Lock Down The Paint

Force A’ja to take tough shots! So far, she’s been able to do whatever she wants, averaging nearly 28.0 PPG & 13.0 RPG in these Finals. Single coverage has not & will not work… and double-teaming her hasn’t been done effectively enough! Phoenix’s bigs have to be much more physical & limit her ability to pound the paint and take open mid-range jumpers. The help defense must be top tier!

More Touches for Thomas

Elevated scoring might just be what the doctor ordered for Alyssa Thomas. She averaging 13.0 PPG, a bit below her season average and certainly below the semifinal series vs Minnesota (20.3 PPG). Yes, she’s a triple-double threat every single night, but Phoenix must tilt the offense to the paint & start getting her touches inside. She is arguably the most physical and strongest player in the league. Let her operate around the rim. She’s a problem for any defender & can easily power her way for easy 2’s and possible and-1 plays. She also a master at dime-dishing, so forcing the defense to collapse could create opportunities for lurking perimeter threats in Kahleah Copper, Sami Whitcomb & Satou Sabally.

Improve Offensive Consistency

Phoenix is a 3-point heavy team. At home, their percentage tends to be better. If their outside shooters get in rhythm early, it could certainly result in a dub. Whitcomb has to get back to her vintage self. DeWanna Bonner is a matchup nightmare and is tough to close out on. Monique Akoa Makani is an emerging 3-point specialist. Sabally & Copper have to improve efficiency because when those two get clicking, it can really rain 3’s.

Control the Tempo

Phoenix likes to play fast. But so does Vegas. Sometimes, the two don’t mix well and it makes for very frenetic stretches. Turnovers start to pile up, the lid closes on the basket and frustration boils over. Cold stretches have plagued this team in Games 1-3 so far. If Phoenix can slow the game down, make Vegas earn each possession, it may reduce the number of possessions where Vegas’s stars can take over. Use the mid-range and inside-out sets rather than always pushing the pace.

Reserves & Role Players Must Step Up

If Sabally is out for Game 4 (and possibly any after), Phoenix will need contributions from role players (Copper & Makani) and their bench (Bonner & Whitcomb) to help carry the scoring and defensive load.

Emotional & Psychological Edge

They must use the momentum of the comeback in Game 3 – even though they lost, rallying from large deficits shows toughness & fight. No quit in their game!

Home Court Energy

It’s win or go home in Game 4. And speaking of “home,” the Mercury must use the crowd — the X FACTOR. Lean on the home crowd and the comfort of being in Phoenix (sleep routine, less travel, familiarity).

Tactical Adjustments & Scouting Tweaks

If the Aces respond to certain sets, Phoenix must have counters ready. Perhaps try mixed defenses (zone, trap, switching) to confuse their offensive rhythm and get them out of sorts. A comfortable Vegas is a dangerous Vegas. Adjust matchups — sometimes mismatches can be exploited!