The Las Vegas Aces are one step closer to their third championship after winning Game 1 of the WNBA Finals series. Dana Evans has been a surprise game-winner for the team as the bench player scored 21 points. Evans also registered a WNBA finals record. Another impactful player on the floor was on course A’ja Wilson.
The player delivered an all-around performance once again, even though the numbers were on the lower end. Understanding the change and improvement needed for the next games, Wilson had a special message for her teammates.
A’ja Wilson With Warning For Teammates
The Phoenix Mercury had a strong start to the game, matching the Aces bucket-by-bucket until they extended the lead to nine points. Becy Hammon switched her defensive strategy in the fourth quarter, which helped the Aces restrict the visitors to just 12 points in the final 10 minutes.
As the Mercury HC, Nate Tibbetts broke down the loss, Wilson also highlighted the importance of the zone defence. But she also mentioned that they had very little practice with it and needed to work on it to make it more effective.
“I think it was multiple times and situations where we understood like our defense has to win the basketball game. Like, we can’t go basket-for-basket with this team. They’re too good. I mean, they shot what they were shooting like 50% dang near from the field. So, we knew we couldn’t go basket-for-basket for them,” Wilson said in the postgame interview.
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The superstar mentioned she is happy with the defensive display despite practicing it on a few occasions. But added that they need to tweak some things on the defensive end.
A’ja Wilson Sets WNBA Finals Record
A’ja Wilson was instrumental in both championship wins for the Aces; she once again is an important piece in the finals, winning the Finals MVP Award in 2023. Shining bright under pressure, Wilson recorded 21 points and 10 rebounds against the Mercury. This was her fifth game in the WNBA finals series with 20+ points and 10+ rebounds, the most in league history.
Career WNBA Finals games with 20+ PTS, 10+ REB:
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) October 4, 2025
A'ja Wilson – 5
Sylvia Fowles – 4
Jonquel Jones – 3
Breanna Stewart – 3
Wilson totaled 21 PTS, 10 REB in Game 1 win to set the new record.
Sylvia Fowles has four such games, while Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones have had three such games. Wilson’s dominance on the floor is evident, as the star shone with two blocks and a steal, impacting the game on the defensive end also.
Now, she is once again determined to help her side win a title for her Aces. And has a game plan for the toughest team of the 2025 season.