Las Vegas Aces Outlast Phoenix Mercury in WNAP Showdown, 86–76

The Las Vegas Aces continued their dominant run in the Women’s National Basketball Association, defeating the Phoenix Mercury 86–76 on the road on June 18, 2026. The victory extended the Aces’ hold on the Western Conference as they controlled the game from the opening tip despite a late push from the home side.

Match Overview

Playing at Footprint Center, the Mercury struggled to contain the Aces’ high-powered offense in the first half. Las Vegas shot 48% from the field and built a 12-point lead by halftime. Phoenix rallied briefly in the third quarter, trimming the deficit to six, but the Aces responded with a 10–2 run to restore order. The Mercury never got closer than eight points in the final period.

Key Performances

Aces’ balanced attack – Four Las Vegas players scored in double figures. The backcourt dictated tempo, while the frontcourt dominated the glass, outrebounding Phoenix 42–31. The Aces also forced 16 turnovers, converting them into 21 points.

Mercury fightback falls short – Phoenix’s leading scorer finished with 24 points and seven assists, but received limited support from the bench. The Mercury shot just 31% from three-point range, unable to keep pace with the Aces’ perimeter efficiency.

Turning Points

• Second-quarter surge: Las Vegas opened the second quarter on a 14–2 run, pushing the lead from five to 17.
• Third-quarter momentum stall: After cutting the lead to six, Phoenix missed three straight shots while the Aces hit consecutive jumpers to push the lead back to double digits.
• Free-throw execution: The Aces shot 88% from the line in the fourth quarter, sealing the game down the stretch.

Standings Impact

The win improved the Aces to 14–3, maintaining their position atop the WNBA standings. The Mercury fell to 8–9, dropping into a tie for seventh place. The two teams will meet again in Las Vegas later this season.

With this result, the Aces showed why they remain the team to beat in the league, combining defensive intensity with a versatile offense. The Mercury, meanwhile, will look to shore up their consistency as they push for a playoff spot.