Experience the Thrill as WNBA Powerhouses Reignite Their Rivalry!
Championship Aspirations: The Aces' Quest for a Third Title with A'ja Wilson at the Helm
The Las Vegas Aces enter the 2026 season with high hopes, having secured their third WNBA title in the last four years. At the forefront of their success is the incomparable A'ja Wilson, who recently claimed her fourth Most Valuable Player award, setting a new league record. Wilson's remarkable achievement surpasses the legacies of legends such as Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, and Lauren Jackson. This season, she stands on the brink of another historic milestone, aiming to become the first player ever to win the MVP award for three consecutive seasons.
A'ja Wilson: Dominance and Determination in a New Era of WNBA Talent
As the WNBA welcomes a new generation of promising stars, A'ja Wilson, now in her ninth professional season, remains the benchmark for excellence. She continues to assert her dominance, driven by an unwavering resolve to prove her doubters wrong and elevate her team, as she shared with the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Her exceptional performance in 2025 included averages of 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and a career-best 3.1 assists. During the postseason, she was even more formidable, leading her team to the WNBA Finals MVP with averages of 26.8 points, 10 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.5 blocks, and 2.1 steals.
The Mercury's Resilient Journey to the Finals and Veteran Leadership
A'ja Wilson's stellar play culminated in the Aces' four-game sweep of the Phoenix Mercury in the Finals, a series that concluded the Mercury's unexpected yet impressive playoff run. Phoenix, entering the playoffs as the fourth seed, defied expectations by overcoming the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in a hard-fought 3-1 semifinal series. Veteran guard Kahleah Copper was a key contributor, averaging 17.8 points throughout their postseason campaign.
Veteran Impact: Bonner and Thomas Power the Mercury's Postseason Charge
The Mercury's journey to the Finals was significantly bolstered by the contributions of seasoned players like DeWanna Bonner, now in her 18th league year, who delivered multiple double-doubles in the Finals. Additionally, 12-year veteran Alyssa Thomas showcased her versatility with three double-doubles in the Finals and an extraordinary triple-double in the decisive championship game.
Learning from Experience: Young Talent Flourishes for the Mercury
While their veteran core guided Phoenix through the playoffs, Alyssa Thomas emphasized during the Mercury's media day the invaluable experience gained by the team's younger players. She noted that many on the squad were experiencing the intensity of playoff basketball for the first time, an experience she believes is difficult to fully prepare for without direct participation.
Emerging Talent: Makani Leads the Mercury's Next Generation
Among the promising young players for Phoenix is Monique Akoa Makani, who returns after a standout rookie season as a consistent starter. Makani is a crucial part of the Mercury's backcourt, facing the challenging task of containing the Aces' dynamic perimeter offense, which features stars like Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, Jewell Loyd, and recent acquisition Chennedy Carte