The Las Vegas Aces celebrated another championship before Saturday’s season opener, but the mood shifted postgame after a 99-66 loss to the Phoenix Mercury at T-Mobile Arena.
Before tipoff, the Aces received custom championship rings to celebrate the franchise’s 2022, 2023 and 2025 titles. The celebration, however, was short-lived as Phoenix never trailed and handed the defending champions one of the worst opening losses in franchise history. The Mercury were swept by the Aces in the 2025 WNBA Finals.
After leading Las Vegas with 19 points, four-time MVP A’ja Wilson said she needs to do more to help set the tone for the team moving forward.
“I can’t ask everything of them if I’m not doing my job. I have to show up for them in any way that I can because I know I’m going to need them to show up for us,” Wilson said after the game, as reported by Soham Kulkarni of Essentially Sports. “I have to do the dirty work and the hard work to make sure I can get myself in positions to score the basketball, rebound the basketball, and do whatever needs to be done for our team.”
Wilson also acknowledged the pressure that comes with leading a championship contender.
“I do take a lot of pressure on there, but they relieve the pressure as well when everyone’s firing on all cylinders and we’re clicking the right way. It’s game one, so it’s going to take some time,” she said. ““We haven’t played basketball together as a whole since October, so it’s going to take time to get on time and on target.”
Phoenix controlled the game throughout, using a 14-2 run early in the second quarter to build a 41-23 lead. Alyssa Thomas scored 20 points for the Mercury, while rookie Jovana Nogic added 19 points, all in the first half. Natasha Mack added 10 points and 15 rebounds.
Jackie Young scored 12 points for Las Vegas, while NaLyssa Smith added 11.
The 33-point defeat marked the Aces’ worst loss since a 111-58 setback against Minnesota on Aug. 3, per Mark Anderson of the Associated Press. Las Vegas responded to that defeat last season by finishing the regular season on a 16-game winning streak.
The Aces will continue their opening road stretch Sunday against the Los Angeles Sparks while Phoenix travels to Golden State.
