakes pic.twitter.com/4CkcLIrhhp
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) October 4, 2025

Wilson became the first player in WNBA finals history to record 20 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and zero turnovers in a game. Evans, on the other hand, also dropped 21 points off the bench. She recorded two rebounds, and three assists while shooting 8-of-13 from the field and 5-of-6 from the three-point line. She is the first player in the history of WNBA Finals to make five threes and record four steals in a game.

Starting the series with a dub ✅@Danaaakianaaa: 21 PTS / 3 AST / 4 STL / 5-6 3PM / 62% FG@_ajawilson22: 21 PTS / 10 REB / 5 AST / 2 BLK / 44% FG@jewellloyd: 18 PTS / 4 REB / 50% FG@JackieYoung3: 10 PTS / 5 AST / 2 STL#RaiseTheStakes pic.twitter.com/WzasFOJdZ8
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) October 4, 2025

Las Vegas Aces Turn Up Defense in Last Quarter to Break Mercury’s Rhythm

The Phoenix Mercury, who are appearing in the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2021, had control of the game for most of the time. After tying the opening quarter at 21, the Mercury gained a five-point lead as they headed into the second half. However, the Aces announced their arrival in the second half, and while they were trailing the Mercury, the hosts outscored their rivals by one point in the third quarter.

It's halftime in Game 1 of the Finals 👏

The @PhoenixMercury lead the @LVAces 50-45

Kahleah Copper: 19 PTS | 5 3PM | 3 REB
Alyssa Thomas: 10 PTS | 6 AST
Jewell Loyd: 13 PTS | 2 REB
Dana Evans: 10 PTS | 2 3PM | 2 STL

Tune into the second half on ESPN#WNBAFinals presented by… pic.twitter.com/kW0yOMP477
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 4, 2025

As the game entered its final frame, the A’ja Wilson-led side turned up its defense and broke the Mercury’s rhythm. Things further got out of control for the Mercury when Alyssa Thomas missed both her chances to take the lead with free throws in the final 24 seconds. Later with 13.5 seconds remaining, the Aces forward Jackie Young was fouled, and made it a three-point game. In the final seconds, Kahleah Copper gave the ball to Satou Sabally for the final shot, but the latter ended up missing it.

Second chance points >>

DeWanna Bonner scores the bucket off the o-board

PHX-LVA | ESPN | WNBA Finals | @YouTubeTV pic.twitter.com/eSBkkeZMaY
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 4, 2025

Kahleah Copper led Mercury with 21 points, 19 of which came in the first half, four rebounds and one assist. She was shooting 7-of-12 from the field and 5-of-9 from the three-point range. Satou Sabally finished with 19 points, four rebounds, and four assists while shooting 50% from the field, 42.9% from the three-point range, and 100% from the free throw line. Alyssa Thomas, Monique Akoa Makani, and DeWanna Bonner were other players who recorded double-digit scores.

Alyssa Thomas makes it a one point game ‼️

PHX-LVA | ESPN | WNBA Finals | @YouTubeTV pic.twitter.com/2nP865c9Vu
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 4, 2025

Game 2 of the series is scheduled on Sunday, October 5, 2025 before action shifts to Phoenix for Game 3 and Game 4.

2025 WNBA Finals

A’ja Wilson

Dana Evans

Las Vegas Aces

Phoenix Mercury

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.