Alyssa Thomas leads the way in Mercury’s historic season-opening win over Aces

Alyssa Thomas scored 20 points, and the Phoenix Mercury walloped the Las Vegas Aces 99-66, making sure the only celebration for the reigning WNBA champions on Saturday would be their pregame ring ceremony.

Saturday’s win was the Mercury’s largest season-opening victory in franchise history. The win was also a measure of revenge for Phoenix, which the Aces swept in last season’s WNBA Finals.

Mercury rookie Jovana Nogic, who most recently played in Russia and is on the Serbian national team, scored all of her 19 points in the first half. She was one of six Mercury players to score in double figures. Natasha Mack had 10 points and 15 rebounds.

Jovana Nogic 🔥
✖️ First career start
✖️ 3 for 3 from 3
✖️ She’s got 16 so far!

It’s the second quarter. pic.twitter.com/QlWKYNOxpD

— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) May 9, 2026

This was the Mercury’s largest margin of victory since defeating the Indiana Fever 95-60 on Aug. 7, 2025, and it’s the Aces’ worst defeat since a 111-58 loss to the Minnesota Lynx on Aug. 3, 2025. Las Vegas then finished the regular season with 16 consecutive wins.

Four-time MVP A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 19 points, Jackie Young scored 12, and NaLyssa Smith scored 11.

Before the game, Aces players and coaches were given their championship rings, which included a removable top so the top could be worn rather than simply put on display. The left side of the ring includes the players’ names and positions in 14-karat white gold.

“We’re back!” Aces majority owner Mark Davis said to the crowd during the ceremony as minority owner Tom Brady stood nearby.

Because this game took place at T-Mobile Arena, the Aces — which have won three of the past four titles — won’t raise their championship banner until playing the Los Angeles Sparks on May 23 at their usual home, Michelob Ultra Arena.

The Mercury made sure the Aces’ celebration was short-lived as Phoenix, which never trailed, took command with a 14-2 run to open the second quarter and go up 41-23.

Up next for Mercury

Following the win, the Mercury travel to Chase Center in San Francisco to face the Golden State Valkyries on Sunday. Tipoff is at 5:30 p.m. MST and can be seen on Arizona’s Family 3TV.

Related

Phoenix Mercury’s Kahleah Copper named 2026 WNBA All-Star injury replacementAlyssa Thomas records first triple-double of season as Mercury top SparksDeWanna Bonner scores season-high 21 points as Mercury beat Sun to snap 5-game skidMercury unable to overcome rough 2nd quarter in loss vs. SunMercury run out of steam against Lynx for 4th straight lossPhoenix Mercury crushed by Aces in historic blowout