A’ja Wilson leads Aces to a commanding victory over struggling Mercury in Las Vegas
Category: Sports
The Las Vegas Aces decisively defeated the Phoenix Mercury 96-45 on July 11, 2026, at Michelob ULTRA Arena, marking their third matchup this season. The Aces, boasting a record of 16-6, showcased their dominance against the struggling Mercury, who fell to 8-15 in the Western Conference standings.
This game, broadcast on Peacock, NBC Sports Network, and local channels, attracted an impressive crowd of 10,321, resulting in a sellout at the arena. The Aces, led by star player A’ja Wilson, who scored 21 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, continued their pursuit of a fourth championship in five years.
The Aces entered the game as heavy favorites, with a spread of 9.5 points. They lived up to expectations, dominating from the start. Las Vegas' offensive prowess was evident, as they averaged 89.9 points per game, ranking third in the league, compared to Phoenix's 83.7 points per game, which ranked 11th.
In addition to Wilson's standout performance, NaLyssa Smith contributed 14 points, and Jackie Young added 8 points, helping the Aces secure their position as one of the top teams in the league. The Aces have now won 12 of their last 16 games, solidifying their status as a formidable opponent.
Conversely, the Mercury have struggled throughout the season, having lost their last two games and now sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference. Kahleah Copper, the Mercury's leading scorer, averages 20.8 points per game but faced challenges against the Aces' defense, which has been effective all season.
Injury reports played a role in the game, with Natasha Mack out for Phoenix due to a foot injury and Sami Whitcomb listed as questionable. For Las Vegas, Janiah Barker was out with a leg injury, and both Dana Evans and Jackie Young were questionable, impacting their depth.
This matchup was particularly notable as it marked the third meeting between these two teams in the 2026 season. The Mercury had previously defeated the Aces 99-66 in their season opener, but Las Vegas responded with an 86-76 victory in their second encounter on June 17. This back-and-forth rivalry has heightened interest among fans and analysts alike, with each game providing insights into the teams' strengths and weaknesses.
Historically, the Aces have been a dominant force in the WNBA, having won three of the last four championships. Their success can be attributed to a combination of star players, including Wilson, and a solid supporting cast, which has proven effective under head coach Becky Hammon. The Aces' performance this season has reinforced their reputation as a powerhouse in women's basketball.
On the other hand, the Phoenix Mercury, once a championship contender, have faced a challenging season. Their record reflects a team in transition, struggling to maintain consistency. The Mercury's defensive struggles have been particularly pronounced, allowing an average of 85.7 points per game, ranking them eighth in the league. This has placed additional pressure on their offense to perform, often leading to disappointing results.
Following this game, the Aces will look to build on their momentum as they continue to compete for the top seed in the Western Conference. With the playoffs approaching, maintaining their winning form will be key. Their next matchup will test their ability to sustain high performance levels against other contenders.
Meanwhile, the Mercury must regroup and address their shortcomings if they hope to turn their season around. With a tough schedule ahead, they will need to capitalize on their scoring opportunities and improve their defensive strategies. The focus will be on Copper and Thomas to lead the team in the upcoming games, as they aim to regain their competitive edge.
As the season progresses, both teams will face challenges that will test their resilience and adaptability. The next few weeks will be telling for the Mercury, who need to find a way to rebound from this defeat and build a path to recovery.
With the WNBA season heating up, fans can anticipate more thrilling matchups as teams vie for playoff positioning. The Aces are set to continue their pursuit of excellence, and the Mercury will need to dig deep to find their footing in a league filled with talent.