The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Phoenix Mercury 89-86 in Recreation 1 of the WNBA Finals behind a dominant bench efficiency Friday evening. Dana Evans scored 21 factors and Jewell Loyd added 18 because the Aces’ reserves outscored Phoenix’s bench 41-16.
Evans and Loyd grew to become the fifth duo in WNBA Finals historical past to every rating at the least 15 factors off the bench in the identical sport. Las Vegas grew to become solely the second workforce in Finals historical past to win with two of its high three scorers coming from reserve roles.
The bench manufacturing proved essential as starters Jackie Younger and Chelsea Grey struggled offensively. Younger completed with 10 factors on 3-for-13 taking pictures whereas Grey managed simply 8 factors on 2-for-7 taking pictures.
Common season MVP A’ja Wilson posted 21 factors, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and nil turnovers regardless of taking pictures 7-for-16 from the sector. The efficiency marked the primary 20-10-5-0 stat line in WNBA Finals historical past.
“We now have weapons. We need to use all of them as a result of we’re tougher to protect that means,” Aces coach Becky Hammon mentioned. “Our bench was big.”
Evans tied Riquna Williams’ 2019 document with 5 3-pointers off the bench in a Finals sport. She grew to become the third reserve to steer or co-lead a Finals sport in scoring.
“Dana’s our battery,” Wilson mentioned. “She makes us play at a distinct tempo. I instructed her we go as she goes.”
Las Vegas switched to zone protection halfway via the third quarter, holding Phoenix to 1-for-8 taking pictures within the fourth interval. The Mercury shot 52% from the ground via three quarters earlier than the defensive adjustment.
Phoenix missed a vital alternative when Alyssa Thomas failed on two potential game-tying free throws with 24.6 seconds remaining. The missed makes an attempt marked the primary time in WNBA historical past a participant missed two potential score-tying free throws within the last two minutes of a playoff sport, per Elias Sports activities Bureau.
The Mercury fell to 0-3 in Recreation 1s this postseason however stay 5-0 in all different playoff video games.
