The Phoenix Mercury dig deep to avoid a 3-0 deficit in the 2025 WNBA Finals. But as they host the Las Vegas Aces in Game 3 at Footprint Center, it has to be their defense at the forefront.
While the Aces vs. Mercury Game 1 set a WNBA viewership record, Game 3 could only add to the excitement for the city fans. For the Aces, stars A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young torched Phoenix for 60 points combined in Game 2’s 91-78 loss. The Mercury’s elite defense crumbled after shining in prior rounds. However, the next encounter could likely alter the entire scenario.
Phoenix Mercury Searching For Defensive Identity For Aces Game 3
Despite being down two games in the WNBA Finals series against the Aces, the Mercury limited opponents to 75.9 points per game through the semifinals. Now they chase that identity back home. Interestingly, Phoenix owns a 3-1 postseason record at Footprint Center. They rallied past the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx there. But now, Phoenix is all set to shift gears with home walls closing in.
The Mercury flashed top-tier defense all playoffs until the Finals. They held teams to a league-best 92.2 defensive rating. However, Las Vegas exposed cracks fast. The Aces scored 86 in Game 1 and 91 in Game 2. Both topped Phoenix’s prior highs.
ACES ARE ANOTHER STEP CLOSER ✨
— ESPN (@espn) October 5, 2025
Las Vegas makes it 2-0 vs. the Mercury with a championship on the line 🔥 pic.twitter.com/kAzkmcByUt
This quest justifies the push to reclaim grit with the Mercury’s relaxed mentality after strong starts had their confidence touching the sky. Additionally, Alyssa Thomas sent a bold warning to Wilson ahead of the crucial Game 3. Historical trends back a home bounce-back. Phoenix rallied from double-digit deficits in 70 percent of tight home games this season. They held opponents under 80 points in two home playoff wins against the Lynx.
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Thomas delivered 18.6 points, 9.1 assists, and 8.4 rebounds across the postseason. Kahleah Copper’s 23 points in Game 2 showed her spark, but bench struggles hurt. DeWanna Bonner managed only four points, and Whitcomb went scoreless. In contrast, the 2021 Finals at Footprint Center saw Phoenix’s depth shine. The 2014 title run thrived on similar grit. This game tests their resolve to mirror that legacy.
To counter Young’s explosions, Phoenix deploys Natasha Mack’s size inside and switches aggressively. Wilson’s rebounding demands team boxing-out. Gray’s playmaking requires early traps. Sabally’s versatility becomes a linchpin. Her Game 2 scare shifted focus to health, but her return signals a momentum swing.
Phoenix Mercury Receive Positive Satou Sabally Message Ahead Of Aces Clash
While the stage is set for an impressive bounce-back game, Satou Sabally’s full recovery ignites optimism. She tweaked her right ankle in Game 2 after stepping on Wilson’s foot, sparking concern after her 22-point outburst, including 10 in the fourth.
However, Tuesday’s practice erased doubts as she moved freely with no brace required. Her return strengthens Phoenix’s core alongside Thomas and Copper.
Additionally, Sabally has 17.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per playoff game against stretch defenses. Plus, the bench needs Bonner to rediscover her regular-season double-digit form and Whitcomb to find rhythm.