LAS VEGAS, NV — In a night filled with celebration and high drama, the Las Vegas Aces edged out the Phoenix Mercury 85-84, capping off their preseason with a thrilling victory at Michelob ULTRA Arena.
Rookie Deja Kelly stole the spotlight in the final seconds, sinking a game-winning mid-range jumper with 4.9 seconds left on the clock. The first-year guard led all scorers with 15 points in just 13 minutes off the bench, sealing an emotional win on a night dedicated to A’ja Wilson’s Nike “Pink A’ura” sneaker release.
Wilson’s Night to Shine
Although she played limited minutes (22), A’ja Wilson made her presence felt with 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists — all while celebrating the launch of her new signature shoe. The “A’One Night” event featured giveaways, Nike activations, and a sold-out shoe drop that energized the home crowd.
Balanced Scoring Leads the Way
Jewell Loyd added 11 points, while Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young chipped in 10 apiece. Alanna Smith and Kiah Stokes added strong contributions in limited action. In total, nine of the 10 players who suited up scored at least two points, with four starters reaching double figures.
For Phoenix, Satou Sabally and Kathryn Westbeld paced the team with 14 points each, keeping the Mercury in contention until the final horn.
Game Flow Breakdown:
1st Quarter (Las Vegas 22, Phoenix 20)
Loyd got off to a hot start, hitting 2-of-4 from deep and scoring eight points, matched by Wilson. Chelsea Gray filled the stat sheet early, tallying four points, four boards, three assists, and a steal in just seven minutes.
2nd Quarter (Phoenix 47, Las Vegas 46)
The Mercury used a 16-6 surge to grab the lead early in the quarter, with Sabally draining back-to-back threes. The teams traded leads 11 times in a tightly contested frame. Gray kept the Aces close with smart distribution and composed play.
3rd Quarter (Phoenix 66, Las Vegas 65)
Phoenix extended its lead to 10 midway through the quarter, but the Aces rallied back, powered by Kelly’s seven-point burst. She closed the period with a buzzer-beating three to bring Vegas within one.
4th Quarter (Las Vegas 85, Phoenix 84)
With the starters resting, the Aces bench rose to the occasion. The final quarter saw nine lead changes and three ties. Kelly hit a go-ahead jumper with 23.6 seconds left, and after Phoenix briefly reclaimed the lead on a layup from Westbeld, Kelly answered again — this time with the game-winner.
Key Stats & Notes:
- Deja Kelly: 15 points in 13 minutes, including the game-winner.
- All 13 active Aces players saw the court.
- Aces’ bench outscored Phoenix’s, with Kelly leading the way.
- Fast break points: Las Vegas 12, Phoenix 4.
- Free throws: Aces 19-of-23 (.826), Mercury 6-of-8.
- Turnovers: Phoenix committed 21, leading to 16 Aces points.
- Paint points: Mercury 34, Aces 32.
- Rebounds: Mercury held the edge, 35-27.
The game also served as a platform for advocacy. A stat shared during the event noted that the ACLU is currently tracking 575 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the U.S., up from 515 at the start of the 2024 WNBA season — a reminder of the league’s continued commitment to inclusion and awareness.
A’One Night Recap:
The celebration of A’ja Wilson’s Nike “Pink A’ura” shoe debut was a central theme throughout the evening. The first 8,000 fans received exclusive “A’One” shirts, while Nike installations lined the concourse. The sneaker — which symbolizes Wilson’s confidence, loyalty, and passion — sold out within minutes earlier that morning.
Up Next:
With the preseason wrapped, the Aces turn their attention to the regular season. They’ll open their 2025 campaign on Saturday, May 17, against the reigning WNBA champions, the New York Liberty. Tip-off is set for 12 p.m. PT, and the game will air live on ABC.
