LAS VEGAS (AP) — Aja Wilson and Dana Evans each scored 21 points as the Las Vegas Aces edged the Phoenix Mercury 89-86 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Friday night.

Wilson contributed 12 of her points over the final 14 minutes, helping the Aces hold on after Phoenix’s Satou Sabally missed a long 3-pointer with just 2 seconds left that would have tied the game. Game 2 is set for Sunday in Las Vegas.

Evans led a dominant Aces bench that outscored the Mercury reserves 41-16. Reserve Jewell Loyd added 18 points for second-seeded Las Vegas, while starter Jackie Young contributed 10 points. Wilson also pulled down 10 rebounds, and Chelsea Gray dished out 10 assists.

For the fourth-seeded Mercury, Kahleah Cooper scored 21 points. Sabally added 19 points, and Alyssa Thomas nearly recorded a triple-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.

Cooper had a strong first half, scoring 19 points — just one shy of her playoff career high for a half. Her personal best came against the Mercury as well, when she scored 20 points for Chicago in the first half of Game 3 of the 2021 Finals. The five 3-pointers she made in the first half topped her previous single-game high of four.

If Game 1 was any indication, this best-of-seven series — the first in WNBA Finals history — promises to be tightly contested throughout. The largest lead was nine points, and the game featured 12 lead changes and nine ties.

Phoenix threatened to seize control multiple times, but the Aces responded with timely runs. In the closing moments, Las Vegas nearly pulled away before Phoenix kept the margin close.

With the Mercury down by one point and 24.6 seconds remaining, Thomas went to the free-throw line but missed both shots. On the other end, Young was fouled with 13.5 seconds left and made both free throws, sealing the final margin.

Stay tuned for Game 2 as these two teams continue their battle for the championship.

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AP WNBA: Copyright.
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