Jackie Young, feeling worn out after a tough five-game playoff series against Indiana, showed signs of fatigue at the start of the WNBA Finals against Phoenix and even requested a break during the first game. However, following a day of rest, Young bounced back in a remarkable way on Sunday. She set a new finals record by scoring 21 points in the third quarter alone, concluding with a total of 32 points, propelling Las Vegas to a 91-78 win over the visiting Mercury and securing a 2-0 series advantage.
The upcoming Game 3, set for Wednesday in Arizona, presents an opportunity for the Aces to further assert their dominance as they aim for their third championship in four years. On the other hand, the Mercury face a challenging task of winning four out of five games to clinch their fourth title, which would equal the WNBA record.
Young, matching her personal best playoff scoring performance, narrowly missed breaking the league record of 22 points in a single postseason quarter. Aces head coach Becky Hammon praised Young’s aggressive play style and highlighted her speed and strength, making her a formidable offensive force.
Young’s outstanding performance in Game 2 was a stark contrast to her modest showing in Game 1, where she struggled to score efficiently. A’ja Wilson, a four-time league MVP, contributed significantly with 28 points and 14 rebounds, coming close to making history by potentially having two 30-point scorers in a WNBA Finals game.
Chelsea Gray’s impactful play, including 10 points, 10 assists, and a well-rounded stat line, further boosted the Aces’ performance. On the Mercury side, Kahleah Copper led with 23 points, Satou Sabally added 22 points, and Alyssa Thomas chipped in with 10 points despite facing foul trouble.
In a strong start akin to Game 1, the Mercury initially led 7-0 but faltered as the Aces tightened their defense, limiting Phoenix to 24 points over the next two quarters. By the fourth quarter, the Aces had established a commanding 76-51 lead, eventually extending it to a 22-point advantage.
Coach Hammon’s undefeated record of 9-0 in Game 2 matches in Las Vegas underscores the team’s formidable performance on home turf. As the series progresses to Game 3, both teams are gearing up for the next showdown, with the Aces looking to maintain their momentum and the Mercury seeking a comeback on their home court.
