In a hard-fought Sunday afternoon clash at Michelob ULTRA Arena, the Phoenix Mercury edged out the Las Vegas Aces 76-70 in a thrilling Commissioner's Cup matchup. The victory marked a significant moment for the Mercury as they welcomed Kahleah Copper back from a preseason knee injury, while the Aces continued to navigate the challenges posed by the absence of their star player, A'ja Wilson, sidelined due to concussion protocol.
Satou Sabally led the Mercury’s charge with a commanding 22 points and nine rebounds, showcasing her scoring prowess and versatility on the court. Her efforts were complemented by Alyssa Thomas, who contributed a double-double with 14 points and an impressive 13 assists, marking the eighth time in her WNBA career she has reached at least 13 assists in a single game. Sami Whitcomb provided a spark off the bench, adding 18 points on efficient shooting, including a clutch fourth three-pointer that proved pivotal late in the game.
Kahleah Copper’s return was a highlight for Phoenix, as she scored 11 points in her season debut after recovering from a knee injury sustained in the preseason. Copper's early impact in the second half, including three quick buckets within the first few minutes, energized the Mercury and helped them maintain momentum against a determined Aces squad.
The Mercury’s bench outperformed their counterparts significantly, outscoring the Aces’ reserves 28-14, a critical factor in the closely contested matchup. Phoenix also capitalized on turnovers, converting 22 points off 22 Las Vegas giveaways, which underscored their defensive intensity and opportunistic play throughout the game.
For the Aces, Chelsea Gray was a standout performer, recording a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Gray’s rebounding effort was her first double-digit board game since August 2022, highlighting her all-around contribution. Jewell Loyd continued her scoring streak with 17 points, marking the first time she has registered double-digit points in consecutive games since joining the Aces last month. Jackie Young added 15 points, although she struggled with efficiency, shooting 4-of-14 from the field.
Kiah Stokes, despite being held scoreless offensively, was a force on the glass with 14 rebounds, just three shy of her career high. Off the bench, Kierstan Bell provided a bright spot for Las Vegas, knocking down 8 points on 2-of-3 shooting from beyond the arc. Bell’s performance was especially poignant as it came on Father’s Day, adding an emotional layer to her impactful contribution.
The game itself was a rollercoaster, with the first quarter featuring five lead changes and six ties, resulting in a 20-20 deadlock. Sabally’s three-pointer late in the quarter gave the Mercury a 27-24 lead, which they held onto to lead 43-39 at halftime. The Mercury extended their advantage late in the third quarter, with Whitcomb and Lexi Held hitting back-to-back threes to push the lead to 60-49. However, the Aces fought back in the fourth quarter, closing the gap to within two points early on with four free throws. Yet, Thomas and Whitcomb ensured the Mercury answered every challenge, maintaining their lead down the stretch.
The absence of A'ja Wilson was keenly felt for the Aces, who have now played two straight games without their MVP due to concussion protocol following a hit to the face in a game against the Los Angeles Sparks on June 11. Wilson’s absence has forced the Aces to rely heavily on Gray, Loyd, and Young, who together have accounted for a significant portion of the team's scoring this season. Despite their efforts, the turnover woes that plagued the Aces in a recent win over Dallas—where they committed 18 turnovers—reappeared, contributing to their downfall against Phoenix.
Las Vegas finished their three-game homestand with a 1-2 record and now prepare to hit the road for a tough matchup against the Western Conference-leading Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Phoenix, sitting just above the Aces in the league standings, embarks on the second leg of a four-game road trip with a game against Connecticut scheduled for Wednesday.
The game also held special significance as the annual Aces Kids Day, with the first 7,500 fans receiving a BUCKET$ 'squish' stuffed mascot, adding a festive atmosphere to the intense competition on the floor.
Reflecting on the team’s effort, Jewell Loyd emphasized the importance of collective determination: "I think collectively, we're just trying to play hard. That's something we can control in getting extra looks and shots. That's something that we want. We try to work on daggers as much as we can and that's what we want, we want effort. No matter what's going on on the offensive side, the little things that always don't show up in the score box, we want to have that. That's just a mindset for everyone who comes in the game, is that we can win the 50-50 balls, we can win the next possessions."
On the Phoenix side, Coach and players seemed to find their rhythm despite shooting struggles, with the team making 38.4 percent of their field goals and 28.1 percent from three-point range. The Mercury’s ability to capitalize on turnovers and depth in scoring proved decisive in overcoming the Aces’ resistance.
As the WNBA season progresses, both teams are poised to face critical stretches that will test their resilience and depth. The Mercury’s blend of veteran savvy and emerging talent like Copper’s return could propel them further up the standings, while the Aces must find ways to compensate for Wilson’s absence and tighten their ball security to remain competitive.
The Mercury’s victory on Sunday was a testament to their balanced attack and opportunistic defense, while the Aces’ valiant effort underscored the challenges of competing at the highest level without their full roster. With both teams gearing up for important road games ahead, the WNBA landscape remains as thrilling and unpredictable as ever.
