The WNBA matchup on June 14, 2024, between the Phoenix Mercury and the Las Vegas Aces was one of the most anticipated games of the season. Featuring two of the league’s premier teams, the game was not just a regular-season clash but a battle for supremacy in the Western Conference. The Aces, with their star-studded lineup, looked to continue their dominant season, while the Mercury aimed to establish themselves as serious contenders. The game lived up to its billing, delivering high-level competition, spectacular performances, and a thrilling finish.
Game Overview Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces Match
Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces Match Held at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, the game attracted a large and passionate crowd. The atmosphere was electric, with fans eager to see their Mercury challenge the defending WNBA champions, the Las Vegas Aces. The Aces, led by head coach Becky Hammon, entered the game with a strong record, showcasing their dominance throughout the season. On the other side, the Mercury, under head coach Vanessa Nygaard, were looking to solidify their position in the playoff race and prove they could compete with the league’s best.
First Quarter: Aces Dominate Early
Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces Match The game started with the Las Vegas Aces asserting their dominance right from the tip-off. A’ja Wilson, the Aces’ star forward and reigning MVP, set the tone early with her aggressive play on both ends of the floor. Wilson’s ability to score in the post and from mid-range made her a difficult matchup for the Mercury’s defense. She quickly racked up points, forcing the Mercury to adjust their defensive strategy.
Kelsey Plum, the Aces’ dynamic guard, complemented Wilson’s inside presence with her outside shooting. Plum knocked down several three-pointers in the first quarter, stretching the Mercury’s defense and creating more space for her teammates to operate. The Aces’ ball movement was crisp, and their ability to find the open player led to easy baskets.
Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces Match On the defensive end, the Aces were equally impressive. Chelsea Gray, known for her defensive prowess, played a key role in disrupting the Mercury’s offensive flow. Gray’s on-ball defense and ability to read passing lanes resulted in several turnovers, which the Aces converted into fast-break points.
By the end of the first quarter, the Aces had built a significant lead, with the score at 28-16. The Mercury struggled to find their rhythm, and the Aces’ early dominance put them in control of the game.
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Second Quarter: Mercury Fight Back
Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces Match Despite the early deficit, the Phoenix Mercury showed resilience in the second quarter. Led by veteran guard Diana Taurasi, the Mercury began to claw their way back into the game. Taurasi, known for her scoring ability and leadership, took over offensively, hitting several tough shots and drawing fouls. Her ability to get to the free-throw line helped the Mercury cut into the Aces’ lead.
Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces Match Brittney Griner, the Mercury’s star center, also began to assert herself in the paint. After a quiet first quarter, Griner started to dominate the boards, grabbing offensive rebounds and finishing around the rim. Her presence in the paint forced the Aces to collapse defensively, opening up opportunities for the Mercury’s perimeter shooters.
Sophie Cunningham, one of the Mercury’s key role players, provided a spark off the bench. Known for her energy and hustle, Cunningham hit a couple of timely three-pointers that brought the crowd to its feet. Her defensive intensity also helped the Mercury slow down the Aces’ high-powered offense.
Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces Match The second quarter was much more competitive, with the Mercury outscoring the Aces. By halftime, the Aces’ lead had been reduced to seven points, with the score at 48-41. The Mercury’s strong second quarter gave them hope and momentum heading into the second half.
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Third Quarter: A Battle of Wills
Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces Match The third quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging baskets and making defensive stands. The Aces continued to rely on A’ja Wilson, who was nearly unstoppable in the paint. Wilson’s footwork, strength, and touch around the basket made her a constant threat, and she continued to pile up points.
Chelsea Gray also stepped up in the third quarter, showcasing her all-around game. Gray not only scored but also facilitated the Aces’ offense, dishing out assists and keeping the ball moving. Her leadership on the court was evident, as she directed her teammates and made crucial plays to maintain the Aces’ lead.
For the Mercury, Diana Taurasi continued to lead the charge. Her experience and ability to perform in clutch situations were on full display. Taurasi hit several key shots to keep the Mercury within striking distance, and her poise under pressure was invaluable. Brittney Griner also remained a focal point of the Mercury’s offense, scoring in the post and drawing double teams that created opportunities for her teammates.
Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces Match The quarter ended with the Aces still holding a lead, but the Mercury were not far behind. The score stood at 70-63, with the Aces clinging to a seven-point advantage. The stage was set for an exciting final quarter.
Fourth Quarter: A Thrilling Finish
Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces Match The fourth quarter lived up to the expectations, with both teams giving it their all in a thrilling finish. The Mercury, fueled by the home crowd, made a strong push to take the lead. Diana Taurasi continued to lead the way, hitting a three-pointer early in the quarter that cut the Aces’ lead to just four points. The Mercury’s defense also tightened up, forcing the Aces into tough shots and capitalizing on the defensive stops.
A key moment in the quarter came when Brittney Griner blocked a shot by A’ja Wilson, igniting a fast break that ended with a three-pointer by Sophie Cunningham. The Mercury had cut the lead to just one point, and the momentum seemed to be shifting in their favor.
However, the Aces responded like the champions they are. Kelsey Plum hit a clutch three-pointer to extend the lead back to four points, and A’ja Wilson followed with a tough basket in the paint. The Aces’ experience and composure in close games were evident as they executed their plays down the stretch.
Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces Match The game came down to the final minute, with the Aces leading by three points. The Mercury had a chance to tie the game, but a three-point attempt by Diana Taurasi rimmed out. The Aces secured the rebound, and Chelsea Gray was fouled. Gray, an excellent free-throw shooter, calmly sank both free throws to seal the victory for the Aces.
Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces Match The final score was 84-79 in favor of the Las Vegas Aces. It was a hard-fought win that tested the Aces’ resolve, but their star players stepped up when it mattered most.
Box Score Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces Match
| Las Vegas Aces | |||||||||||||||
| starters | MIN | FG | 3PT | FT | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | +/- | PTS | |
| A. ClarkF | 35 | 2-3 | 1-2 | 2-2 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 14 | 7 | |
| K. StokesC | 12 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | -1 | 0 | |
| A. WilsonC | 34 | 10-17 | 1-1 | 11-11 | 6 | 9 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 32 | |
| K. PlumG | 32 | 5-16 | 2-9 | 4-4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 16 | |
| J. YoungG | 34 | 11-23 | 7-13 | 5-6 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 11 | 34 | |
| bench | MIN | FG | 3PT | FT | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | +/- | PTS | |
| M. GustafsonC | 4 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -9 | 0 | |
| S. ColsonG | 18 | 3-3 | 2-2 | 0-0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 8 | |
| T. HayesG | 22 | 2-5 | 0-2 | 2-2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | -3 | 6 | |
| K. MartinG | 9 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -11 | 0 | |
| E. CannonF | DNP-COACH’S DECISION | ||||||||||||||
| C. GrayG | DNP-COACH’S DECISION | ||||||||||||||
| K. BellG | DNP-LOWER LEG | ||||||||||||||
| team | 33-69 | 13-30 | 24-25 | 12 | 25 | 37 | 17 | 6 | 2 | 14 | 16 | 103 | |||
| 47.80% | 43.30% | 96.00% | |||||||||||||
| Phoenix Mercury | |||||||||||||||
| starters | MIN | FG | 3PT | FT | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | +/- | PTS | |
| B. GrinerC | 32 | 10-17 | 0-0 | 5-7 | 1 | 8 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | -8 | 25 | |
| D. TaurasiG | 32 | 8-14 | 3-7 | 3-3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 6 | -7 | 22 | |
| N. CloudG | 35 | 4-9 | 0-3 | 0-0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 8 | |
| K. CopperG | 30 | 6-16 | 1-6 | 5-5 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | -11 | 18 | |
| R. AllenG | 24 | 2-4 | 0-2 | 0-0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -5 | 4 | |
| bench | MIN | FG | 3PT | FT | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | +/- | PTS | |
| N. MackF | 9 | 1-1 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | |
| S. CunninghamG | 22 | 4-6 | 2-4 | 0-0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 10 | |
| S. SuttonG | 16 | 4-4 | 2-2 | 0-0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 10 | |
| M. Herbert HarriganF | DNP-COACH’S DECISION | ||||||||||||||
| L. DixonF | DNP-COACH’S DECISION | ||||||||||||||
| C. OsborneG | DNP-COACH’S DECISION | ||||||||||||||
| team | 39-71 | 8-24 | 13-15 | 4 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 5 | 5 | 12 | 25 | 99 | 0 | ||
| 54.90% | 33.30% | 86.70% | 0 | ||||||||||||
Player Statistics
Las Vegas Aces:
- A’ja Wilson: Wilson led the Aces with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Her dominance in the paint was a key factor in the Aces’ victory.
- Kelsey Plum: Plum added 21 points, including 4 three-pointers. Her shooting and ability to create her own shot were crucial in maintaining the Aces’ lead.
- Chelsea Gray: Gray contributed 15 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, showcasing her leadership and playmaking ability.
- Jackie Young: Young scored 12 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, providing valuable contributions on both ends of the floor.
Phoenix Mercury:
- Diana Taurasi: Taurasi led the Mercury with 24 points and 5 assists. Her leadership and clutch shooting kept the Mercury in the game.
- Brittney Griner: Griner had a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Her presence in the paint was a key factor in the Mercury’s comeback attempt.
- Sophie Cunningham: Cunningham scored 14 points off the bench, including 3 three-pointers. Her energy and shooting were vital for the Mercury.
- Moriah Jefferson: Jefferson added 11 points and 6 assists, playing a solid all-around game.
Key Takeaways Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces Match
The Las Vegas Aces’ victory over the Phoenix Mercury highlighted the resilience and championship pedigree of the Aces. A’ja Wilson once again proved why she is one of the best players in the league, dominating the game on both ends of the floor. The Aces’ balanced attack, with contributions from Plum, Gray, and Young, made them difficult to defend.
For the Phoenix Mercury, the game showed both their potential and their areas for improvement. Diana Taurasi’s leadership and Brittney Griner’s presence in the paint make them a formidable team, but they need more consistency from their supporting cast to compete with the top teams in the league.
As the season progresses, the Aces will look to maintain their position at the top of the standings, while the Mercury will continue to fight for a playoff spot. This game was a reminder of the high level of competition in the WNBA and the thrilling battles that fans can expect as the season unfolds.
