PHOENIX — When Las Vegas was going through its lowest stretches of the season, and when the team fell below .500, Aces president Nikki Fargas said she always believed that greatness was still possible. “When you have A’ja Wilson …,” Fargas said as her voice trailed off. Through Wilson, all things are possible. That was evident in Wednesday night’s Game 3 of the WNBA Finals as the Aces proved their dominance again to take a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven title series with a 90-88 victory against t
“When you have A’ja Wilson …,” Fargas said as her voice trailed off.
Through Wilson, all things are possible. That was evident in Wednesday night’s Game 3 of the WNBA Finals as the Aces proved their dominance again to take a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven title series with a 90-88 victory against the Phoenix Mercury.
The Mercury erased a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter behind a flurry of buckets from Kahleah Copper and veteran shotmaking from DeWanna Bonner. Las Vegas went away from Wilson, not pressing the defense when the Mercury denied Wilson on the initial action.
But on their final possession, the Aces turned to Wilson, and she delivered what will surely go down as one of the defining moments of her career. Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon called a timeout with five seconds remaining and Jackie Young flailing, and Hammon put the ball in her MVP’s hands. Wilson drove left from the elbow, turned and got up a short jumper over the outstretched arms of Alyssa Thomas. The ball lingered on the rim but then fell in, giving Las Vegas a two-point lead with less than a second to play.
Wilson set an Aces franchise finals record with 34 points, breaking a tie with Young on the final basket. Wilson, a four-time MVP, is one win away from her third title in four seasons.
This story will be updated.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
Las Vegas Aces, Phoenix Mercury, WNBA
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Category: General Sports
