Jackie Young made history in the WNBA Finals by scoring 21 points in the third quarter, ultimately tallying 32 points to lead the Las Vegas Aces to a 91-78 win over the Phoenix Mercury. This victory gives the Aces a 2-0 series lead with Game 3 scheduled for Wednesday in Arizona.
The Aces are aiming to dominate the series and secure their third title in four years, putting pressure on the Mercury who now need to win four out of the next five games to clinch their fourth championship, matching the WNBA record.
Young’s impressive performance fell just shy of the postseason quarter scoring record of 22 points held by three players, including her teammate Jewell Loyd from a 2021 game against the Mercury. A’ja Wilson contributed significantly with 28 points, 20 of which came in the first half, along with 14 rebounds. Chelsea Gray added 10 points and 10 assists to the Aces’ winning effort.
On the Mercury side, Kahleah Copper led with 23 points, while Satou Sabally contributed 22 points and Alyssa Thomas managed 10 points despite facing foul trouble throughout the game. Although Phoenix started strong, scoring the first seven points and totaling 27 points in the first quarter, their momentum dwindled as the Aces tightened their defense, limiting the Mercury to only 24 points over the next two quarters.
With a commanding 76-51 lead going into the fourth quarter, the Aces extended their advantage to as much as 22 points, securing the win. Coach Becky Hammon’s undefeated Game 2 record in Las Vegas now stands at 9-0, with an average winning margin of over 17 points, making her a formidable opponent on home turf.