LAS VEGAS ACES

Jackie Young's Court Vision

Dishing out a postseason career-high 5.3 APG, Jackie's been dropping dimes at a furious pace!

This has been a crucial part of Vegas's victories, especially the Game 5 OT dub over Vegas. She's finding A'ja inside, Jewell & Chelsea around the perimeter and keeping the turnovers low. The Aces and the Mercury were two of the Top 3 leaders in assists this regular season, so expect both teams to bring it! And like league leader Alyssa Thomas, Jackie is also capable of going off for double-digit assists, something she's done four times this year!

Big Shot Chels

I can say with confidence that Chelsea Gray is the clutchest player in the league. The difficulty in which she makes some of her biggest, toughest buckets is actually unreal! She's well-known as THE dime dropper with her flashy assists, but her shot-making ability is the most underrated part of her game in my eyes. She's not a high volume scorer by any means, but thrives in crunch time. She knows how to maneuver around the defense and escape traps, creating space to operate freely.

MV'4

Vegas has A'ja and you don't, it's plain and simple. She's in her prime and has single-handedly turned this team's season around. She's averaging a career-high 26.0 PPG in these playoffs and is playing like a woman possessed! Enough said!

She Shows Speed

When the Aces need to change the pace of the game and get the opponent out of sorts, they bring Dana Evans off the bench. One of the quickest players in the league, she's their energizer and an instant spark. Her defense to offense conversion will be crucial against a very defensive-minded Phoenix team who also loves to run. I believe she deserves a starting role in place of KB in this series.

PHOENIX MERCURY

Electricity and Experience

Besides Indiana's Kelsey Mitchell, there might not be a more electric player in the league than Kahleah Copper. A one-woman show in transition, she knows how to get to the basket by any means necessary. The former Finals MVP knows what it takes to snatch the title and leave a lasting impression. Her no-nonsense, hard-nosed style of play is a tough assignment for anybody. Stopping her once she turns on the jets is a task for Vegas all on its own!

Swiss-Army Knife off the Bench

DeWanna Bonner is dangerous, plain and simple. The 6'4" Forward has come off the bench and given New York and Minnesota fits in these playoffs! Her championship pedigree and 3x 6POY resume is something that could get Phoenix through some close games this week. She does it all and does it well. A total matchup nightmare!

The Ultimate X-Factor

They don't call the Mercury fans "the X-Factor" for nothing! One of the most raucous crowds in all of women's basketball, they create a very hostile environment for the away team. Going up against a loaded Phoenix squad is already an arduous task, but when you throw in the loudest crowd in the WNBA too?? Whew!! I don't think Phoenix loses a home game in these Finals. So far this postseason, they're 3-1. Expect noise. Lots and lots of noise.

AT Scary Hours Ahead

Alyssa Thomas is the league's most dangerous player across the board. She will likely face pressure she hasn't felt yet this season, because Vegas is undoubtedly going to come hard. However, she's a master at dishing dimes, so we could see record assists in these Finals from AT if/when the doubles and traps are effective and looks at the basket are limited. Vegas is well aware that single coverage just won't work on her, so look for the double on nearly every touch.