LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Aces got their rings. The Phoenix Mercury got the win and made sure that’s what everyone remembered.
Behind a dominant all-around performance, Phoenix cruised to a 99-66 victory Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena, spoiling the Aces’ championship ring ceremony in emphatic fashion. The 33 point lost was the most by a defending champion on opening night.
Alyssa Thomas paced the Mercury with 20 points, helping fuel one of the most lopsided wins of the early season. Phoenix showcased depth and balance, with six players scoring in double figures, including:
- Jovana Nogic – 19 points (all in the first half)
- Natasha Mack – 10 points, 15 rebounds
Statement Win for Phoenix
The victory carried added weight. The Mercury were swept by the Aces in last season’s WNBA Finals making Saturday’s result a clear statement of intent.
Phoenix seized control early and never looked back, opening the second quarter with a 14-2 run to build a commanding 41-23 lead.
Aces Struggle on Their Night
Despite the pregame celebration, Las Vegas couldn’t find rhythm.
- A’ja Wilson led the team with 19 points
- Jackie Young added 12
- NaLyssa Smith chipped in 11
But the Aces never led and ultimately suffered their worst defeat since August of last season.
Ring Ceremony Highlights
Before tipoff, the Aces celebrated their latest championship with a ring ceremony attended by team ownership, including Mark Davis and Tom Brady.
The custom rings featured:
- A removable top design
- Player names and positions in 14-karat white gold
The championship banner, however, will be raised later this month at Michelob ULTRA Arena. For the Phoenix Mercury, this was more than a win it was a message.
For the Las Vegas Aces, it was a reminder that past success guarantees nothing in a new season. The Aces celebrated their past. The Mercury controlled the present. And if this game is any indication, the WNBA race just got a lot more interesting.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
