Aces Preview: Aces Slump into Three-Game Losing Streak, Mercury Battle for WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals Berth with Full Effort at Home

On June 14, the WNBA regular season continues as the Aces visit the Mercury. This round marks the final stage of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, with the Liberty already securing a spot in the finals from the East. The results of tomorrow’s two Western Conference games will directly impact the remaining finalist. Currently, the Aces stand at 1-2 and are ranked fifth, while the Mercury hold a 3-1 record, placing third. The top seed in the West is the Lynx with a 4-1 record. If the Mercury defeat the Aces and the Storm win against the Wings, the Mercury will advance due to their head-to-head advantage over the Lynx. However, if the Mercury lose and the Storm win, the Lynx will secure their place. If both teams lose, the Lynx still advance, indicating that the Lynx have a significant edge in qualifying.

The Aces have recently experienced three consecutive upsets, now holding a 5-5 record, placing them seventh in the regular season. Their start to the season hasn’t been smooth compared to last year when they finished first with a 34-6 record and went on to win the championship after losing just one game in the Finals against the Liberty. This season, they aim to defend their title, but it’s an uphill battle. The Aces retained their core championship roster, including Wilson, Plum, Young, and Gray, boasting three No. 1 draft picks. During the offseason, they reinforced their squad with the return of Stokes, Clark, Bell, and Colson, all of whom played crucial roles in their title run. Additionally, they signed center Gustafson from the Mercury, but their advantage doesn’t seem evident so far.

Through ten games, four Aces players average double-digit points: Wilson with 28.3 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, Young with 16.9 points, 5 rebounds, and 6.7 assists, Plum with 18.7 points and 4.7 assists, and Hayes with 10.8 points. Led by Wilson, the team averages 85.7 points per game, ranking third in the league, while conceding 83.9 points. As a title-contending team, they must improve defensively. The Aces excel in their perimeter game, averaging 9.6 three-pointers made per game, third-best in the league. They also excel in limiting turnovers (10.8 per game, fewest in the league) and fouls (16.6 per game, third-fewest).

In their most recent match, the Aces lost 86-100 at home to the Lynx, extending their losing streak to three games. Despite Wilson’s 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, the Aces’ numerous turnovers and poor defensive display allowed the Lynx to shoot 55.2% from the field and 45% from three-point range, scoring 100 points. The loss exposed some significant issues within the team.

The Mercury, on the other hand, have won two straight games against the Lynx and the Wings, improving their record to 6-6 and climbing to fifth in the regular season standings. Last season, they finished last with only nine wins and missed the playoffs. In the offseason, they restructured their roster, acquiring All-Star Cooper from the Sky, Crowder from the Mystics, and Alyssa Thomas from the Sun, along with drafting Osborne and Sydney. Cooper, Crowder, and Thomas have all proven themselves in the league and have shown their worth this season. However, the Mercury also parted ways with Gustafson, Jefferson, and Turner, among others, keeping only Griner, Taurasi, and Cunningham. Overall, the Mercury’s roster strength has improved.

The Mercury average 80.3 points per game, seventh in the league, while conceding 84.4 points, indicating room for improvement in both offense and defense. Their offensive efficiency could significantly increase, as they currently rank second-to-last in field goal percentage at 40.3%. Four Mercury players currently average double-digit points: Cooper with 24 points and 4.5 rebounds, Griner with 17.5 points and 6.5 rebounds, Taurasi with 16.6 points and 4.8 rebounds, and Crowder with 11.3 points and 7.6 assists.

In their previous game, the Mercury defeated the Wings 97-90 on the road, with Cooper, Griner, and Taurasi each scoring more than 20 points. Despite being outrebounded, their combined scoring efforts secured the victory. Cooper led all scorers with 29 points and 3 rebounds, Griner contributed 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, and Taurasi had 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. The Mercury have won three of their last five games, bouncing back from a four-game losing streak.

This season, the two teams have met twice in the regular season, splitting the victories. In their most recent encounter, the Mercury won 98-88 on the road, with Wilson scoring 21 points and 13 rebounds, Plum scoring 27 points, and Young adding 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. Cooper erupted for 37 points to lead her team to victory. Given their recent forms, the Mercury have a chance to hand the Aces a fourth straight loss at home. Both teams enter the game with full health, except for Gray and Bell, who will be absent from the Aces’ lineup. The outcome of this match, which could determine the Mercury’s Commissioner’s Cup Finals qualification, promises to be exciting.

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