Wilson, Evans lead Aces past Mercury in WNBA Finals opener

The Aces hadn't spent a lot of time working on zone defence, so what better time than the fourth quarter of a WNBA Finals game?

It worked out perfectly for Las Vegas.

The zone cooled off hot-shooting Phoenix just enough to allow the Aces, who received 21 points each from A'ja Wilson and Dana Evans, to rally for an 89-86 Game 1 victory Friday night.

Wilson scored 12 points over the final 14 minutes, and Phoenix's Satou Sabally missed a long 3-pointer with 2 seconds left that would have tied it.

Game 2 is Sunday in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Aces defeat Phoenix Mercury in WNBA Finals opener

The Mercury made 6 of 18 shots in the fourth quarter, including 2 of 12 from 3-point range. They entered that period shooting 52.1 per cent, including 50 per cent from 3.

"I was seeing them score too much against our man [defence]," Aces coach Becky Hammon said. "I thought them getting the ball in the paint, whether it was off a pass or penetration, was really hurting us. It was putting us very vulnerable on the back side with those 3s. So just tried something different so we didn't give up the middle so easily. We were able to fan out a little better and find those shooters."

Evans led an Aces bench that outscored the Mercury's reserves 41-16. She also became the first player in a Finals game to record five 3-pointers and four steals.

"I've said multiple times that Dana's our battery," Wilson said. "She makes us play at a different pace. I told her we go as she goes. We're always going to try to follow her because we know she's very hard to stop in this league."

Reserve Jewell Loyd scored 18 points for second-seeded Las Vegas, and starter Jackie Young had 10. Wilson had 10 rebounds, and Chelsea Gray had 10 assists.

Kahleah Cooper scored 21