By [Your Name/EssentiallySports Staff]
Phoenix, Arizona – The Las Vegas Aces secured their third WNBA Championship in four years Saturday, defeating the Phoenix Mercury in Game 4 of the 2025 WNBA Finals. However, the decisive moments of the game, and indeed the entire series, were fueled by a critical factor beyond the Aces’ superior talent and scoring. The Phoenix Mercury’s season, ultimately, concluded due to a strategic shift in focus by star guard Kahleah Copper.
As the Aces, led by A’ja Wilson, consistently pressured the Mercury, forcing 18 turnovers and scoring 26 points off of them, Copper recognized a fundamental issue: the team’s frustration with officiating. During the game, Copper openly questioned certain calls, a sentiment echoed by teammate Alyssa Thomas. However, instead of escalating the situation, Copper, along with the team, opted to take accountability.
Following the game, Copper explained her decision to avoid directly confronting the referees. “There you go. Right there. That’s why I didn’t speak to it,” she stated. “We’re going to hold ourselves accountable. I didn’t speak to the officiating.” This demonstrated a commitment to internal analysis rather than external complaint. The Aces capitalized on this, outscoring the Mercury 29-17 in free throws and 35-19 in attempts, further solidifying their advantage.
The situation intensified further when Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts was ejected late in the third quarter, trailing by 17 points. Despite a late-game surge, the Mercury couldn’t overcome the deficit, and the Aces secured the championship.
The Mercury’s season, despite a shocking playoff run – including a first-round victory over the defending champions New York Liberty – highlights a key question surrounding Phoenix’s future: Will Kahleah Copper re-sign?
Currently, the Mercury are in a precarious situation, with only Kalani Brown signed for the 2026 season. Uncertainty regarding the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and salary cap adds to the complexity. Copper’s own performance this season – a significant drop from 21.1 points per game to 15.6 – further complicates the equation. Despite publicly indicating a desire to return, her performance dip and the roster uncertainty create a challenging situation for both parties.
“I wanted us to feel it. I wanted us to hear the celebrations. I wanted us to really feel that moment, feel the hurt and…let it just fuel us for the future,” Copper stated after the loss, hinting at her intention to return.
The outcome of the 2025 WNBA Finals, therefore, wasn’t just about basketball; it was a reflection of strategic decision-making and accountability – a crucial element that ultimately determined the championship.