The Phoenix Mercury came close to taking a 1-0 lead in the WNBA Finals against the Las Vegas Aces, losing the game in the fourth quarter. The Aces outscored the visitors 21=12 to take Game 1. Kahleah Copper and Nate Tibbetts break down the definitive moment that led to the Phoenix Mercury’s Game 1 loss.
But even more concerning thing for the Mercury was a possible injury to Alyssa Thomas. The 33-year-old star was shaking her hand late in the finals series against the Aces. She underwent an MRI and will be available for Game 2.
Alyssa Thomas Receives Positive Injury Update
The Michelob ULTRA Arena had been a fortress for the Aces in the second half of the season. The side rose to the second spot behind their strong home court performance. The Mercury had an idea about the challenges and needed to be at their best to compete.
Alyssa Thomas was key to their success, who once again delivered in the opening game of the series with a near-triple-double performance. But she was seen shaking her hands in the closing moments of the game. She even missed a few clutch shots in the game, which raised concerns over the health of the star.
Alyssa Thomas underwent an MRI on her left hand last night and the results are clean, sources tell ESPN.
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) October 4, 2025
She was flexing her hand throughout the end of the game, appearing to be in some discomfort. But she’s cleared to play Game 2, per source.
But as per reports, she underwent an MRI, which showed no serious injury, making her fit to play in Game 2 of the series. AT also told Associated Press that she is feeling fine.
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It is important to note that the Mercury have won Game 2 of every series they played in this season, and the MVP candidate was a crucial factor in those wins. The Michelob ULTRA Arena will host Game 2 of the series on October 5.
Alyssa Thomas Missed Free Throws Again
The Phoenix Mercury managed to win the series against the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty despite losing the opening games in both series. While the history supports the Mercury team to be positive about the loss in Game 1 against the Aces, A’ja Wilson and Co. are a different beast that pounce on every opportunity presented to them.
In Game 1, the Arizona team handed them a small window to crawl back in the game, and they made the most of it, clinching a three-point win. The Phoenix side still had a chance to put the hosts under pressure with Alyssa Thomas on the line to cut the deficit.
But the star forward missed the scoring opportunity on both free throws in the closing moments of the game, allowing the Aces to stay in the lead. Ironically, AT missed shots in the Liberty series. But Thomas opted for the “no big deal” attitude after not being concerned about that missed opportunity, and did not need to worry about these either.