After beating Indy 3-2 in the semis in Round 2 of the playoffs, the Aces secured their place in the Finals. But none expected them to outshine the Phoenix Mercury in the first game by 89-86. All thanks to the four-time MVP, who led the charge and made it all happen. But winning ain’t enough for the captain, though!

As she entered Michelob Ultra Arena, she ensured to dominate. By the end of the game, she had 21 points with 10 rebounds while adding five assists, a steal, and two blocks. This marked her fifth WNBA Finals game with at least 20-10 – the most by any player in league history.

With her two blocks, A’ja also set the W’s record for the longest multi-block game streak in a single postseason with her total of nine blocks. She even tied Lisa Leslie for the most multi-block postseason games (38) while tying Candace Parker for 2nd spot in the total 117 postseason blocks.

To be honest, it was somewhat expected as Wilson had been averaging 2.3 blocks per game in the playoffs throughout her career. Though this season she’s putting up 2.7 blocks per game in the 2025 playoffs. But of course, blocks aren’t the only thing she helps her team with. The four-time MVP is already scripted for history. Just a couple of days ago, she received a total of 675 points to edge out Napheesa Collier and earn her fourth MVP title.

Wilson averaged 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.3 blocks this season, helping the Aces close the season with the historic 16-game skid. Along the way, she claimed her second consecutive scoring title, second in rebounding, fourth in steals, and first in blocks. But while you see history in the making, Wilson’s eyes are on something else.

The Aces are vying for their third championship title!

A’ja Wilson’s blocks today were part of a bigger strategic plan the Aces used to derail the Phoenix Mercury. As they entered the arena, they ensured to counter Phoenix’s length with speed. They optimised their pace and skill by switching to a zone defense to neutralize Mercury’s size advantage.

They knew they couldn’t keep Alyssa Thomas off the line, as the middle pick-and-roll where guards screened for AT was difficult to navigate for Vegas. As A’ja admitted, it was unfamiliar for her to go under and over the screens as a big. So, the solution was to go zone during the second half to deny AT the middle of the floor.

“I was seeing them score too much against our man,” Aces head coach Becky Hammon said postgame. “Them getting the ball in the paint, whether it was off the pass or penetration, was really hurting us. It was putting us very vulnerable on the back side with those 3s. So just trying something different where maybe we didn’t give up the middle so easily.”

And the adjustment paid off big. Thomas, who tallied 10 points and 6 assists in the first half, was held to just 5 points and 3 assists after the break. The zone didn’t just slow down AT—it also gave Vegas the freedom to play small. Knowing 5’6 Dana Evans would be targeted in every screen action, the zone allowed her to use her speed without being swallowed up by mismatches.

That’s when Evans stamped her presence. She dug in on Thomas’ dribbles, turned defense into offense, and lit up the scoreboard. “I really get going with my defense,….When I get steals and I push the ball, and I see something easy go in, get a layup, then I know, all right, I feel good, but I gotta let my defense dictate my offense.” Evans said.

The result? Not just a win, but a history-making night. Evans poured in 21 points, drilled 5 threes, and swiped 4 steals—becoming the first player in Finals history with 5 threes and 4 steals, and the only reserve ever to notch 20+ points and 5+ threes in the championship stage. Now, pair that with Wilson’s defensive dominance, but the Aces aren’t done just yet. They need three more games to go in this best-of-seven series. So can Vegas keep this momentum rolling all the way to the trophy?