Las Vegas Aces Defeat Phoenix Mercury 97-95 in Thrilling WNBA Finals Opener
las Vegas – The Las Vegas Aces overcame a persistent Phoenix Mercury squad, securing a 97-95 victory in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Friday night. The game, the first in a best-of-seven series, featured 12 lead changes and nine ties, highlighting the competitive balance between the two teams.
Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with 21 points, including a remarkable 19 in the first half where she connected on five three-pointers, matching Diana Taurasi’s record for most threes in a WNBA Finals half. Satou Sabally added 19 points for Phoenix, while Brittney Griner nearly recorded a triple-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.
The Aces responded with a late surge, led by their star players.A pivotal flagrant foul drawn by Chelsea Gray in the third quarter shifted momentum, and the Aces closed the game strong.
The closely contested opener underscores the anticipated intensity of the series. No team led by double digits throughout the game.
Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday night in Las Vegas, where the Aces will aim to take a 2-0 series lead.
Player Union Disputes with League Leadership Loom Over Finals
The start of the WNBA Finals was shadowed by ongoing tensions between the league and it’s players. Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, a vice-president of the WNBA Players Association, publicly criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, alleging a dismissive attitude towards player concerns regarding pay and officiating. Collier claimed Engelbert suggested young stars should be “grateful” and “on their knees” regarding the league’s media rights deal.
Engelbert refuted Collier’s account but acknowledged the need to improve player relations. “If the players in the W don’t feel appreciated and valued by the league, then we have to do better and I have to do better,” she stated, while affirming her respect for Collier and her fellow players.
With the current collective bargaining agreement expiring at the end of October, Engelbert announced the formation of a ”state of the game” committee to increase player input on officiating and safety, and reiterated her commitment to negotiating a “transformative deal” with increased salaries. The dispute adds a layer of complexity to the championship series, extending the stakes beyond the court.
