A’ja Wilson scores 34 points and sinks the game-winner as the Las Vegas Aces edge the Phoenix Mercury 90-88, taking a commanding 3-0 WNBA Finals lead.
PHOENIX — A’ja Wilson once again proved why she’s one of the most dominant players in the WNBA. With just 0.3 seconds left on the clock, Wilson hit a smooth turnaround jumper over Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, sealing a 90–88 victory for the Las Vegas Aces against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Wednesday night.
The clutch shot — Wilson’s 34th point of the night — not only silenced the roaring Phoenix crowd but also pushed the defending champions to a 3-0 series lead, placing them one win away from their third title in four seasons.
“I just needed that bucket to go in,” Wilson said postgame. “I didn’t see who was in front of me — I didn’t care. It’s the Finals.”
Wilson Dominates on Both Ends
Wilson was unstoppable throughout the night, finishing with 34 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists, shooting 11-of-20 from the field. Her performance marked her fifth career 30-point double-double in the playoffs and another signature moment in her already remarkable legacy.
Even when she made a rare late turnover, Wilson immediately refocused — and delivered the game-winner seconds later.
“Those are the moments you live for,” Wilson added. “I’m just glad I was able to come to work.”
Her 291 total postseason points this year set a new WNBA record, underscoring her consistency and dominance under pressure.
Aces Stay Composed Amid Mercury Comeback
The Aces appeared in control for most of the game, building a 17-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. But the Mercury, led by DeWanna Bonner (25 points) and Satou Sabally (24 points), stormed back with a fierce rally.
Phoenix tied the game twice in the final two minutes — first on Bonner’s clutch three-pointer, then on her free throws — before Wilson’s final shot ended the comeback hopes.
Las Vegas head coach Becky Hammon praised her team’s resilience:
“Get the ball to A’ja and get out of the way,” Hammon said with a grin. “She’s built for these moments.”
One Win Away From Greatness
The defending champions now lead the first-ever best-of-seven WNBA Finals 3-0, with Game 4 scheduled Friday in Phoenix. The Aces can clinch their third championship in four years — and possibly secure back-to-back titles — with one more win.
For the Mercury, it’s now do-or-die. They’ll need four straight victories to pull off a historic comeback.
“We’ve got a tough road ahead,” Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts admitted. “But we’ll take it one game at a time.”
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