WNBA Finals Game 3: A’ja Wilson’s Buzzer-Beater Puts the Las Vegas Aces One Win Away from Championship Glory

In a breathtaking finish, A’ja Wilson nailed a seven-foot fadeaway jumper with just 0.3 seconds left on the clock, lifting the Las Vegas Aces to a thrilling 90-88 victory over the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals on Wednesday night.

Wilson’s dominance was on full display as she scored 34 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, pushing Las Vegas to a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. With this win, the Aces are now just one victory away from clinching their third WNBA Championship in four years. They will have the opportunity to seal the title in Game 4 on Friday in Phoenix.

A’ja Wilson’s Game-Winning Moment

With just over a minute left in the game, DeWanna Bonner tied it at 88 by sinking two crucial free throws. That set the stage for Wilson’s iconic shot. Receiving an entry pass from Chelsea Gray on the left side, Wilson spun and launched a fadeaway jumper over Alyssa Thomas, swishing it cleanly through the net as the clock ticked down. Phoenix had one last chance, but Bonner’s jumper from the foul line rimmed out, ending their hopes of extending the series.

Key Performances for the Las Vegas Aces

In addition to Wilson’s brilliance, Chelsea Gray delivered a strong all-around game with 11 points, five assists, three steals, and three blocks. Jackie Young scored 21 points and Jewell Loyd contributed 16 points. The Aces never trailed throughout the game, shooting an impressive 56% from beyond the arc and recording eight blocked shots.

Early in the first quarter, Loyd went on a hot streak, sinking four three-pointers in less than two minutes to fuel a 17-0 run. Although Phoenix fought back with a 13-0 rally to even things up, Las Vegas maintained control, leading 26-23 after the first quarter.

Aces Build Dominant Lead Before Mercury’s Comeback Attempt

By halftime, the Aces had extended their advantage to 55-43, making nine of their 16 three-pointers. Wilson then scored nine consecutive points in the third quarter, giving Las Vegas a commanding 68-52 lead. Later, Loyd’s late free throws pushed the margin to 76-59 — the Aces’ largest lead of the game.

However, the Phoenix Mercury refused to back down. In a spirited fourth-quarter surge, they outscored the Aces 29-14. Kahleah Copper caught fire with 11 straight points, and Bonner’s three-pointer with just 1:33 remaining tied the score at 86. After Gray’s layup put the Aces ahead once more, Bonner’s free throws tied it again — before Wilson’s iconic buzzer-beater sealed the win.

Phoenix Mercury’s Resilient Effort

Despite the loss, Phoenix’s stars shone brightly. Bonner led the team with 25 points, while Satou Sabally added 24 points before exiting the game due to a possible head injury with 4:26 left. Alyssa Thomas came close to a triple-double, tallying 14 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists. Copper finished with 17 points, 11 of which came in the fourth-quarter rally.

A’ja Wilson Sets WNBA Playoff Record

Wilson’s 34-point performance not only carried her team but also broke the WNBA record for the most points in a single postseason. Her total now stands at 291 points in the playoffs. Averaging more than 26 points per game across 11 postseason appearances this year, Wilson continues to redefine dominance in the WNBA.

Looking Ahead: Can the Aces Seal the Title?

With the Las Vegas Aces now leading 3-0, they stand on the brink of another championship. A victory in Game 4 would not only cement their legacy as one of the most dominant teams in WNBA history but also underscore A’ja Wilson’s status as the league’s ultimate clutch performer. All eyes will be on Phoenix this Friday as the Aces aim to finish the job and lift the WNBA Finals Trophy once again.