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Jun 18, 20261
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A'ja Wilson leads Aces past Mercury 86-76 to clinch Commissioner's Cup spot

A'ja Wilson scored 33 points and 11 rebounds as the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Phoenix Mercury 86-76 in a 2025 WNBA Finals rematch, clinching a Commissioner's Cup championship berth. The Aces recorded 18 steals, tied for the season high, with strong contributions from Jackie Young and NaLyssa Smith.
Quick Facts
Who
A'ja Wilson
What
Las Vegas Aces defeated Phoenix Mercury 86-76
When
Wednesday night
Where
Phoenix
- Las Vegas Aces defeated Phoenix Mercury 86-76
- Clinched spot in Commissioner's Cup championship
- Aces recorded 18 steals
- Mercury lost fourth consecutive game
- Aces snapped six-game winning streak with Dallas loss on Monday
The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Phoenix Mercury 86-76 on Wednesday night in a rematch of the 2025 WNBA Finals, clinching a spot in the Commissioner's Cup championship. A'ja Wilson led the defending WNBA champions with 33 points and 11 rebounds, while the Aces' defense was dominant, recording 18 steals—tied for the most in a WNBA game this season. Jackie Young contributed 20 points and nine assists, with a career-high five steals, while NaLyssa Smith added 21 points for Las Vegas.
The victory improves the Aces' record to 11-4 following a 96-66 loss to Dallas on Monday that snapped their six-game winning streak. The Aces will face the winner of the other Commissioner's Cup semifinal on June 30 in New York for the championship. Las Vegas played without Chennedy Carter for the second consecutive game due to illness.
For Phoenix, Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with 26 points, and Alyssa Thomas contributed 10 points and 11 assists. Despite a strong first half where the Mercury shot 60 percent from the field and led 49-45 at halftime, Phoenix could not maintain the momentum. The Mercury fall to 4-11 and have now lost four consecutive games. The Aces and Mercury meet again on Sunday when Las Vegas hosts Golden State while Phoenix entertains Seattle.
Topics
Why This Matters
This result keeps Las Vegas on track for another trophy and shows the Aces can win with both star power and disruptive defense. For readers tracking WNBA playoff and Cup implications, it also clarifies the matchup path to the June 30 final in New York and signals that Phoenix must correct turnover and defensive issues quickly if it wants to rebound.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 16, 2026
WireLas Vegas Aces lost to Dallas 96-66, snapping six-game winning streak
Jun 18, 2026
WireLas Vegas Aces defeated Phoenix Mercury 86-76 in Commissioner's Cup semifinal rematch
Jun 22, 2026
WireAces host Golden State and Mercury host Seattle (next games)
Jun 30, 2026
WireCommissioner's Cup championship game scheduled in New York