WNBA Dimes

## WNBA Finals Recap: Aces Hold Commanding 2–0 Lead

The best-of-seven 2025 WNBA Finals opened with two tightly contested affairs in Las Vegas, as the defending champion Las Vegas Aces leveraged late-game heroics and dominant half-court performances to seize a two-game lead over the Phoenix Mercury. In Game 1 on October 3, the Mercury appeared in control much of the night, building a nine-point edge in the third quarter. However, a Satou Sabally technical foul shifted momentum, igniting a 17–6 Las Vegas run. Dana Evans delivered a crucial go-ahead triple with under a minute to play, finishing with 21 points (5-of-6 from three), while MVP A’ja Wilson matched her with 21 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Jewell Loyd added 18 points and Jackie Young chipped in 10, with Chelsea Gray dishing 10 assists. Phoenix’s Alyssa Thomas flirted with a triple-double (15 pts, 10 rebs, 9 asts) and Kahleah Copper poured in a first-half 17 points, but missed free throws in the closing seconds thwarted the comeback bid. Final: Aces 89, Mercury 86 ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/oct/03/wnba-finals-2025-aces-mercury-game-1-report?utm_source=openai)).

Game 2 on October 5 saw Las Vegas harness both firepower and defensive intensity, pulling away decisively in the third quarter en route to a 91–78 victory. Jackie Young erupted for a WNBA Finals record 21 points in the third alone, finishing with 32 points and eight rebounds. Wilson again dominated, posting a 28-point, 14-rebound double-double, and Gray secured a second triple-double of the series with 10 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds off the bench. Phoenix’s Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with 23 points, while Sabally and Thomas were limited by foul trouble and the Aces’ suffocating defense. Las Vegas forced 18 Phoenix turnovers and outscored them 52–32 in the paint. With the win, the Aces became the first team in WNBA Finals history to go up 2–0 in the inaugural best-of-seven format. Final: Aces 91, Mercury 78 ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/oct/05/wnba-finals-game-2-aces-take-another-step-towards-title-after-overwhelming-mercury?utm_source=openai)).

As a result, Las Vegas holds a 2–0 cushion in the series, needing just two more victories to clinch their third WNBA title in four years and third overall. Phoenix must navigate the challenging task of winning four of the next five games to hoist the franchise’s fourth championship trophy.

---

## No WNBA Games on Tuesday, October 7

Following Game 2’s conclusion on Sunday, October 5, the WNBA Finals took a brief pause with no scheduled games on Tuesday, October 7. This afforded both teams additional rest and preparation time ahead of Game 3, slated for Wednesday, October 8 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. According to comprehensive scoreboards, there were no other WNBA matchups—playoff or regular season—held on October 7, underscoring the league’s calendar break between games two and three of the Finals ([plaintextsports.com](https://plaintextsports.com/wnba/2025-10-07/?utm_source=openai)).

With the regular season having concluded on September 11 and the Commissioner's Cup final played on July 1, all league action now centers on the championship series. The Oct. 7 off-day provides valuable recovery for top performers like Wilson, Young, Sabally and Thomas, as well as crucial strategic recalibration for head coaches Becky Hammon (Aces) and Nate Tibbetts (Mercury).

---

## Off-Court Tensions Escalate as Collier Cancels Meeting with Commissioner

Beyond on-court drama, the WNBA’s political landscape continues to roil, as star forward and players’ union vice president Napheesa Collier publicly split with league leadership. On October 7, Axios reported Collier canceled a scheduled meeting with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, citing a “lack of accountability” and frustration over private remarks Engelbert allegedly made suggesting players—specifically Caitlin Clark and peers—should be “grateful” for the platform the league provides, comments Engelbert later denied. Collier described feeling betrayed by the denial, which she said undermined her credibility and sent a broader message that player concerns are deprioritized ([axios.com](https://www.axios.com/2025/10/07/harris-napheesa-collier-wnba-commissioner?utm_source=openai)).

Collier elaborated on her decision at the “A Day of Unreasonable Conversation” summit in Los Angeles, where former Vice President Kamala Harris lauded her bravery. According to the Axios account, Collier noted that internal attempts to resolve issues had failed, making public pressure necessary despite potential backlash. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has since expressed optimism that Engelbert can repair her relationship with the players, acknowledging the league faces both “economic and relational” hurdles as it approaches the October 31 deadline for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

With the existing CBA set to expire in less than a month, the likelihood of work stoppage looms. League sources and union leaders have privately discussed lockout scenarios should negotiations stall. Collier emphasized that while no player wants a lockout, they are “prepared for any possibility right now,” reflecting the union’s resolve to secure improved salaries, revenue sharing, expanded rosters and enhanced workplace conditions. As WNBA viewership and revenue reach new heights—propelled by record-breaking media deals and rising stars—the stakes for a transformative CBA have never been higher ([axios.com](https://www.axios.com/2025/10/07/harris-napheesa-collier-wnba-commissioner?utm_source=openai)).

The convergence of on-court excellence and off-court activism continues to define this pivotal moment in WNBA history. As the Finals resume on October 8, the league will also be under intense scrutiny regarding both competitive balance and the negotiation outcomes that could shape its long-term trajectory.