WNBA Playoffs 2021 — Phoenix Mercury punch ticket to the Finals in front of record-setting crowd
Written by Lucky Wilson | KGTO Writer on October 9, 2021
Game 5 of the WNBA western semi finals was a heavyweight fight between two exceptional franchises. The Phoenix Mercury outlasted the Las Vegas Aces 87-84, punching their trip to the championship round — with a shorthanded roster.
It was a back and forth affair, but the fourth quarter belonged to Diana Taurasi and the Mercury. The “White Mamba” poured in 14 points in the final frame after a quiet three quarters from her. Brittney Griner also came up big with game-high 28 points and a key block on the Aces A’ja Wilson on the final possession.
Being that this contest was in Las Vegas, the Michelob Arena is rocking for this high-stakes matchup. The 9,680 people in attendance were a record for any Aces game — showing that everyone wanted to see this postseason matchup.
Announced attendance of 9,680 is a record for #Aces in Las Vegas…
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) October 9, 2021
The Aces came in ready to defend home court — but they had to show off their fashion sense first. Wilson has worn iconic jerseys of basketball players all postseason, and she decided to wear one with a personal connection for Game 5. She rocked a Dawn Staley Virginia jersey pregame, showing love to her former coach. Staley coached Wilson from 2014-2018, and they both led the South Carolina Gamecocks to a national championship in 2017.
Staley made sure to reciprocate the love back to her former player.
2⃣2⃣ x 2⃣4⃣@_ajawilson22
@dawnstaley pic.twitter.com/6R0SpFTFT3
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) October 9, 2021
Did that!!!
https://t.co/8HKiEP5Lzg
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) October 9, 2021
After both teams went through warmups, it was time for the Mercury and Aces to battle it out in a win-or-go-home Game 5. WNBA Legend and Basketball Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings expressed her excitement on social media, as she was ready to watch these two teams fight for a trip to the Finals.
Tonight’s office, #Aces vs #Mercury, with a trip to the #WNBA Finals on the line. @ESPN_WomenHoop pic.twitter.com/jgDUTcKZ9u
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) October 9, 2021
Gammmeeeee time
Game 5!!! @PhoenixMercury @ @LVAces
#WinOrGoHome Who you cheering for???
— Tamika Catchings (@Catchin24) October 9, 2021
The Chicago Sky — who already clinched a spot in the championship round Wednesday, were waiting patiently to see who they would face — while doing a little scouting in the process.
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) October 9, 2021
The game had the feeling of a playoff contest, as it was physical to start. The Mercury were led by Shey Peddy in the first, who scored seven early points. Her scoring and the physicality by the Phoenix’s defense allowed them to get a 20-14 lead after one.
Playoff @SheyP11 is on
Anyone else getting déjà vu?
ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/HKvr4Cihz6
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 9, 2021
During the second, the Aces responded with some quality shooting from deep — specifically from Kelsey Plum. She drained two shots from beyond the arc in the quarter while Liz Cambage and Wilson kept things going down low.
KP doing KP things
@kelseyplum10 // #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/3eC37w76sT
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) October 9, 2021
After a wild first half, the Mercury had a slim lead going into the locker room — 44-42.
The physicality and abundance of points had everyone locked for this sensational contest.
Once this game ends, we’ll see who won.
— Sydney Colson (@SydJColson) October 9, 2021
DANGGG!! THIS GAME IS ALREADY CRAZY
..and the first half isn’t even over yet
HOW WE FEELIN’??
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 9, 2021
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) October 9, 2021
The Aces got off to a hot start in the third — thanks to 2020 League MVP in Wilson. She made a key steal on a Taurasi pass, causing a clear path foul. She followed that up with an offensive rebound and put back the next offensive possession.
Paint DOMINATION
@_ajawilson22
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 9, 2021
The stars were out for this do-or-die game five — and they enjoyed every minute. Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell was in the arena for the entertaining game. His teammate Casey Hayward Jr. was also at the game — and both had their popcorn handy. Another athlete made an appearance — former MLB player and two-time World Series champion David Justice got some facetime on the jumbotron during the contest.
And #Raiders DE Cle Ferrell is courtside… pic.twitter.com/TPQAQ7cuo8
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) October 9, 2021
Get your popcorn ready, because #Raiders CB Casey Hayward has his. pic.twitter.com/tQmgUQJ5ci
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) October 9, 2021
We’ve got a David Justice sighting… pic.twitter.com/NABZtSrvgD
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) October 9, 2021
The Mercury didn’t shoot the three-ball well throughout the game, and the Aces took advantage in the fast break, going on a 14-0 run in the third. Chelsea Gray and Cambage led the way, each scoring six points in the third quarter.
Only right that the Birthday girl, @cgray209 dishes out this UNREAL dime
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 9, 2021
The game was chippy throughout, and it got even more tense heading into the fourth. Jackie Young and Taurasi exchanged some words when the buzzer sounded, needing to be separated by officials.
Some issues between Diana Taurasi and Jackie Young at end of 3rd, which sees #Aces up, 66-58…
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) October 9, 2021
Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to get under Taurasi’s skin, and it came back to bite Young and the Aces.
Jackie Young poked the bear. You never poke the bear. #WNBA #WNBATwitter
— Storm Chasers (@WNBAStormChaser) October 9, 2021
DT wants the smoke from everyone tonight
Nothing new though lol.#WNBATwitter
— Kim Adams (@Kim_Adams1) October 9, 2021
Whatever Jackie Young didn’t say to Diana is working in Phoenix’s favor. #WNBA
— LaChina Robinson (@LaChinaRobinson) October 9, 2021
In the final frame, Taurasi started doing her usual “White Mamba” things. She scored some clutch buckets during a Mercury 10-0 run, giving them the lead early in the fourth.
BOOM! pic.twitter.com/rP364d8AFG
— Phoenix Mercury – X (@PhoenixMercury) October 9, 2021
WHITE MAMBA!!
#WNBATwitter
— Renee Montgomery (@ReneeMontgomery) October 9, 2021
The Aces responded to the Mercury’s run with the help of timely buckets from Plum and Gray.
The game had a chaotic finish, as Taurasi drained a go-ahead three with under a minute to go. However, Gray and the Aces weren’t done yet, as she cashed in a three-pointer of her own to give her team the lead late. Gray matched Taurasi’s three with one of her own to tie the game.
0:41
Diana Taurasi swats a layup attempt then takes the ball up the court to bury go-ahead 3-pointer for Mercury. (edited)
It’s safe to say that everyone watching the game didn’t want it to end, as both teams were leaving it all on the floor.
This WNBA elimination game!! pic.twitter.com/Zfj17laag7
— The Undefeated (@TheUndefeated) October 9, 2021
WHAT ARE WE WATCHING???
— LaChina Robinson (@LaChinaRobinson) October 9, 2021
Only one thing to say … #WNBATwitter pic.twitter.com/iy2nHpCqhu
— Terrika (@SheKnowsSports) October 9, 2021
Unfortunately for Las Vegas, a foul on a Shay Peddy three-pointer with on the next Mercury possesion left turned out to be a costly mistake. Peddy made two of the three free throws to extend the lead to two, but the Aces still had a chance to tie. They gave the ball to Wilson — hoping she’d make a play, but Griner blocked her shot at the rim with under a second left. The game was over at that point — an amazing finish to what was a phenomenal Game 5.
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul made sure to congratulate the Mercury on their finals berth — as both of Arizona’s professional basketball teams have made the championship round in their respective 2021 seasons. The WNBA Phoenix team will face the Sky on Sunday for the championship.
Finals bound!!! Good luck ladies
@PhoenixMercury
— Chris Paul (@CP3) October 9, 2021
