WNBA Player News

Bonner recorded a double-double in her first start of the series. Her impact was less significant than her 25-point, 10-rebound Game 3, but the veteran forward still managed to provide some value on both ends of the floor. She finished as one of five Phoenix players to score in double figures and one of two to collect double-digit rebounds.

Copper went out swinging in the Mercury’s final game of the season. She repeatedly attacked downhill and put pressure on the Aces’ defense throughout, which was especially notable in her 13-point third quarter that helped get Phoenix back in the game. The former Finals MVP ultimately set a new personal best for points scored in a WNBA Finals game before fouling out of Friday’s contest late in the fourth quarter. She averaged 22.8 points through the four games and was arguably the Mercury’s most consistent scorer throughout the series.

Thomas had another balanced performance on Friday, impacting the game in several ways on the offensive end. The MVP finalist briefly left the contest late in the second quarter after colliding with the Aces’ Jewell Loyd when attempting to run through a screen. She eventually returned to begin the third quarter and helped the Mercury mount a spirited comeback attempt. Ultimately, Thomas’s production wasn’t enough, and her game-high nine turnovers were costly, accounting for half of Phoenix’s total turnovers. She finished her first postseason run with the Mercury, fittingly, having recorded a triple-double.

Gray came alive in the fourth quarter in time to give the Aces a much-needed lift on the offensive end down the stretch. In the frame, she made multiple momentum-changing three-pointers just when the home crowd seemed ready to unleash during the Mercury’s comeback attempt. She drew fouls down the stretch on both ends of the floor, as well, helping the Aces run through the tape and capture their third WNBA championship. Gray, a former Finals MVP, proved her value on both ends of the floor throughout the series and finished as one of five Aces players to score in double figures.

While Young didn’t have her most productive game as a scorer through three quarters, the veteran guard functioned as the Aces’ main facilitator for most of Friday’s contest. She constantly set up her teammates for easy baskets throughout Game 4 to help keep the Las Vegas offense running smoothly. She contributed a couple of timely baskets and several free throws down the stretch, ultimately finishing just shy of a triple-double in what was a stellar postseason for the multiple-time WNBA All-Star.

Wilson followed up a big Game 3 with an impressive Game 4 performance. Despite struggling with shooting efficiency, the four-time MVP reached 30 points for the second straight game, taking advantage of the Mercury’s aggressive defense to repeatedly make her way to the free-throw line. In the biggest moments of the contest, as Phoenix trimmed the deficit down to as few as six points, Wilson delivered a couple of timely scores down the stretch to help the Aces keep their distance. Wilson ultimately earned her second Finals MVP award and became the first WNBA or NBA player to ever win the scoring title, regular-season MVP, Finals MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year all in the same season.

Loyd came off the bench and found production rather quickly on Friday. In the first quarter, she converted her only three-point attempt before draining a couple more in the second quarter. The veteran guard repeatedly found herself open along the perimeter throughout the series and took advantage of her free space, while also making the contested ones. She competed on the offensive glass to extend several possessions for the Aces and had plenty of timely contributions throughout. All in all, Loyd capped off a productive postseason in style, finishing Game 4 as one of five Aces players to score in double figures.

For the second straight game, Thomas dealt with foul trouble although she still played in all but one minute of Wednesday night’s game. She picked up three of her five personal fouls in the second half and as a result was less potent on both sides of the ball. She also had difficulty taking care of the ball, turning the ball over three times which resulted in two Aces scores. She was just one assist off from yet another triple-double and distributed to four teammates in DeWanna Bonner, Kahleah Copper, Satou Sabally and Monique Akoa Makani. Thomas led her team rebounding the basketball picking up 12. She had two offensive boards, which moved her into a tie with league legend Lisa Leslie for eighth on the All-Time Playoffs offensive rebounds list with 127.

While Gray wasn’t super efficient scoring the basketball, she still contributed in meaningful ways. She once again used her high basketball instincts and dexterity to frustrate Alyssa Thomas and interrupt her handles. Gray also made sure to facilitate, making sure that the Aces’ two best scorers in A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young received the ball in spots where they could create offense. Gray’s poise and experience came into play late on Wednesday night when the Aces were in danger of losing the game after having a 17-point lead. With 1:26 left in regulation and the game tied, Gray came off a Wilson screen and drove into the paint with Monique Akoa Makani following her. She used her strength to haul the ball up and over and into the basket to get the and-one call.

Loyd came out swinging to start the game as she scored 12 of her total 16 points in the first quarter alone. The Mercury defense were incredibly slow closing out on her catches and Loyd took advantage each time. Loyd played well off the ball and was able to move Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb around and exploit the fact that Whitcomb is nursing a knee injury that she sustained during Finals Game 1. Loyd became the first player in WNBA Finals history to make four three-pointers in the first quarter. She joined Kahleah Copper and Diana Taurasi as the only three players in league history to hit four three-pointers in any Finals quarter. While Loyd’s scoring opportunities waned as the game went on, she still played hard and hauled down seven total rebounds, tied for the second most on her team.