Jackie Young and A’ja Wilson proved to be too much to handle for the Phoenix Mercury as the duo led the Las Vegas Aces to a 91-78 victory in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals.

Two days ago, Game 1 was a thrilling back-and-forth affair, but Sunday at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Paradise, Nevada, was a much different game that allowed the Aces to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

In what will likely go down as one of the greatest Finals stretches in recent memory, Young exploded for 17 points in just eight minutes, turning a tight game into a runaway. She hit step-back threes, slashed to the rim, and even stole the ball from Taurasi on back-to-back possessions, turning both into fast-break layups. The crowd erupted into chants of “M-V-P!” as she grinned and shook her head, locked into one of those rare, transcendent grooves every athlete dreams of.

“She just put us on her back,” said teammate A’ja Wilson, who added 24 points and 12 rebounds of her own. “Jackie’s confidence is contagious. When she’s in that mode, there’s nothing you can do but ride the wave.”

By the time the quarter ended, Las Vegas had flipped a four-point deficit into a double-digit lead, and Phoenix never recovered. The Aces outscored the Mercury 30–14 in the third, feeding off the energy of their roaring home crowd.

WNBA commissioner responds to recent criticism ahead of Aces win over Mercury in Game 1 of Finals

It was all about the 29-year-old Wilson and the 28-year-old Young.

Wilson, coming off being named MVP for a record-breaking fourth time last month, finished with 28 points and 14 rebounds.

But it was her teammate who will be stealing the headlines following a senstational performance in Game 2.

Young, a former first overall pick, scored 21 of her game-high 32 points in the third quarter to help Las Vegas pull away, breaking the record for most points in a single quarter in WNBA Finals history in the process.

It wasn’t the only historic stat of the game as Wilson and Young combined for 60 points, the second most by a duo ever in the Finals behind Jewell Loyd and Breanna Stewart’s 65 points in 2020 with the Seattle Storm, according to ESPN.

A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces celebrates in front of Satou Sabally of the Phoenix Mercury after making a basket in the second quarter in Las Vegas on Sunday.
Ian Maule/Getty Images

When asked about Young’s performance, Wilson made a quip about Young’s struggles in Game 1 while talking up who she is as a player and person.

“I don’t know where Jackie was in Game 1,” Wilson told the ESPN broadcast. “But I am glad she showed up Game 2. I knew she was destined for this type of game. This is Jackie’s element like this is what she lives for. This is why she works so hard.

The Las Vegas Aces are on the brink of history — and Jackie Young just might be the reason why. In a spectacular display of confidence, control, and composure, Young delivered a historic performance to lead the Aces past the Phoenix Mercury in Game 2 of the 2025 WNBA Finals, giving Las Vegas a commanding 2-0 series lead and moving them one step closer to a third straight championship.

Under the bright lights of Michelob ULTRA Arena, the moment belonged entirely to Young. The All-Star guard erupted for 33 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds, orchestrating the Aces’ offense with surgical precision while keeping Phoenix’s defense guessing all night long. It wasn’t just the numbers — it was the timing of her brilliance. Every big shot, every smart pass, every defensive stop seemed to come exactly when her team needed it most.

“She’s playing like a legend,” said Aces coach Becky Hammon afterward. “This is what it looks like when preparation meets confidence. Jackie was fearless — she controlled that game from start to finish.”

The Mercury came out swinging early, clearly motivated after their Game 1 loss. Brittney Griner asserted herself in the paint, Kahleah Copper attacked relentlessly, and Diana Taurasi found her rhythm from deep. For most of the first half, Phoenix matched Las Vegas punch for punch, holding a slim lead midway through the second quarter. But the Aces — as they so often do — never panicked.

Then, in the third quarter, Jackie Young took over.

Phoenix tried to mount a late rally behind Copper and Sophie Cunningham, but every push was met with poise from Las Vegas. Whether it was Chelsea Gray’s pinpoint passing, Kelsey Plum’s fearless drives, or Wilson’s defensive dominance, the Aces always seemed one step ahead.

For the Mercury, the loss was devastating. “We’ve got to be tougher mentally,” said coach Nikki Blue after the game. “We let one quarter define the entire outcome. Against a team like Vegas, you can’t afford to lose focus — not even for a minute.”

Young’s rise to superstardom has been one of the defining stories of the WNBA season. Drafted first overall in 2019, she’s evolved from a steady role player into one of the league’s most complete guards — a true two-way threat who can create her own shot, set up teammates, and defend multiple positions. This postseason, though, she’s taken it to another level entirely.

“I’ve been working for moments like this,” Young said during her postgame interview. “I trust my teammates, they trust me — and when the energy’s flowing, we just play our game.”

Her performance drew praise from across the basketball world. Candace Parker, watching courtside, tweeted: “Jackie Young is doing it ALL. Superstar energy. Finals MVP-level performance.” Even Sue Bird chimed in, calling Young “the calmest killer on the court right now.”

That composure has been the Aces’ secret weapon throughout their historic run. While other teams rely on streaky shooting or emotional surges, Las Vegas thrives on balance — a perfect blend of firepower and focus. And with Young playing at this level, they’re practically unstoppable.

Statistically, her Game 2 performance ranks among the best in Finals history. According to ESPN Stats & Info, Young became just the third player ever to record at least 30 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds in a Finals game, joining elite company alongside Diana Taurasi and Cynthia Cooper.

The Mercury, meanwhile, are left searching for answers as the series heads to Phoenix for Game 3. They’ll need a monumental effort to avoid a sweep — and it starts with finding a way to slow down Young, who’s been scoring with surgical efficiency, shooting over 65% from the field through two games.

“Jackie’s balance, her patience — it’s impossible to rattle her,” said ESPN analyst Monica McNutt. “She’s playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers.”

For the Aces, this run is about more than just winning another championship. It’s about defining an era — solidifying themselves as one of the greatest teams in WNBA history. Their chemistry, discipline, and star power have made them the gold standard for excellence. And now, with Jackie Young ascending to Finals-MVP form, the dynasty feels inevitable.

Still, Young isn’t getting caught up in the hype. “We’re not finished,” she said simply. “We respect Phoenix — they’re going to fight hard. But we’ve got one goal, and we’re staying locked in until we get there.”

As the buzzer sounded and the Aces celebrated their 103–89 victory, fans inside the arena could sense it — the shift from dominance to dynasty. A’ja Wilson held her arms up to the crowd, Chelsea Gray smiled knowingly, and Jackie Young walked off the court with the quiet confidence of a player who’s arrived at the pinnacle of her sport.

“So to see her thrive and be so successful in this place, it really warms my heart. And I am grateful to be alongside of her. She is doing exactly what she needs to be doing.”

Young added that the “rim was big” while talking about her third quarter performance.

“I didn’t realize it was that much, I was just trying to play the right way and be aggressive,” Young said.

Aces guard Chelsea Gray nearly recorded a triple double, scoring 10 points along with 10 assists, 8 boards, 3 steals and 3 blocks.

Kahleah Copper led the way for the Mercury with 23 points.

Las Vegas are now two wins away from clinching their third WNBA championship in the last four years.

The series now shifts to the Mortgage Matchup Center in downtown Phoenix with Game 3 scheduled for Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.