Las Vegas Aces on the cusp of third WNBA title in four years

The GIST: The WNBA expanded its Finals to a best-of-seven series, but it looks like the Las Vegas Aces might not need the extra games after taking a commanding 3-0 lead with Wednesday’s 90–88 win over the Phoenix Mercury.

• Ahead of tonight’s potentially series-ending Game 4 in Arizona, let’s revisit an absolutely thrilling Game 3 before pondering two pressing questions as the playoffs enter their final act.

🤯 A’ja Wilson’s game winner lifts Aces in Game 3: Despite Vegas leading by as many as 17 points in the second half, a ferocious Mercury comeback meant Game 3 came down to the wire. The four-time MVP shined in crunch time: Part of a game-high 34 points, Wilson’s turnaround jumper put the Aces up for good…and set records along the way. Because of course.

🪐 Is it over for the Mercury?: Yes and no. Phoenix has authored multiple comebacks this postseason, but this is uncharted territory. It’s the W’s first seven-game series, but in the history of the NBA playoffs (where seven-game sets are the norm), no team has ever bounced back from a 3-0 deficit — and Phoenix will be without three-time All-Star Satou Sabally after she suffered a concussion.

🃏 Are the Aces a dynasty?: Almost. Before our next newsletter, Vegas will have two chances to clinch their third title in four years: tonight at 8 p.m. ET and Sunday at 3 p.m. ET. Another win, and the Aces will join a very short list of dynastic squads, cementing their legacy alongside Maya Moore’s Minnesota Lynx and the now-defunct Houston Comets, who won the league’s first four ’ships. Talk about good company.