PHOENIX (AP) — A'ja Wilson put in work in the paint, getting bucket after bucket despite multiple defenders draped all over her.She got plenty of help from Chelsea Gray, Jewell Loyd and Dana Evans.The trio started raining 3s early in the second quarter.The Las Vegas Aces — once again — were an offensive force in the WNBA Finals, and they were well on their way to their third championship in four seasons.
They finished off a four-game sweep of the Phoenix Mercury with a 97-86 victory on Friday night.“These guys are elite,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said.Wilson had 31 points and nine rebounds while Gray and Jackie Young each scored 18 points.Five players scored in double figures.The Aces made quick work of the league's first best-of-seven Finals.
They scored 54 points in the first half and averaged more than 90 points per game in the series.Wilson came to the postgame press conference wearing giant ski goggles from a Champagne celebration in the locker room and carrying a pink tambourine, shaking it after answers she liked.“This is a symbol of the joyfulness we have right now,” Wilson said, grinning.“I'm just so grateful to be with this bunch — and that's not the alcohol talking.”Wilson — honored as the Finals MVP — led the way for the Aces despite a poor shooting night.
The four-time regular-season MVP finished 7 of 21 from the field, but made 17 of 19 free throws.Gray made four 3-pointers, including two in the fourth quarter to help turn back a final rally by the Mercury.The Aces were presented the championship trophy by embattled WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who was greeted with boos from the sizable contingent of Las Vegas fans who made the trip to Phoenix.The Aces led 76-62 going into the fourth quarter, but the Mercury went on an 8-0 run that cut the deficit to 76-70 with 7:56 left.
That was as close as they would get.Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with 30 points, shooting 12 of 22 from the field.Alyssa Thomas had 17 points, 12 r...