The 2 reasons why the Aces won Game 1 of the WNBA Finals

Heading into Game 1, it looked like the first-round series between the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury would come down to both teams’ Big Threes.

For the Aces, A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray have led the way throughout these entire playoffs. For the Mercury, it’s been Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally, and Kahleah Copper who have carried the load en route to the Finals.

But on Friday night, Game 1 was won by two players who have averaged just over 7 points in the playoffs: Jewell Loyd and Dana Evans.

Entering Friday, Loyd had averaged 7.3 points, while Evans had averaged 7.4 points.

In Game 1, the duo combined for 39 points on 16-29 shooting. Loyd exploded for 18 points and 4 rebounds, while Evans tallied 21 points, 4 steals, and 3 assists.

In the fourth quarter, the duo of bench scorers combined for 12 points, with Evans pouring in three fourth-quarter threes. In turn, the Aces outscored the Mercury by 7 points in the fourth quarter, ultimately emerging victorious 89-86.

A’ja Wilson explained how the big-time performances by Evans and Loyd are the product of tireless work.

“These two people in particular are two of the most hardest-working people that I see in practice every day,” Wilson said. “So, when it comes to these types of games, it comes as no surprise.”

Heading into the Finals, it appeared that the series could be dictated by which team’s Big Three played better. Still, the Mercury dropped Game 1 despite having the more dominant trio.

Alyssa Thomas tallied 15 points on 7-10 FG, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists. Satou Sabally posted 19 points, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds. And, Kahleah Copper led the way with 21 points on 7-12 shooting, hitting 5 three-pointers in the first half.

But each member of the Mercury Big Three left something on the table.

Thomas missed two free throws that would have given the Mercury a 1-point lead with 24.6 seconds to play. Copper, who went off for 19 points in the first half, scored just 2 points in the second half. And Sabally’s fifth foul — and subsequent fourth quarter technical — served as a turning point for momentum.

For the Aces, Jackie Young hit two critical free throws down the stretch. But the four-time All-Star had a tough night overall, scoring just 10 points on 3-13 shooting. Her backcourt mate, Chelsea Gray, scored just 8 points.

Even A’ja Wilson, who is averaging 26 points per game these playoffs, had a relatively quiet game by her lofty standards, though she finished the night with 21 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. (And, down the stretch, Wilson hit a massive jumper with just under 3 minutes to play to give the Aces a 5-point lead).

But, in this game, it was the Aces’ backup guards who led the way. Loyd reminded the world that just two seasons ago, she was the WNBA’s leading scorer. Evans showed the basketball universe what she’s capable of on the brightest stage.

“They’re our key factors,” Wilson said postgame. “I’ve said multiple times that Dana is our battery. She makes us play at a different pace. I’ve told her — we go as she goes.”

On Friday, that was all the way to a Game 1 victory.