Aces deploy Zone Defense to Secure Game 1 Victory in WNBA Finals
Las Vegas – The Las Vegas aces utilized a rarely-seen zone defense to overcome a challenging matchup and defeat the Phoenix Mercury 91-86 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on October 4, 2025. The strategic shift proved pivotal in neutralizing phoenix’s offensive threats and sparking a late-game surge for the Aces.
Facing a Mercury lineup featuring Brittney Thomas, satou Sabally, and DeWanna Bonner, Aces coach Becky Hammon implemented the zone to protect guard Dana Evans from unfavorable defensive assignments. The 5-foot-6 Evans had been targeted in screening actions, potentially exposing her to larger frontcourt players. The zone allowed Evans to leverage her quickness without being switched onto bigger opponents.
Evans considerably contributed to the Aces’ defensive effort, disrupting Thomas’s dribble and helping force 14 Mercury turnovers, which Las Vegas converted into 20 points. “I really get going with my defense,” Evans stated. “When I get steals and I push the ball, and I see something easy go in, get a layup, then I know, all right, I feel good, but I gotta let my defense dictate my offense.”
The defensive adjustment also unlocked evans’ offensive potential. Phoenix’s attempt to exploit Evans defensively backfired as Bonner, despite a 10-inch height advantage, struggled to contain Evans’ drives, cuts off screens, and transition play. A key sequence saw Bonner lose track of Evans, allowing a crucial 3-pointer that extended the Aces’ lead to 85-82.On the subsequent possession, Bonner was unable to create separation against Evans and was forced to pass off late in the shot clock.
Evans finished with a game-changing performance,scoring 21 points with 5 three-pointers and 4 steals. She became the first player in WNBA Finals history to achieve that combination of statistics.She is also the only reserve player to score 20+ points and make 5+ three-pointers in a Finals game,and just the eighth bench player to score 20+ in a Finals game overall.
While the Aces don’t frequently employ a zone defense, and A’ja Wilson noted limited practice time dedicated to it, the underlying principles were evident in walling off the paint and forcing the Mercury into a high volume of 3-point attempts.
“Give them credit for mixing up their defense,” Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts acknowledged. “I thought it was a good adjustment.We didn’t handle it well.”
hammon indicated the zone is intended as a disruptive tactic rather than a full-time strategy. However, its effectiveness in Game 1 allowed the Aces to maintain their preferred lineup and control the game’s tempo, particularly in the closing minutes.
