A’ja Wilson delivers a 34-point masterpiece capped with a dramatic game-winner as the Las Vegas Aces edge the Phoenix Mercury 90–88, moving one step away from another WNBA championship.
PHOENIX, Ariz. — The Las Vegas Aces have one hand firmly on the WNBA Championship trophy, thanks to yet another unforgettable performance from their superstar forward A’ja Wilson. With only 0.3 seconds remaining on the clock, Wilson rose above defenders Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, sinking a picture-perfect turnaround jumper to give the Aces a 90–88 win over the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the 2025 WNBA Finals on Wednesday night.
It was Wilson’s 34th point of the game, the defining shot of the season, and perhaps the highlight of her already legendary career. As the buzzer sounded, Wilson’s teammates mobbed her at midcourt while stunned Mercury fans could only watch as the reigning champions took a commanding 3–0 series lead.
“I just needed that bucket to go in,” Wilson said postgame, still catching her breath. “It didn’t matter who was in front of me — it’s the Finals, and I was ready to finish it.”
Wilson’s Dominance Defines the Night
From the opening tip, A’ja Wilson was simply unstoppable. She dominated both ends of the floor, finishing with 34 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists while shooting 11-of-20 from the field. It marked her fifth career 30-point double-double in the playoffs, a stat that cements her as one of the most dominant postseason performers in WNBA history.
Even after committing a rare turnover in the final minute, Wilson showcased her mental toughness — regrouping instantly and nailing the game-winning shot seconds later. Her performance wasn’t just clutch; it was championship material.
“Those are the moments you live for,” Wilson said. “I love this game, and I love competing when everything is on the line.”
Wilson’s 291 total postseason points this year set a new WNBA record, breaking her own previous mark and highlighting her consistency under pressure. She now stands as the face of the Aces’ dynasty-in-the-making, showing why she’s a two-time MVP and the heartbeat of the franchise.
Aces Stay Cool Amid Mercury’s Fierce Comeback
For much of the game, it looked like a routine win for Las Vegas. The Aces built a commanding 17-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, thanks to elite ball movement, quick transition plays, and sharp shooting from beyond the arc. Guards Chelsea Gray and Kelsey Plum added critical support, combining for 31 points and controlling the game’s tempo.
However, the Phoenix Mercury had no plans of going quietly. Led by veterans DeWanna Bonner (25 points) and Satou Sabally (24 points), Phoenix mounted a furious rally in the final frame. Bonner’s clutch three-pointer with 1:27 left tied the game at 86–86, and after Wilson missed a jumper, Bonner’s free throws leveled it again at 88.
With the game on the line and only seconds remaining, Las Vegas head coach Becky Hammon drew up one simple play: get the ball to A’ja Wilson and clear the lane.
“Get the ball to A’ja and get out of the way,” Hammon said afterward with a grin. “She’s built for these moments — she’s been doing this her entire career.”
Wilson delivered exactly what her coach and team needed, drilling the jumper that silenced the home crowd and brought the Aces within one win of another championship.
Championship Mindset and Leadership
What separates Wilson from the rest isn’t just her scoring ability — it’s her leadership. Throughout the series, she’s been vocal in huddles, keeping her teammates focused despite the intensity of Finals basketball. Her relationship with coach Hammon has blossomed into one of the league’s most effective player-coach dynamics, centered on trust and accountability.
“She challenges me to be better,” Hammon said. “And I challenge her right back. What you saw tonight was pure competitive greatness — she refuses to lose.”
Wilson’s teammates echoed that sentiment. Guard Jackie Young said, “When A’ja’s locked in like that, it gives all of us confidence. We just feed off her energy.”
The Aces have now won 10 straight playoff games, continuing a run of dominance that began during their 2023 title season.
Phoenix Mercury Face Elimination
For the Phoenix Mercury, Game 3 was heartbreak. Despite their inspiring comeback, they now face a 3–0 deficit in the league’s first-ever best-of-seven WNBA Finals — a nearly impossible mountain to climb.
“We’ve got a tough road ahead,” said Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts. “But we’re not done. We’ll take it one game at a time, and we’ll fight until the end.”
Phoenix will need a miracle to force a Game 6, but their veteran core remains confident. Bonner, who has been stellar throughout the series, said postgame, “We know who we are. We’ve been here before. It’s about staying together and believing.”
One Win Away from Greatness
With the series shifting to Game 4 in Phoenix on Friday, the Aces are now just one victory away from securing their third WNBA title in four seasons — and potentially back-to-back championships for the first time in franchise history.
If Las Vegas completes the sweep, it will not only solidify their dynasty but also elevate A’ja Wilson’s status among the greatest players in WNBA history.
Wilson, however, remains humble and focused: “We’re not finished yet,” she said. “The job’s not done until that last buzzer sounds.”
As the WNBA Finals continue, one thing is certain — the Las Vegas Aces have proven why they’re the gold standard of modern women’s basketball.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How many points did A’ja Wilson score in Game 3?
A’ja Wilson scored 34 points, including the game-winning jumper with 0.3 seconds left.
Q2: What is the current WNBA Finals series score?
The Las Vegas Aces lead the series 3–0 over the Phoenix Mercury.
Q3: How many championships have the Aces won so far?
The Aces are aiming for their third championship in four years.
Q4: When and where is Game 4 scheduled?
Game 4 will be played on Friday night in Phoenix, where the Aces can clinch the title.
Q5: What record did A’ja Wilson break in the postseason?
Wilson set a new WNBA postseason scoring record with 291 total points this year.
