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Wilson scores 33 points, Aces grab 18 steals to beat Mercury for spot in Commissioner’s Cup final

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LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 8: A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces celebrates during the game against the Seattle Storm on June 8, 2026 at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images) (Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images)

PHOENIX (AP) — A’ja Wilson had 33 points and 11 rebounds Wednesday night, and the Las Vegas Aces beat the Phoenix Mercury 86-76 in a rematch of the 2025 WNBA Finals to clinch a spot in the Commissioner’s Cup championship.

The Aces (11-4), who lost 96-66 at Dallas on Monday to snap their six-game winning streak, play June 30 at New York for the Commissioner’s Cup title.

NaLyssa Smith scored 21 points and Jackie Young added 20 points and nine assists for Las Vegas, the defending WNBA champion.

Young had a career-high five steals and Wilson added four as the Aces finished with 18 — tied with Toronto for the most in a WNBA game this season.

Kahleah Copper scored 26 points and Alyssa Thomas had 11 assists to go with 10 points for the Mercury (4-11).

Phoenix has lost four in a row.

The Mercury shot 60% (18 of 30) from the field, including 7 of 10 from 3-point range, in the first half and led 49-45 at the break.

Las Vegas’ Chennedy Carter (illness) was not with the team for the second consecutive game.

Phoenix beat the Aces 99-66 in the season opener.

Up next

Aces: Host Golden State on Sunday.

Mercury: Host Seattle on Sunday.

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AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/WNBA-basketball

The Associated Press