One win away from a WNBA Finals sweep: How the Aces stayed a step ahead of the Mercury

The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Phoenix Mercury 90-88 in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, taking a 3-0 series lead and putting the Mercury on the brink of a sweep. The victory was sealed by a last-second jump shot from A'ja Wilson, who led the Aces with 34 points and 14 rebounds.

The Mercury mounted a significant comeback, overcoming a 17-point deficit to tie the game with a minute remaining. Despite the effort, Phoenix has now lost all three games of the Finals so far. Aces coach Becky Hammon praised her team's resilience and the work they've put in off the court, which has translated into their on-court success.

The Aces' path to the Finals was marked by challenges, including a mid-season slump where they hovered around a .500 record. A turning point was a 16-game winning streak that propelled them into the playoffs. A key to their success has been the team's cohesion, built around a core trio of A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray, who have played together for several years.

Strategic adjustments have been crucial for the Aces. In Game 3, reserves Jewell Loyd and Dana Evans combined for 39 points, offsetting the Mercury's improved defense against Wilson and Young. Additionally, coach Hammon implemented a zone defense for 18 plays, which disrupted the Mercury's offense and contributed to the momentum shift in the Aces' favor.

The Aces will attempt to complete the series sweep and win their third WNBA championship in Game 4, which is scheduled for Friday.