Aces Take Commanding 3-0 Lead in WNBA Finals After Wilson's Historic Performance

The Las Vegas Aces stand on the brink of WNBA history after securing a dramatic 90-88 victory in Game 3 of the 2025 WNBA Finals. With this win, the Aces now hold a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Phoenix Mercury and need just one more victory to claim their third championship in four years. The game featured exceptional individual performances, strategic coaching decisions, and a concerning injury that could impact the remainder of the series.

Wilson's Historic Performance

A'ja Wilson cemented her status as one of the greatest players in WNBA Finals history with a dominant performance that will be remembered for years to come. The four-time MVP finished with 34 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks, becoming the first player in WNBA Finals history to record consecutive games of at least 25 points and 10 rebounds. Her game-winning jumper with just 0.3 seconds remaining capped off a remarkable individual effort that saved the Aces after they had squandered a 17-point lead.

Wilson's performance marked her ninth career 30-point game in the playoffs and her fourth this postseason, both representing the most all-time in WNBA history. She also recorded her third career postseason game with at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks, setting another league record. According to ESPN's coverage, Wilson's heroics came after coach Becky Hammon called a timeout with five seconds remaining and designed a play specifically for her star player at the elbow.

Supporting Cast Contributions

While Wilson rightfully earned the headlines, she received crucial support from her teammates throughout the contest. Jackie Young delivered a complete performance with 21 points and 9 assists, combining with Wilson to score or assist on 72 points—tying for the fifth-most by a duo in WNBA Finals history. Jewell Loyd provided an early offensive spark by connecting on four first-quarter three-pointers that helped quiet the enthusiastic Phoenix crowd, finishing with 16 points and 7 rebounds.

The Aces' perimeter shooting proved devastating in the first half, as they made nine three-pointers on 56.3% shooting, with seven of those attempts being uncontested. This offensive explosion allowed Las Vegas to build a substantial lead that ultimately proved insurmountable despite Phoenix's late comeback attempt.

Mercury's Valiant Comeback Effort

Phoenix mounted an impressive fourth-quarter rally that nearly stole the victory from Las Vegas. The Mercury outscored the Aces 29-14 in the final period, erasing what had been a 17-point deficit. Veterans Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner spearheaded the comeback, combining for 20 of Phoenix's 29 fourth-quarter points. Bonner tied the game twice in the final 1:41—first on a three-pointer and later on two free throws—before Wilson's game-winner.

Despite the loss, Bonner led the Mercury with 25 points, while Satou Sabally contributed 24 points before exiting the game with a head injury. Phoenix's defensive struggles proved costly, particularly in the first half when they allowed 55 points—the most they've surrendered in any half during this postseason.

Sabally's Concerning Injury

The game took a concerning turn when Phoenix's Satou Sabally left with 4:26 remaining after her head collided with Kierstan Bell's leg. The impact sent Sabally to the floor, and she required significant assistance to reach the locker room. Her status for Game 4 remains uncertain, creating additional challenges for a Mercury team already facing elimination. The injury occurred during Phoenix's comeback attempt and removed one of their primary scoring threats from the game at a critical moment.

Coaching Strategies and Game 4 Outlook

The coaching matchup featured intriguing strategic decisions throughout the contest. Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts attempted a different defensive approach by assigning Alyssa Thomas to guard Chelsea Gray initially, hoping to disrupt Las Vegas' offensive rhythm. However, the strategy proved ineffective against the Aces' versatile attack.

Becky Hammon's coaching excellence continued to shine, as she improved to 9-2 in WNBA Finals games—the highest winning percentage in league history. Her decision to surround Wilson with shooters prevented the double-teams typically used to contain the MVP, and her perfectly executed final play call secured the victory.

As the series shifts to Game 4 on Friday in Phoenix, the Mercury face the daunting task of solving Las Vegas' offensive schemes while potentially missing one of their key players. The Aces, meanwhile, will look to complete the sweep and cement their legacy as one of the WNBA's modern dynasties.