Jackie Young’s Record-Breaking Performance Propels Aces to Victory in Game 2 of WNBA Finals Against Mercury
Jackie Young Shines as Aces Dominate Mercury in WNBA Finals Game 2
Las Vegas Aces Secure Commanding Lead in WNBA Finals
The Las Vegas Aces displayed their championship prowess in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals, overpowering the Phoenix Mercury with a decisive 91-78 victory. This resounding win on Sunday at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Paradise, Nevada, has propelled the Aces to a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, showcasing the team’s depth and talent.
Young and Wilson: A Dynamic Duo
Leading the charge for Las Vegas were Jackie Young and A’ja Wilson, who made headlines with their outstanding performances. A’ja Wilson, the 29-year-old powerhouse and recent MVP winner for a record fourth time, recorded an impressive 28 points and 14 rebounds. However, it was Jackie Young who truly stole the spotlight in this gamified clash, scoring 32 points—21 of which came in a monumental third quarter performance.
Historic Milestones Achieved
Young’s explosive 32-point effort included a record-breaking achievement: she set the mark for the most points in a single quarter in WNBA Finals history. Together, Young and Wilson combined for 60 points, ranking as the second-highest scoring duo in Finals history, following the legendary pairing of Jewell Loyd and Breanna Stewart, who scored 65 points in 2020.
Reactions on and off the Court
Wilson praised Young’s bounce-back performance after her struggles in Game 1, stating, “I don’t know where Jackie was in Game 1, but I am glad she showed up in Game 2. This is Jackie’s element; this is what she lives for.” Young, reflecting on her impressive showing, noted, “The rim was big. I was just trying to play the right way and be aggressive.”
Key Contributions from Aces’ Players
The Aces were backed by strong support from guard Chelsea Gray, who nearly registered a triple-double with 10 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. This collective effort underscored the depth of the Las Vegas roster as they aimed for their third WNBA title in four years.
Next Steps in the WNBA Finals
Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with 23 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Aces’ relentless attack. With the series now transitioning to the Mortgage Matchup Center in downtown Phoenix, Game 3 is set to take place on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET. The Aces are just two wins away from securing another championship in their storied franchise history.
