The Las Vegas Aces vs Phoenix Mercury Game 1 opener of the 2025 WNBA Finals was a rollercoaster that had everything—historic performances, dramatic comebacks, clutch shooting, and key injuries. In the end, the Aces rallied from a double-digit deficit to secure an 89-86 victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

For Las Vegas, the win was powered not only by their starters but also by a bench unit that outperformed expectations. For Phoenix, Kahleah Copper’s record-tying first half provided fireworks, but the team ultimately couldn’t overcome injuries and a lack of depth.

Here are seven powerful takeaways from an unforgettable Game 1.

Kahleah Copper’s Historic First Half

The spotlight in the first half belonged to Kahleah Copper, who put on one of the greatest opening acts in WNBA Finals history.

• Five Three-Pointers: Copper tied the Finals record for most threes in a half.

• 19 Points Before Halftime: Her hot shooting gave Phoenix a double-digit lead.

• Confidence Factor: She played with swagger, silencing the Las Vegas crowd early.

Copper’s performance reminded everyone why she’s one of the league’s elite scorers. But as the game wore on, Las Vegas adjusted, and Phoenix’s offence struggled to keep pace.

Las Vegas Aces’ Second-Half Comeback

Trailing by 12 at one point, Las Vegas showcased championship resolve.

• Third-Quarter Surge: The Aces outscored Phoenix 27-15 in the third to erase the deficit.

• Defensive Adjustments: They trapped Copper and forced Phoenix into contested shots.

• Energy Boost: The home crowd fed off every defensive stop, creating momentum.

The comeback wasn’t just about defence—it was fueled by the contributions of players outside the starting five.

Dana Evans: The Bench Spark with 21 Points

One of the defining stories of the Las Vegas Aces vs the Phoenix Mercury Game 1 was the emergence of Dana Evans.

• Bench Heroics: Scored 21 points, including a pivotal 8-point stretch in the third quarter.

• Fearless Attacker: Consistently drove to the basket, drawing fouls and breaking down Phoenix’s defence.

• Momentum Shifter: Evans’s burst of energy turned the tide when Las Vegas needed it most.

In a Finals series where stars often dominate headlines, Evans proved that role players can be game-winners.

Jewell Loyd’s Veteran Presence in Crunch Time

If Evans was the spark, Jewell Loyd was the steadying hand.

• 18 Points: Knocked down clutch shots in the fourth quarter.

• Veteran Leadership: Directed traffic on offence and organised defensive rotations.

• Two-Way Impact: Matched up against Copper, slowing her down in the second half.

Together, Evans and Loyd combined for 39 bench points, compared to just 12 from Phoenix’s reserves—a critical difference in a three-point game.

Chelsea Grey’s Injury Scare and Heroic Return

The game nearly took a turn for the worse for Las Vegas when Chelsea Grey limped off in the third quarter.

• Temporary Absence: The Aces looked briefly unsettled without their floor general.

• Heroic Return: Grey re-entered in the fourth, stabilising the offence and hitting a key jumper.

• Leadership Value: Her resilience inspired teammates and fueled the final push.

Her return underscored why she remains the heartbeat of this Aces team.

Sami Whitcomb’s Exit Leaves Phoenix Vulnerable

On the other side, Phoenix wasn’t as fortunate with injuries. Sami Whitcomb exited with a leg injury and did not return.

• Depth Impact: Phoenix lost a defensive specialist and three-point threat.

• Rotation Stress: Copper and Cunningham were forced into heavy minutes.

• Bench Struggles: The Mercury’s second unit managed just 12 points total.

Without Whitcomb, Phoenix simply didn’t have enough contributors to maintain its early lead.

Why Bench Depth Decided the Opener

The biggest difference in Game 1 was depth.

• Aces’ Advantage: Bench outscored Phoenix 39–12.

• Fresh Energy: Allowed Las Vegas to sustain intensity across four quarters.

• Championship Factor: Teams that can survive injuries and foul trouble thrive in the postseason.

While Copper’s brilliance gave Phoenix an early edge, the lack of bench production was their undoing.

Strategic Adjustments by Both Coaches

Both head coaches made bold adjustments as the game progressed:

• Becky Hammon (Aces): Shifted defensive assignments onto Copper, used traps, and leaned heavily on her bench.

• Nikki Blue (Mercury): Tried to ride Copper’s hot hand but couldn’t find consistent secondary scoring.

• Key Outcome: Hammon’s flexibility and depth options ultimately won out.

This chess match will continue to evolve as the series moves forward.

Game 2 Preview: Key Questions for Both Teams

Looking ahead, the series is far from over. Game 2 raises crucial questions:

• For Phoenix: Can Copper replicate her shooting, and will teammates step up to relieve the scoring load?

• For Las Vegas: Will Evans and Loyd continue to shine, and how will Grey’s health hold up?

• Overall Outlook: If the Aces’ bench continues to dominate, the Mercury will need a near-perfect game to even the series.

Game 2 promises more fireworks as both teams adjust and fight for momentum.

Conclusion

The Las Vegas Aces vs Phoenix Mercury Game 1 battle was everything fans love about the WNBA Finals—history, drama, resilience, and heart.

• Kahleah Copper’s record-tying first half gave Phoenix an early spark.

• Dana Evans and Jewell Loyd’s bench heroics powered Las Vegas’s comeback.

• Chelsea Grey’s return and Sami Whitcomb’s absence highlighted the impact of injuries.

• Depth ultimately decided the game, with the Aces proving they have more weapons across their roster.

For the Aces, the 89-86 win wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement. For the Mercury, it was a reminder that one star performance won’t be enough against the defending champions.

If Game 1 is any indication, the 2025 WNBA Finals will deliver unforgettable moments, with every possession and every adjustment carrying massive weight.