Las Vegas Aces Surge Late To Clinch Game 1 Victory Against Phoenix Mercury In Tight Finals Matchup

It's finally time. Everything comes down to the next seven (possibly) games.

The 2025 WNBA Finals are here, and fans were more than ready for the showdown between the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury. Michelob ULTRA Arena, aka "The House," inside Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, was packed with excited fans ready to cheer on their favorite team Friday night.

It was a close game from the beginning to the end, but the Aces got the Game 1 win, 89-86.

The Las Vegas Aces opened the WNBA Finals with a Game 1 victory over the Phoenix Mercury, setting the tone for the championship series.

Behind dominant performances on both ends of the court, the Aces and Mercury were neck and neck for the entire game.  With the victory, Las Vegas takes a 1-0 series lead, putting pressure on Phoenix as the Finals continue on Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas.

At the end of the first quarter, the score was tied 21-21. At the half, the Mercury was up 50-45, and at the end of the third, the Mercury held their lead, 71-67.

A'ja Wilson had 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. Dana Evans also scored 21 points. Chelsea Gray had 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists. Jewel Loyd had 18 points, and Jackie Young added 10.

Ahead of Friday night's game, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed the media on a few different topics. When discussing the future of the league, she said, "We owe it to the players, our fans and the next generation to keep building a movement that not only showcases the best athletes in the world but also inspires millions who dream of following in their footsteps. That's the mission. That's the heart of the WNBA. And that's what unites us all – players, coaches, fans and partners – in pushing this game forward."

She added, "We all love this game immensely. Together we've made incredible progress. We've eclipsed previous records. We've expanded our footprint. We've bolstered the position of our league.”

Engelbert also quickly addressed some of the things players have been talking loudly about.

"[The players] are at the center of everything we do. I was disheartened to hear that some players feel the league and me personally do not care about them or listen to them, and if the players in the W don't feel appreciated and valued by the league, then we have to do better, and I have to do better," she said.

“We know how great these players are on and off the court, how much they mean to our league, our fans and our communities. If they don't feel that, I will do everything I can to change that. No one should ever doubt how deeply I care about this league, this game and every single player who makes the WNBA what it is."

She also added that she values "feedback" and listens to "criticism."

When the topic of officiating joined the chat, Engelbert said, "We hear the concerns. We take them seriously."

She explained that the "game is more competitive than ever before," and because of that "evolution," officiating and rules need to keep the pace.

"At the conclusion of the season, as we do every year, the league's competition committee will meet to evaluate the state of the game, which includes game rules, officiating, and player safety on the court," she told the media. "The Players Association and players, as always, are invited to engage."

The Aces shared the news of who will be performing at Game 1's halftime on Instagram on Thursday and fans seem excited.

"Taking over for the '99, the 2000 and The House 🙌

"@juviethegreat will be performing live at halftime for Game 1 of the WNBA Finals!" they wrote. CJ, one of the team's hosts dropped into the comments to share, "Ayyyyye! I can’t wait! I literally walked into my sister’s wedding reception as the maid of honor to 'Back that thang up'! lol Let’s turn up!!"

One fan wrote, "He always brings a great show," and others left fire emojis to show their excitement.

The rapper performed a few of his hits during the halftime performance, including "Back That Azz Up," and the crowd went wild, dancing and singing along.

Popular social media pup, AirCorg, otherwise known as Steph Furry, often predicts who will win sporting events with her own basketball skills. She recently gave her prediction on whether the Aces or the Mercury will win the Finals and become the 2025 WNBA Champions.

The first ball went right into the Mercury's basket, but the second, third, and fourth balls found their way into the Aces basket. Since it's a best-of-7 round, whoever gets to four wins first will be named the champions, so the next ball was super important.

The fifth ball went into the Mercury's basket, but immediately after, the sixth ball landed in the Aces basket.

"Aces in 6" is AirCorg's prediction. Will she be right?

Fans won't have to wait too long for Game 2 of the WNBA Finals, which will also be played at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. Tipoff is Sunday at 12 p.m. PT.

Games 3 and 4 will be played in Phoenix, and if Game 5 is needed, it will be back in Vegas. If Game 6 is necessary, that will be in Phoenix, and Game 7 back in Vegas.

Who do you think will be the 2025 WNBA Champions?