LAS VEGAS, NV — The Las Vegas Aces delivered one of the most dominant performances in WNBA history Saturday night, overwhelming the Phoenix Mercury 106-58 behind another spectacular outing from four-time league MVP A’ja Wilson.
Wilson controlled the game from the opening tip, finishing with 21 points and 15 rebounds in just 25 minutes as Las Vegas cruised to its 17th victory of the season. Her double-double was secured before halftime, allowing the Aces to rest their superstar for much of the second half.
The 48-point victory matched the third-largest margin of victory in WNBA history, with Las Vegas leading by as many as 54 points in the fourth quarter. It was a stunning turnaround from the season opener, when Phoenix defeated the Aces by 30 points.
Las Vegas showcased its offensive firepower and unselfish play throughout the night, recording 30 assists on its 106 points. Veteran point guard Chelsea Gray orchestrated the offense brilliantly, dishing out 11 assists while adding 15 points. Cheyenne Parker-Tyus also scored 15 points, while NaLyssa Smith chipped in 14.
One of the night’s biggest surprises came from rookie Justine Pissott, who made an immediate impact in her WNBA debut after being signed from the Indiana Fever’s developmental roster just one day earlier. The Vanderbilt product poured in 19 points, knocking down 7 of 8 shots, including five three-pointers, in an impressive debut that energized the home crowd.
Phoenix never found its rhythm offensively.
Monique Akoa Makani led the Mercury with 13 points, while Lexi Held added 11. Veteran forward DeWanna Bonner, who recently became just the third player in WNBA history to eclipse 8,000 career points, was held to only two points by the relentless Las Vegas defense.
The Aces seized complete control from the opening minutes, racing out to the game’s first nine points before building a commanding 29-9 advantage after the opening quarter. Wilson scored nine points in the period as Las Vegas buried five three-pointers while holding Phoenix to just 3-of-17 shooting and forcing five turnovers.
The gap only widened before halftime. Las Vegas stretched its lead to as many as 37 points during the second quarter and entered the locker room comfortably ahead 57-22.
There was no letup after intermission. The Aces extended their advantage to 45 points in the third quarter before taking a 79-36 lead into the final period. Their largest cushion reached 54 points before settling at the final margin of 48.
The dominant performance served as another reminder of why Las Vegas remains one of the league’s championship favorites. One year after suffering a historic 53-point defeat to Minnesota, the Aces have once again demonstrated their resilience and ability to respond with elite basketball.
Up Next:
The Mercury continue their road trip Tuesday with a matchup against the Minnesota Lynx.
The Aces return to action Sunday when they host the Indiana Fever in Las Vegas.
