Mateo’s Hoop Diary: The Aces swept the Mercury for the WNBA championship

The Aces sacked the Mercury 4-0 in the WNBA Finals, completing one of the most successful turnarounds of a season ever in hostile territory. They accepted their trophy- the third in four years- surrounded by loved ones and commissioner Cathy Engelbert was showered with boos.

The Mercury put up a fight late despite suffering a 19-point gash only 12 minutes in. They were without Satou Sabally because of a concussion, and their 3-point defense was like a boxer who doesn’t keep their right hand up, continuously eating left hooks.  

They had the “get me out of here look” not long after, and Alyssa Thomas injured her shoulder in the last minute of the first half, crashing into a Jewell Loyd’s illegal pick. She came back playing rugby, but it didn’t matter because the Aces are a class above them.

The Aces were surgical, registering zero turnovers by halftime with nine treys to Phoenix’s two. The second half was like watching a Volkswagen trying to catch up to a Ferrari, but only getting there when the other takes a pit stop. 

Nate Tibbets, in boneheaded fashion, yelled in referee Gina Cross’ face and got tossed at the end of the third. He complained about it like a sucker at the post-game presser, but he should know better than getting in a woman’s personal space. 

And Kahleah Copper earned herself a technical foul after fouling out with 90 seconds left, down 10.

A’ja Wilson was too good for any scheme, claiming her third title, plus second Finals MVP. Loyd and Gray combined for eight treys. And Jackie Young added 18 digits. 

The Aces were the more disciplined team emotionally and defensively, plus were superior at moving the ball. Their season changed soon after Loyd moved to the bench, and NaLyssa Smith was acquired, adding muscle to the front line. 

Coach Becky Hammon cemented herself as an all-time leader because she believed in them when they were written them off. If anyone were to have told you that the Aces would go on to win the title when they were 14-14, you would have thought they were insane.

All observers can do now is show respect.