Wilson scores 34, Loyd adds 25 off bench, Aces head into playoffs after beating Mercury 100-82

The Las Vegas Aces concluded their regular season with a 100-82 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night. Defending champions Las Vegas, seeded No. 3, will face No. 6 Indiana in the opening round of the playoffs, set to begin on Sunday. Stephanie Talbot scored 14 points and Chelsea Gray contributed 12 points for the Aces (31-13), who shot 56% and contributed 28 assists, including 10 from Jackie Young and 10 from Gray.

Aja Wilson led the scoring for the Aces with 34 points, matching her season high and the league's 13-game mark set last year. Jewell Loyd added 25 points off the bench. Kahleah Copper contributed 18 points for the Mercury (16-27), who lost the Finals to Las Vegas last season. Shay Ciezki had 13 points, and Natasha Mack added 12.

The Aces began the season with a Finals rematch victory over the Mercury, 99-66, but secured three consecutive wins by an average margin of 25 points. Wilson registered 8-of-11 shooting and scored 17 points in the opening quarter to give the Aces a 32-18 lead. The Mercury missed their first five shots and trailed 14-0 after turning the ball over seven times.

Phoenix committed 10 turnovers, leading to 12 points. The Mercury gained a 31-point advantage in the second quarter and led 65-36 at halftime. Wilson scored 21 points and Loyd 17 on an 16-of-21 shooting performance. The Aces opened the third quarter with an 11-0 run, but Loyd committed two offensive fouls and a technical foul, halting their rally. The Mercury trailed 77-60 heading into the fourth quarter.