The 2025 WNBA Finals got off to a thrilling start on Friday night, as the Las Vegas Aces came back from a nine-point deficit, then held on for an 89-86 win over the Phoenix Mercury to take a 1-0 lead in this best-of-seven series.

A'ja Wilson capped another dominant season by leading the Las Vegas Aces to another WNBA title. Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo was on hand to celebrate her historic season.

The Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever compete in a close WNBA playoff game, with the Aces and Fever trading leads and making key plays. In the fourth quarter with 5:10 remaining, A'ja Wilson attempts to score for the Aces,

Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson, the 2025 WNBA MVP and co-Defensive Player of the Year, and Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier headlined the 2025 All-WNBA First Team as unanimous selections. No. 1 overall pick and Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings made the Second Team in her debut season.

Despite losing key players in the offseason, the Mercury made an improbable run to the Finals by acquiring stars Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally. Once the buzzer sounded at Mortgage Matchup Center, Kahleah Copper gathered her Phoenix Mercury teammates and let them feel the emotions of the room.