The Phoenix Mercury entered Saturday looking to bounce back after their tight 92-89 loss to the Indiana Fever earlier in the week. Instead, they walked into one of the worst defeats in franchise history.
Facing the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena, the Mercury were overwhelmed from the opening tip, falling 106-58 in a game that was essentially decided by halftime. Las Vegas led 29-9 after the first quarter, stretched the advantage to 57-22 by intermission and never looked back, handing Phoenix its third consecutive loss.
The defeat carried historic significance beyond the final score. The Aces established a new franchise record for largest margin of victory while tying for the third-biggest win in WNBA history. For Phoenix, it marked one of the most lopsided losses the organization has ever endured, capping a difficult stretch that began with its close defeat to Indiana.
Aces Make History Against the Mercury
Following the final buzzer, ESPNW highlighted the historic nature of the victory.
"The Aces get a 48-point win over the Mercury, the largest win in franchise history," the outlet posted on X.
Las Vegas dominated nearly every statistical category.
The Aces shot 51 percent from the field while holding Phoenix to just 35 percent shooting. They also doubled the Mercury's production from beyond the arc, knocking down 14 three-pointers compared to Phoenix's seven.
Las Vegas also controlled the glass 47-29, recorded 31 assists on 39 made field goals and forced 18 Mercury turnovers while committing just nine of its own.
The Aces led for 97 percent of the game and built a lead as large as 54 points before settling for the 48-point final margin.
Justine Pissott Steals the Spotlight
While A'ja Wilson posted another dominant performance with 21 points and 15 rebounds in only 25 minutes, the biggest surprise came from rookie Justine Pissott.
The former Indiana Fever draft pick exploded for 19 points in just 10 minutes off the bench, shooting 7-for-8 from the field and 5-for-6 from three-point range. According to the WNBA, Pissott's five made three-pointers set a new league record for the most triples ever made in a player's WNBA debut.
Chelsea Gray added 15 points and 12 assists, NaLyssa Smith scored 14 points, and Cheyenne Parker-Tyus contributed 15 points and seven rebounds as Las Vegas had little trouble improving to 17-6 on the season.
For Phoenix, Monique Akoa Makani led the way with just 13 points, while Kahleah Copper finished with nine. No Mercury starter reached double figures besides Akoa Makani, and the team managed only 58 points despite featuring veterans Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Copper in the starting lineup.
The Mercury, now 8-16, will look to regroup after a difficult week that included a close loss to the Fever followed by one of the most decisive defeats in franchise history.
