WNBA Finals Game 4 Winners and Losers: A’ja Wilson Shines as Finals MVP, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Booed in Phoenix

PHOENIX — The Las Vegas Aces have done it again.

With a 97–86 victory over the Phoenix Mercury in Game 4 of the 2025 WNBA Finals, the Aces completed a commanding sweep and secured their third championship in four years, cementing their place among the league’s great dynasties.

A’ja Wilson, the beating heart of this juggernaut, walked into the postgame press conference wearing celebratory goggles, clutching a pink tambourine, and flashing her latest piece of hardware — her second WNBA Finals MVP trophy.

“I still got a little bit more winning to do before you put me in that (GOAT) conversation,” Wilson said with a grin, after delivering another performance for the ages: 31 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and two steals. “When you’re compared to greats, when you’re compared to legends, that means you’re doing something right. I’m so grateful — but I would never be who I am without my teammates.”

Wilson’s humility stood in stark contrast to her dominance. The 28-year-old forward has reached a new level of greatness, joining elite company as just the fourth player in WNBA history to win multiple Finals MVP awards.

But beyond the confetti and champagne, Game 4 told the story of a league in transition — of individual brilliance, collective excellence, and even controversy. As Aces coach Becky Hammon hoisted another trophy, a chorus of boos echoed when WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stepped to the podium, underscoring growing fan frustration with league leadership despite its on-court success.

Here’s a look at the winners and losers from an unforgettable night in Phoenix.

Winner: A’ja Wilson — The Face of the WNBA

There was no question who owned this series.

A’ja Wilson dominated every facet of the Finals, averaging 29.8 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks across four games. She imposed her will inside, stretched the floor when needed, and anchored the Aces’ defense with authority.

Her footwork, timing, and sheer physicality made her unguardable. Every time the Mercury made a run, Wilson responded — with a contested mid-range jumper, a spin move through double coverage, or a crucial stop on the other end.

“She’s just built different,” said teammate Chelsea Gray. “You can game-plan all you want, but you can’t stop her heart.”

With this title, Wilson moves into rarefied air — a two-time Finals MVP, two-time league MVP, and three-time champion. She’s not just the best player in the world right now; she’s building a résumé that might one day define an era.

Winner: Becky Hammon — Architect of a Dynasty

When Becky Hammon took over the Aces in 2022, she inherited a talented but unfulfilled roster. Three years later, she’s crafted a dynasty built on discipline, creativity, and trust.

Hammon’s Game 4 adjustments were a masterclass in modern coaching. Facing a Mercury squad fighting for survival, she leaned into small-ball rotations and turned defense into offense. The Aces forced 19 turnovers and converted them into 26 points — the difference-maker in an otherwise tight contest.

Her ability to adapt — whether managing egos, mixing lineups, or countering opponents — is what sets her apart.

“Becky has this energy,” said Wilson. “She knows exactly how to push us without breaking us. That’s rare.”

Hammon’s third championship as head coach only strengthens her case as one of the best basketball minds — male or female — of her generation.

Loser: Phoenix Mercury’s Missed Window

Phoenix entered the Finals with momentum, but Game 4 made one thing clear: their veteran-heavy roster is nearing its limits.

Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi gave everything they had — combining for 43 points — yet the Mercury couldn’t match Las Vegas’s athleticism or depth. Taurasi, playing in her 21st WNBA season, hinted that this might be her final game.

If so, her exit was bittersweet: a valiant fight overshadowed by the Aces’ dominance. The Mercury’s struggles to contain Wilson and defend transition opportunities exposed their lack of speed and bench scoring.

Phoenix now faces a pivotal offseason. Rebuilding or retooling won’t be easy, but with a passionate fan base and strong front office, the Mercury still have a foundation to build upon — just not enough to hang with this Las Vegas powerhouse.

Winner: Jackie Young — The Silent Superstar

While Wilson grabbed headlines, Jackie Young quietly delivered one of the best two-way performances of the Finals.

In Game 4, she scored 22 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and limited Taurasi to just 2-of-9 shooting in the second half. Her balance between composure and aggression perfectly complements the Aces’ offensive system.

Young’s evolution from defensive specialist to elite scorer makes her one of the WNBA’s most complete players — and a crucial part of the Aces’ dynasty formula.

“She’s the glue,” said Hammon. “We don’t win without her.”

Loser: WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert — The Boo Heard Around the League

It should have been a night of celebration for the WNBA, but when Commissioner Cathy Engelbert took the microphone during the trophy presentation, the crowd’s reaction was unmistakable: boos cascaded from every corner of the arena.

While Engelbert has overseen tremendous growth in the league’s profile and expansion, fans have grown impatient with issues like travel conditions, inconsistent officiating, and concerns about player compensation.

To her credit, Engelbert smiled through the boos, but the message was clear: the WNBA’s fan base wants faster progress.

The optics of the league’s biggest night turning tense underscored a disconnect between leadership and the passionate community that has fueled the sport’s rise.

Winner: The WNBA Itself — A League Ascending

Despite the boos, the Finals as a whole were a triumph for women’s basketball.

Television ratings surged 27% year-over-year. Attendance records were shattered. Merchandise sales soared. The Aces-Mercury series featured elite athleticism, high emotion, and global star power.

The storylines — from Wilson’s greatness to Taurasi’s twilight — captured both longtime fans and newcomers. The product on the court has never been better, and the Aces’ dominance provides the league with a defining narrative: a modern dynasty for a new era.

“This is just the beginning,” Wilson said postgame. “The game’s growing, and we’re going to keep pushing it forward.”

Loser: Anyone Who Still Underestimates the Aces

For those still doubting whether Las Vegas belongs among the sport’s greatest franchises — consider this:

• Three titles in four years.
• Two MVPs for Wilson.
• A Hall of Fame–bound coach in Hammon.
• A roster that continues to evolve and dominate.

If that’s not a dynasty, what is?

Final Score: A Legacy Extended

When the confetti settled, and Wilson hoisted her Finals MVP trophy high above her head, the message was unmistakable. The Las Vegas Aces aren’t just champions. They’re the standard.

And for the rest of the WNBA, the chase to catch them has never looked steeper.

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