las vegas aces vs phoenix mercury match player stats

Las Vegas Aces vs Phoenix Mercury Match Player Stats

The las vegas aces vs phoenix mercury match player stats tell the story of one of the most dominant performances of the 2026 WNBA season. On July 12, 2026, the Las Vegas Aces overwhelmed the Phoenix Mercury with a convincing 106 to 58 victory at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. While the final score alone highlights the gap between the two teams, a closer examination of the statistics reveals why the Aces controlled every phase of the game from the opening tip until the final buzzer.

This matchup was about much more than scoring points. Las Vegas displayed outstanding teamwork, efficient shooting, disciplined defense, and excellent ball movement. Phoenix, on the other hand, struggled to establish offensive rhythm, protect possession, or compete on the boards. Individual player performances also reflected these team trends, with A’ja Wilson leading the way for the Aces while Monique Akoa Makani emerged as Phoenix’s leading scorer.

For fans, analysts, and anyone searching for a complete statistical review, this article explores every important number, standout player, team comparison, and tactical takeaway from the game. Rather than simply listing statistics, the goal is to explain what those numbers actually mean and how they influenced the outcome.

Table of Contents

Match Overview

Match Detail Information
Competition WNBA
Date July 12, 2026
Venue Michelob ULTRA Arena
City Las Vegas, Nevada
Attendance 10,321
Final Score Las Vegas Aces 106, Phoenix Mercury 58
Winning Team Las Vegas Aces
Season Series Las Vegas leads 2 to 1

Las Vegas entered the contest with a stronger record and home-court advantage, while Phoenix hoped to remain competitive despite inconsistency throughout the season.

Instead, the Aces produced one of their most complete performances, excelling offensively and defensively while building a lead that only continued to grow throughout all four quarters.

Game Summary

The opening quarter immediately established the direction of the contest.

Las Vegas scored 29 points in the first ten minutes while holding Phoenix to just nine. That twenty-point advantage forced the Mercury to chase the game almost immediately, placing additional pressure on an offense that struggled to generate quality scoring opportunities.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern. The Aces continued attacking in transition, creating open perimeter shots and dominating inside the paint. By halftime, Las Vegas had built an enormous lead that effectively removed any realistic comeback opportunity.

Although Phoenix showed slightly more offensive aggression in the second half, Las Vegas never relaxed. The Aces maintained defensive intensity, continued sharing the basketball, and finished with another strong fourth quarter to secure the 106 to 58 victory.

Quarter by Quarter Score

Quarter Phoenix Mercury Las Vegas Aces
First 9 29
Second 13 28
Third 14 22
Fourth 22 27
Final 58 106

One interesting observation is that Las Vegas won every quarter comfortably. There was never a period during the game when Phoenix managed to shift momentum or reduce the deficit significantly.

Las Vegas Aces vs Phoenix Mercury Match Player Stats

Statistics often reveal patterns that may not be obvious while watching the game live. In this matchup, nearly every major statistical category favoured Las Vegas.

Team Statistics Comparison

Category Phoenix Mercury Las Vegas Aces
Field Goals 23 of 66 (35%) 39 of 77 (51%)
Three Pointers 7 of 31 (23%) 14 of 35 (40%)
Free Throws 5 of 8 (63%) 14 of 16 (88%)
Total Rebounds 29 47
Assists 14 31
Turnovers 17 8
Steals 3 8
Blocks 0 2

These numbers explain the result better than the scoreboard alone.

Las Vegas shot significantly better from the field, converted perimeter opportunities at a much higher rate, protected the basketball, and generated more second-chance opportunities through rebounding.

The assist total is particularly impressive. Recording 31 assists on 39 made field goals demonstrates outstanding offensive chemistry and unselfish basketball.

Breaking Down the Offensive Performance

Scoring more than 100 points in a WNBA game typically requires offensive efficiency across multiple areas.

Las Vegas achieved this by combining:

  • Excellent ball movement
  • Strong transition offense
  • High shooting percentage
  • Effective interior scoring
  • Reliable three-point shooting
  • Efficient free throw shooting

Rather than depending on isolation plays, the Aces consistently created open looks through passing and player movement.

Phoenix experienced the opposite.

Their shooting percentage remained low throughout the evening, turnovers limited offensive possessions, and the team struggled to create quality shots against Las Vegas’ defensive pressure.

A’ja Wilson Once Again Led by Example

Every dominant team usually has a player capable of influencing every aspect of the game.

For Las Vegas, that player was A’ja Wilson.

A’ja Wilson Statistics

Category Total
Points 21
Rebounds 15

Wilson finished with a double-double while anchoring both ends of the floor.

Her rebounding limited Phoenix’s second opportunities, while her scoring efficiency kept constant pressure on the Mercury defense.

Perhaps even more valuable than her individual numbers was her ability to attract defensive attention, creating open opportunities for teammates throughout the game.

Chelsea Gray Controlled the Tempo

Elite point guards are measured by more than scoring.

Chelsea Gray demonstrated exactly why.

Chelsea Gray Statistics

Category Total
Assists 12

Recording 12 assists highlights her outstanding court vision and decision-making.

Rather than forcing difficult shots, Gray consistently identified the best offensive option available. Her passing helped create open three-pointers, easy finishes around the basket, and smooth offensive possessions that prevented Phoenix from establishing defensive rhythm.

When a team records 31 assists, the point guard deserves considerable credit for orchestrating the offense.

Monique Akoa Makani Was Phoenix’s Bright Spot

Despite the difficult night overall, Monique Akoa Makani continued competing until the final whistle.

Monique Akoa Makani Statistics

Category Total
Points 13

She finished as Phoenix’s leading scorer and remained one of the few players able to generate consistent offense.

Although thirteen points may not stand out in a close contest, considering Phoenix scored only 58 total points, her contribution represented more than one-fifth of the team’s offensive production.

Valeriane Ayayi Worked Hard on the Glass

Rebounding became one of the biggest differences during the game.

Even though Phoenix was out-rebounded by eighteen, Valeriane Ayayi continued battling underneath.

Valeriane Ayayi Statistics

Category Total
Rebounds 7

Her effort prevented the rebounding margin from becoming even larger, but Las Vegas ultimately controlled both defensive and offensive boards for most of the evening.

DeWanna Bonner’s Veteran Presence

Experienced players often contribute through leadership even when scoring is limited.

DeWanna Bonner led Phoenix in assists with three, attempting to organise the offense despite the team’s struggles.

However, Las Vegas’ defensive pressure limited passing lanes, making it difficult for Bonner and her teammates to establish offensive flow.

Starting Lineups

Phoenix Mercury Starters

  • DeWanna Bonner
  • Alyssa Thomas
  • Valeriane Ayayi
  • Kahleah Copper
  • Monique Akoa Makani

Las Vegas Aces Starters

  • Stephanie Talbot
  • NaLyssa Smith
  • A’ja Wilson
  • Chelsea Gray
  • Jackie Young

From the opening minutes, the Aces’ starting five established control through aggressive defense, quick passing, and efficient scoring.

Their chemistry was evident throughout the contest, particularly during fast-break opportunities and half-court execution.

Bench Performance Analysis

While the starters established an early lead, the Las Vegas bench ensured there was no drop in intensity. Contributions from the second unit allowed the coaching staff to rotate players without sacrificing offensive efficiency or defensive pressure.

Las Vegas Bench

  • Cheyenne Parker-Tyus
  • Brianna Turner
  • Kierstan Bell
  • Jewell Loyd
  • Justine Pissott

The bench supported the starters by maintaining the pace of the game. Fresh legs helped the Aces continue defending aggressively, moving the ball quickly, and attacking the basket. Because the reserves played productive minutes, the starters did not have to carry the entire workload despite the lopsided score.

Phoenix Mercury Bench

  • Marta Suarez
  • Noemie Brochant
  • Sami Whitcomb
  • Lexi Held

Did Not Play

  • Kyara Linskens (Coach’s Decision)

Phoenix’s bench attempted to provide energy, but the large deficit limited its overall impact. The Mercury struggled to find consistent scoring regardless of the lineup on the floor, making it difficult to reduce the gap.

Team Shooting Comparison

Shooting efficiency often determines the outcome of basketball games, and this matchup clearly demonstrated that principle.

Field Goal Efficiency

Las Vegas converted 39 of its 77 field-goal attempts, finishing with an impressive 51 percent shooting percentage.

Phoenix made just 23 of 66 attempts, ending the game at 35 percent.

The sixteen-point difference in shooting accuracy translated directly into the final score. The Aces consistently created higher-quality opportunities through patient ball movement, while the Mercury frequently settled for contested attempts.

Three Point Shooting

Perimeter shooting became another decisive factor.

Team Three Pointers
Las Vegas Aces 14 of 35 (40%)
Phoenix Mercury 7 of 31 (23%)

Las Vegas doubled Phoenix’s made three-pointers while also shooting far more efficiently.

Accurate outside shooting forced the Mercury to defend beyond the arc, opening additional driving lanes for A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and the rest of the offence.

Free Throw Shooting

The Aces also capitalised on their opportunities at the free-throw line.

Team Free Throws
Las Vegas Aces 14 of 16 (88%)
Phoenix Mercury 5 of 8 (63%)

Although free throws were not the biggest difference statistically, converting nearly ninety percent of attempts reflected Las Vegas’ discipline and composure.

Rebounding Battle

Rebounding often goes unnoticed until one team dominates it.

Las Vegas finished with 47 rebounds, compared with 29 rebounds for Phoenix.

That eighteen-rebound advantage had several important effects.

  • More second-chance opportunities.
  • Fewer offensive rebounds for Phoenix.
  • Greater control of game tempo.
  • Additional fast-break chances after defensive rebounds.

A’ja Wilson’s 15 rebounds led the effort, but the team’s success on the boards came from collective positioning and consistent effort.

Ball Movement Made the Difference

One statistic perfectly captures how well Las Vegas played together.

The Aces recorded 31 assists.

Phoenix managed only 14 assists.

An assist total above thirty usually indicates that nearly every basket resulted from effective passing rather than individual isolation.

Watching the game, it became clear that Las Vegas prioritised making the extra pass. Instead of forcing difficult shots, players trusted teammates to find better scoring opportunities.

Chelsea Gray’s 12 assists were the centrepiece of this approach, but every player contributed by moving without the basketball and making smart decisions.

Protecting Possession

Turnovers can quickly change the momentum of any basketball game.

The contrast between these two teams was significant.

Team Turnovers
Las Vegas Aces 8
Phoenix Mercury 17

Phoenix surrendered possession more than twice as often as Las Vegas.

Each turnover not only prevented the Mercury from attempting a shot but also created transition opportunities for the Aces.

Limiting mistakes allowed Las Vegas to maintain offensive rhythm throughout all four quarters.

Defensive Performance

Although the offensive numbers attracted most of the attention, the defensive effort from Las Vegas deserves equal recognition.

Holding any professional team to 58 points requires disciplined team defence.

The Aces consistently achieved the following.

  • Closed passing lanes.
  • Contested perimeter shots.
  • Protected the paint.
  • Forced difficult shot selections.
  • Limited second-chance opportunities.

Phoenix shot only 35 percent from the field and 23 percent from three-point range because Las Vegas rarely allowed open looks.

The defensive intensity established during the opening quarter never declined.

Three Key Moments That Shaped the Game

1. Dominant Opening Quarter

Las Vegas outscored Phoenix 29 to 9 during the first quarter.

Instead of feeling out the opponent, the Aces immediately dictated the pace. That early twenty-point lead forced Phoenix into catch-up mode for the remainder of the game.

2. Chelsea Gray’s Playmaking

Gray’s passing repeatedly broke down the Mercury defence.

Every successful possession increased the confidence of Las Vegas while forcing Phoenix to defend multiple actions during each trip down the floor.

Her 12 assists represented much more than an individual statistic. They reflected complete control of the offence.

3. A’ja Wilson’s Interior Dominance

Wilson controlled both ends of the court.

Her combination of scoring and rebounding prevented Phoenix from establishing any consistent presence near the basket.

Whenever the Mercury attempted to build momentum, Wilson answered with another rebound, basket, or defensive stop.

What the Statistics Reveal Beyond the Score

Looking only at the final score suggests Las Vegas won comfortably.

Looking deeper into the statistics explains why the margin became so large.

The Aces were superior in almost every measurable category.

  • Better shooting efficiency.
  • Better three-point accuracy.
  • Better free-throw shooting.
  • More rebounds.
  • More assists.
  • Fewer turnovers.
  • More steals.
  • More blocks.

When one team controls every major statistical area, the result is rarely close.

This game serves as an excellent example of how balanced basketball consistently outperforms relying on individual talent alone.

Season Series Update

Following this victory, Las Vegas strengthened its position in the season series.

Match Result
May 10 Las Vegas 99, Phoenix 66
June 18 Las Vegas 86, Phoenix 76
July 12 Las Vegas 106, Phoenix 58

Las Vegas led the series 2 to 1 after this contest according to the official season data provided.

The next scheduled meeting between these teams is set for September 25 in Phoenix, where the Mercury will look to respond after suffering their heaviest defeat of the series.

In addition to improving the season series, this performance reinforced why Las Vegas remained among the leading teams in the Western Conference. Their balanced offence, efficient defence, and experienced leadership continue to make them one of the strongest contenders in the WNBA.

For official game information and league statistics, readers can also refer to the WNBA official website.

Individual Player Takeaways

The box score provides the numbers, but understanding each player’s influence offers a clearer picture of how the game unfolded.

A’ja Wilson

A’ja Wilson once again demonstrated why she is considered one of the premier players in the WNBA. Her 21 points and 15 rebounds formed the foundation of Las Vegas’ victory. She consistently finished around the basket, secured defensive rebounds to end Phoenix possessions, and remained a dependable presence whenever the Aces needed a key play.

Her performance was not built on volume shooting alone. She selected high-percentage opportunities, played within the team’s offensive system, and contributed significantly on defence.

Chelsea Gray

Chelsea Gray’s 12 assists highlighted one of the best playmaking performances of the game. Rather than focusing on scoring, she orchestrated the offence with patience and precision.

Every possession seemed organised. Gray recognised defensive mismatches, delivered accurate passes, and helped teammates find open shots. Her leadership ensured that the Aces maintained offensive rhythm from the opening quarter until the final whistle.

Jackie Young

Although she was not the statistical leader, Jackie Young played an important supporting role. Her movement without the basketball created spacing, and her defensive effort helped disrupt Phoenix’s offensive flow.

Games with large margins often depend on players who contribute beyond the traditional box score, and Young fit that description.

NaLyssa Smith

NaLyssa Smith complemented the frontcourt with physical play and effective rebounding. Her willingness to battle inside allowed Las Vegas to dominate the paint and maintain control of second-chance opportunities.

Stephanie Talbot

Stephanie Talbot provided stability on both ends of the floor. She executed her role efficiently, contributing to the balanced team performance that defined the evening.

Monique Akoa Makani

For Phoenix, Monique Akoa Makani was the most productive scorer with 13 points. Despite facing constant defensive pressure, she continued attacking the basket and searching for scoring opportunities.

Her determination remained evident even as the deficit increased.

Valeriane Ayayi

Valeriane Ayayi collected seven rebounds and worked tirelessly in the frontcourt. Although Phoenix struggled collectively, her effort on the boards stood out.

DeWanna Bonner

Bonner finished with three assists, leading the Mercury in that category. Her experience was valuable, but Las Vegas’ defensive pressure limited her ability to create offensive opportunities consistently.

Alyssa Thomas

Alyssa Thomas attempted to impact the game through her all-around skill set, but the Aces successfully disrupted Phoenix’s offensive structure, preventing her from taking full control.

Kahleah Copper

Copper faced one of the toughest defensive assignments of the night. Las Vegas consistently contested her shots and limited open driving lanes, making it difficult for her to establish an offensive rhythm.

Why Las Vegas Was So Effective

Several factors combined to produce this dominant performance.

Efficient Offensive Execution

The Aces shot 51 percent from the field while recording 31 assists. That combination reflects excellent decision-making and strong teamwork.

Defensive Consistency

Holding Phoenix to just 58 points required sustained defensive focus. Las Vegas contested shots, forced turnovers, and controlled the defensive glass throughout the game.

Winning the Rebounding Battle

A difference of 18 rebounds gave Las Vegas more possessions and limited Phoenix’s opportunities to generate second-chance points.

Limiting Mistakes

Only eight turnovers allowed the Aces to maximise nearly every offensive possession.

Strong Team Chemistry

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the performance was how connected the team looked. Players trusted one another, shared the basketball, and remained committed to the game plan regardless of the score.

What This Result Means for Both Teams

For Las Vegas, this victory reinforced its position as one of the league’s strongest teams. Winning by 48 points against a conference opponent reflects depth, discipline, and the ability to execute consistently on both ends of the floor.

The performance also highlighted the effectiveness of the team’s offensive system. Balanced scoring, efficient shooting, and outstanding ball movement suggest that Las Vegas can defeat opponents in multiple ways rather than relying on one individual player.

For Phoenix, the game exposed several areas that require improvement.

The Mercury will likely focus on reducing turnovers, improving shooting efficiency, and becoming more competitive on the boards before the next meeting between these teams.

Despite the disappointing result, one game does not define an entire season. Analysing performances like this provides valuable lessons that coaching staffs can use moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the July 12, 2026 game between the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury?

The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Phoenix Mercury by a final score of 106 to 58 at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas.

Who scored the most points in the game?

A’ja Wilson led all players with 21 points for the Las Vegas Aces. Monique Akoa Makani was Phoenix’s leading scorer with 13 points.

Who recorded the most rebounds?

A’ja Wilson finished with 15 rebounds, the highest total of the game.

Which player had the most assists?

Chelsea Gray led all players with 12 assists, helping Las Vegas record 31 team assists.

What was the biggest statistical difference between the teams?

The biggest differences were shooting efficiency, rebounding, assists, and turnovers. Las Vegas shot 51 percent from the field, collected 47 rebounds, recorded 31 assists, and committed only eight turnovers.

When will these teams play again?

According to the schedule provided, the next meeting is set for September 25 in Phoenix.

Conclusion

The las vegas aces vs phoenix mercury match player stats illustrate far more than a one-sided final score. They reveal a game in which Las Vegas executed almost every aspect of basketball at a high level. Efficient shooting, exceptional passing, disciplined defence, and dominance on the boards combined to produce one of the most convincing victories of the season.

A’ja Wilson’s double-double and Chelsea Gray’s outstanding playmaking provided the foundation, but the result ultimately reflected a complete team effort. Every major statistical category favoured the Aces, explaining how they built and maintained such a commanding lead from the opening quarter through the final buzzer.

For Phoenix, the game serves as an opportunity to evaluate areas that need improvement before future meetings. Reducing turnovers, improving shooting efficiency, and competing more effectively on the glass will be essential if the Mercury hope to close the gap in upcoming matchups.

Whether you are analysing player performances, comparing team trends, or reviewing one of the standout games of the 2026 WNBA season, this matchup offers valuable insight into how efficiency, teamwork, and disciplined execution can shape the outcome of a professional basketball game.

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