Two of the top big players in the WNBA face off this Sunday as Satou Sabury and the Phoenix Mercury welcome Aja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces. The Mercury have surprised many with their strong start to the 2025 season, while the Aces have not been as dominant as expected.
Game Details:
– Location: PHX Arena, Phoenix
– Time: 6 PM, Sunday
– TV: NBA TV (national), Family 3TV in Arizona, Vegas 34 (regional)
– Streaming: fubo (free trial available)
– Tickets: Available on StubHub
Despite the Aces’ struggles, Aja Wilson recently became the fastest player in league history to surpass 5,000 career points. Jackie Young is enjoying her best scoring average yet, and Chelsea Gray remains a reliable shooter from beyond the arc. Coach Becky Hammon’s team commits the fewest fouls in the league and benefits from a positive free throw differential, but overall, the team’s performance has been underwhelming.
Historically dominant, the Aces have two championships, three finals appearances, and three semifinal finishes in the last six seasons. However, their current 7-8 record places them 9th out of 13 teams, marking a notable drop as they miss the top-four spot for the sixth consecutive year. Kiah Stokes has been ineffective as the fifth starter, and the bench rotation contributes less than 40% of playing time.
Jewell Loyd, a six-time All-Star and 2023 scoring champion, has stepped up as a replacement for Kelsey Plum. Loyd maintains a solid assist-to-turnover ratio and shoots well from long range, but struggles with two-point shooting, ranking lowest among starters this season.
Phoenix has been dominant recently, securing six straight wins with fast-paced, disciplined defense. They lead the league in takeaways and have four players ranking in the top 20 for defensive ratings. Offensively, Sabury leads the way with a career-high 19.6 points per game, although her defense has dipped. Alyssa Thomas leads the league with 9.5 assists per game and has also improved her field goal percentages.
Sabury previously played only against Dallas before joining Phoenix this offseason, while Thomas spent 11 years with Connecticut before moving via free agency. The team’s second-year head coach Nate Tibbets and GM Nick Uren have made significant strides. With Kahleah Copper back from a knee injury, the Mercury have genuine championship hopes, especially in a season without Diana Taurasi or Brittney Griner.
Notably, Daniel Robinson has worn both jerseys; a three-time All-Star with the San Antonio Silver Stars, she played for Phoenix in 2017 and was a key bench guard for Las Vegas in their 2020 finals run.
Fan Take: This game highlights the intense competition and shifting dynamics in the WNBA, showing how emerging stars and tactical changes can reshape team fortunes. For fans, it’s a sign of the league’s growing depth and excitement, promising even more thrilling seasons ahead.
