By Harshit | October 11, 2025 | Phoenix, Arizona | 6:36 AM
A Dynasty Solidified
PHOENIX — The Las Vegas Aces have done it again. With a 97-86 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night, the Aces completed a clean sweep in the WNBA Finals, claiming their third championship in four seasons. In doing so, they joined the Houston Comets and Minnesota Lynx as the only teams in league history to achieve such a feat, cementing their place as one of the greatest dynasties the WNBA has ever seen.
This title is particularly remarkable given the level of competition in today’s league. The Aces boast elite talent across the roster: A’ja Wilson, the league’s best player; Chelsea Gray, the ultimate facilitator; Jackie Young, the best two-way guard; and Hall-of-Fame-caliber coach Becky Hammon. Complemented by Jewell Loyd and sharpshooter Dana Evans off the bench, the Aces’ depth and cohesion are unmatched.
Overcoming Early Adversity
The road to the Finals was not without its challenges. After the All-Star break, the Aces endured back-to-back crushing defeats to the Minnesota Lynx, losing by 31 points and then 53. Critics questioned whether this team had what it took to contend for a championship. But as any dynasty knows, resilience is key. Las Vegas responded with a 16-game win streak to close the regular season and dominated the playoffs, winning 25 of their final 28 games.
“We had confidence in each other,” Gray said postgame. “I’m just really proud of how we stayed the course and trusted the process the entire time.”
Game 4: A Test of Composure
Friday night’s clincher wasn’t as easy as the final score might suggest. The Aces built a 20-point lead early in the third quarter, only to watch Phoenix fight back and cut the deficit to six points twice in the fourth quarter. The Mercury, missing key player Satou Sabally and rallying despite their coach Nate Tibbetts being ejected, showed heart and determination.
But the Aces’ experience and poise prevailed. Gray and Young combined for 11 points in a decisive two-minute stretch, pushing the lead back into double digits and effectively sealing the win.
“This one hits different because it was different,” Hammon said, holding back tears. “There was probably a lot more adversity than any of us anticipated. We’re all humans. But humans that wanted to get it right and get it right together.”
Leadership on and off the Court
Wilson was named Finals MVP for the second time in her career, continuing her dominance on both ends of the floor. Her inside-outside game forced the Mercury into difficult defensive rotations, opening opportunities for Gray, Young, and the bench to capitalize.
Coach Hammon, reflecting on the achievement, compared this team to past WNBA dynasties. “The Comets and Lynx laid the groundwork,” she said. “But these ladies are at the top of the game. The skill set and level they’re playing at? To me, it’s not comparable.”
Owner Mark Davis, who purchased the Aces in 2021 with the intention of financially empowering players, signaled that he intends to keep this roster intact, despite the looming expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement on October 31. “I’m going to keep everybody,” Davis said. “We have to see how this all shakes out, but yeah, obviously we want to continue what we’re doing. It would be tough to break it up.”
Legacy in the Making
This championship run solidifies the Aces as a benchmark for excellence in the WNBA. Their combination of talent, coaching, and mental toughness is unparalleled, and their impact stretches beyond the court, inspiring the next generation of women’s basketball players.
“The evolution of the game is incredible,” Hammon said. “These players are bigger, stronger, faster, and more skilled than ever. From top to bottom, it’s the best basketball the W has ever seen.”
With this sweep, the Aces are not just champions; they are the gold standard. Other franchises will now measure themselves against Las Vegas’ dominance, and the league itself will feel the ripple effects for years to come.
