The Phoenix Mercury hosted the Las Vegas Aces in game 4 of the WNBA semifinals, but fell short, with the Aces winning and tying the best of 5 series at 2-2.
The Phoenix Suns’ all-stars were even in the building cheering on the Mercury, including Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton, Devin Booker, Cam Johnson, and Jae Crowder. But the star-studded fan base wasn’t enough for the Mercury to win and advance to the Finals.
Now, it is win or go home in game 5, which takes place on Friday in Las Vegas.
WNBA Semifinals Game 5 Odds
- Spread: +5.5 Mercury/ -5.5 Aces
- Total: 169
- Moneyline: +185 Mercury/ -225 Aces
*Odds provided by DraftKings
I think the Mercury are going to be able to stop the Aces. Maybe it is just wishful thinking on my part, but if the offense can come out on fire and continue with that momentum throughout the game, they can hopefully outscore the Aces, even with a bad defensive performance.
WNBA Semifinals Game 5 Preview
One of the biggest issues the Mercury face is with their defense, Giving up an average of 79.5 points per game, the offense cannot slow down if they want to keep up with their opponent. Luckily, the Mercury averages 82.1 points per game.
Phoenix has fought hard to get where they are today, finishing the season with a 19-13 record and fourth in the Western Conference. The Mercury won games 2 and 3 against the Aces, but couldn’t keep up with them tonight. This could be due to Turner not having the usual amount of rebounds, and Griner seemed to be struggling from the field, putting up only 13 points in game 4. As for Diana Taurasi, she had an overall good game, finishing with 14 points, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds.
Even though Griner had a mediocre game, she has been an asset to the Mercury, averaging 20.5 points per game and shooting 57.5 percent from the field this season.
But the Las Vegas Aces are a tough opponent.
A’Ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Liz Cambage are all players the Mercury need to stop. Even though the Aces are averaging 89.3 points per game, their defense is also having issues like the Mercury. The Aces have been giving up 80.2 points on average and also turning over the ball. If they continue to rack up the turnovers, the Mercury will need to capitalize on those opportunities to hopefully get the edge needed to beat the Aces in game 5.
The game will pretty much come down to which offense can dominate, with both teams struggling on the defensive side of the ball.
Where to Watch Game 5
- Date: Friday, October 8
- Time: 6:00 PM MST
- Location: Michelob Ultra Arena in the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, NV
- TV: TBD
WNBA Finals Preview
The Chicago Sky beat the Connecticut Sun tonight, advancing to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2014.
The Sky ended the season with a 16-16 record, but went on to dominate in the playoffs to return to the Finals for the second time. A lot of Chicago’s success had to do with the addition of former MVP Candace Parker.
Now, the Sky wait to find out who they will battle in the WNBA Finals.
The Phoenix Mercury are one of the eight original WNBA franchises and have three championships and four conference championships under their belt. The last time they won the Western Conference and the Finals was in 2014. Phoenix lost in the second round of the playoffs last season. If the team fails to make it to the Finals this year, there are still exciting things on the horizon with the Mercury’s recent partnership with Bally Bet.
As for the Las Vegas Aces, they have never won a championship but took the Western Conference title in 2020. They ended up losing to Detroit in the 2020 WNBA Finals. Sports betting apps have had the Aces at the top of the list to win the Finals this year.
WNBA Finals Odds
- Las Vegas Aces: +115
- Chicago Sky: +135
- Phoenix Mercury: +400
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