A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces can smell it. They need just two wins to complete their 2025 mission, but they surely can’t celebrate just yet. The 2025 WNBA Finals shifts to Phoenix in Game 3, where the Phoenix Mercury will look to return the favor to Las Vegas. Will the Aces go up 3-0? Or, will the Mercury trim their series deficit in half?
Catch this game live on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 8:00 AM, Manila time
Away: Las Vegas Aces (0-2 Away)
Projected Starting Five:
- Chelsea Gray
- Jackie Young
- NaLyssa Smith
- Kierstan Bell
- A’ja Wilson
The Aces are showing the poise and control of a championship team in the 2025 WNBA Finals, as they are now just two wins away from claiming the league title. If Game 1 was a close encounter that ended in an 89-86 victory for Las Vegas, Game 2 was a more convincing triumph for A’ja Wilson and the Aces, who are gunning for their third WNBA championship in four seasons.
It’s such a luxury for the Aces to have A’ja Wilson in the fold. She has been an unstoppable force in the 2025 playoffs, where she’s averaging 25.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.4 blocks while shooting 48.5 percent from the field. In Game 2 of the Finals, she ripped the Mercury for 28 points and 14 rebounds while shooting 13-for-23 from the floor. It is worth noting that the Aces are 13-1 all-time in the playoffs when Wilson racks up at least 25 points. But she’s hardly the only cause of headache for Phoenix.
Jackie Young only had 10 points on a salty 3-for-13 shooting in Game 1, but rebounded with a historic Game 2 performance, as she dropped 32 points on 12-for-20 shooting. Her 21 points in the third period set a new WNBA Finals record. Things have gotten easier for the Aces in the Finals than in the previous rounds, as they have improved their scoring, shooting efficiency and 3-point accuracy. With momentum on their side, the Aces looked ready to take Game 3 and push Phoenix to the brink.
Home: Phoenix Mercury (2-0 Home)
Projected Starting Five:
- Monique Akoa Makani
- Kahleah Copper
- Alyssa Thomas
- Natasha Mack
- Satou Sabally
It’s either the Mercury tighten up their defense or find a way to keep up with the Aces’ firepower; otherwise, Phoenix could be in for another long night in Game 3. The good news for the Mercury is that they will have their fans packing the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix to cheer for them.
After losing two games in enemy territory, a change in scenery could boost the Mercury and give them the lift they need to stop the Aces. Phoenix is looking to improve on its shooting now that the team will play inside friendlier confines. The Mercury shot just 40.8 percent from the field in Game 2 and an awful 17.9 percent from behind the arc. Alyssa Thomas, in particular, will look to find her comfort zone in Game 3. After averaging 18.6 points in the first two rounds of the 2025 WNBA postseason, she’s put up just 12.5 points in the two losses to the Aces.
Meanwhile, Satou Sabally appears ready to go in Game 3 despite hurting his right ankle which forced her to exit the court late in Game 2. Sabally had 22 points in the contest, including 10 in the final period, so she’ll come into Game 3 with some momentum. Kahleah Copper led the Mercury in Game 2 with 23 points on 9-for-18 shooting with three 3-pointers.
Picks
Spread: Phoenix Mercury (-4.5)
Over/Under: Over (163.5)
