LAS VEGAS (AP) — Before Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, coach Becky Hammon made a bold statement about her bench, considering the reserves who helped the Las Vegas Aces win back-to-back championships in 2022 and ’23. Those reserves made her look prophetic, providing the spark the Aces needed in an 89-86 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Friday to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Las Vegas Aces guard Dana Evans (11) celebrates a three pointer against the Phoenix Mercury during the first half in Game 1 of a WNBA basketball final playoff series Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, in Las Vegas. Evans became the first player in WNBA Finals history to make five 3-pointers and register four steals in a game. During the postseason, however, the Aces have seen a slight uptick with 20.8 bench points per game through nine games, while the Mercury reserves have dropped off to the tune of 19.5.