With the WNBA season culminating in a championship showdown, the stakes have never been higher. The Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury will compete in the league’s first-ever seven-game Finals, beginning Friday in Las Vegas, to determine the 2025 champion.
As the two teams prepare to battle, here is a ranking of the top 15 players who will define the series.
1. A’ja Wilson, Center, Las Vegas Aces
Playoff Stats: 26.0 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.8 BPG
Remaining at the top of the rankings is A’ja Wilson, who recently won a record fourth regular-season MVP award. Now seeking her third championship and second Finals MVP, Wilson has been exceptional since sparking the Aces’ mid-season turnaround. She has been even sharper in the playoffs, scoring 25 or more points in five of eight games. Beyond her scoring, she has been a defensive pillar, increasing her steals average from 1.6 in the regular season to 2.6 in the postseason.
2. Alyssa Thomas, Forward, Phoenix Mercury
Playoff Stats: 18.6 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 9.1 APG
An MVP candidate herself, Alyssa Thomas is the engine of the Mercury offense. A unique combination of a point guard and power forward, nearly everything Phoenix does runs through her. Thomas has become even more aggressive in the playoffs, increasing her scoring by over three points per game while maintaining her league-leading assist numbers. She set a WNBA single-season record with seven triple-doubles and added another in the playoffs, bringing her record career total to 19. Thomas aims to lead Phoenix to its fourth franchise title, which would be her first.
3. Jackie Young, Guard, Las Vegas Aces
Playoff Stats: 20.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.3 APG
What Wilson provides in the post, Jackie Young delivers in the backcourt. The former No. 1 pick has elevated her already consistent play for the postseason, boosting her scoring average by 4.0 points while also increasing her rebounding and assist totals. As the Aces’ best perimeter defender, she consistently draws the toughest defensive assignment.
4. Satou Sabally, Forward, Phoenix Mercury
Playoff Stats: 17.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 34.0% 3FG
While Thomas is the Mercury’s most consistent player, Sabally is their ultimate difference-maker. With a quick-release three-point shot and the ability to run the floor and attack the rim, she can spark a game-changing run single-handedly. However, she can also be inconsistent, as evidenced by two single-digit scoring games in the playoffs—both Phoenix losses. In the Mercury’s five postseason wins, Sabally has averaged 21.2 points.
5. Chelsea Gray, Guard, Las Vegas Aces
Playoff Stats: 10.9 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 7.3 APG
Set to turn 33 during Game 3, Chelsea Gray remains one of the WNBA’s elite point guards and clutch shooters in her 11th season. Her mastery of late-game situations was on full display in the Aces’ semifinal Game 5 victory over Indiana, where she scored 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting and added six assists. Her veteran leadership provides Las Vegas with invaluable poise under pressure.
6. DeWanna Bonner, Forward, Phoenix Mercury
Playoff Stats: 7.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.3 APG
The mid-season acquisition of DeWanna Bonner has proven mutually beneficial. After being released by Indiana, the 38-year-old veteran found a defined role in Phoenix. Embracing her position as a key role player, the former star has provided big-game experience and defensive length during the Mercury’s Finals run. While she has struggled from deep in the playoffs, four of her five made three-pointers helped fuel a crucial comeback in the semifinal series-clincher against Minnesota.
7. Kahleah Copper, Guard, Phoenix Mercury
Playoff Stats: 15.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.0 APG
After injuries limited her to just 28 regular-season games, Kahleah Copper has been healthy and highly effective throughout the playoffs. Her best performance came in Phoenix’s pivotal Game 3 semifinal victory over Minnesota, where she scored 21 points on efficient 9-of-13 shooting, demonstrating her importance to the Mercury’s offense.
8. Leila Akoa Makani, Guard, Phoenix Mercury
Playoff Stats: 5.7 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.6 APG
A five-year pro in France, rookie Leila Akoa Makani earned a roster spot from a training camp contract and became a major contributor. As Phoenix’s most accurate deep shooter during the regular season (39.8%), she provides critical floor spacing. Although her shooting efficiency has dipped in the postseason, she has maintained a significant role, playing at least 19 minutes in every playoff game.
9. Sami Whitcomb, Guard, Phoenix Mercury
Playoff Stats: 8.0 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 3.1 APG
At 37, Sami Whitcomb continues to be one of the league’s most dependable sharpshooters, particularly in high-pressure moments. Her tying three-pointer late in regulation of the semifinal Game 2 against Minnesota was a prime example. After missing her first attempt on the critical possession, she showed no hesitation, hitting the second to force overtime and help Phoenix steal a key road win.
10. Kiah Stokes, Forward, Las Vegas Aces
Playoff Stats: 8.9 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 62.0% FG
Much like Bonner for Phoenix, Kiah Stokes’s arrival from Dallas in August was key to the Aces’ mid-season resurgence. Her presence as a rebounder and low-post threat frees up Wilson to operate more freely. Stokes has played with newfound confidence in the playoffs, with both her scoring and shooting accuracy up significantly from the regular season.
11. Jewell Loyd, Guard, Las Vegas Aces
Playoff Stats: 7.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.0 APG
Transitioning from a primary scorer in Seattle to a system player in Las Vegas, Jewell Loyd has proven to be a valuable asset. The Aces needed a big guard who could contribute on both ends, and Loyd has embraced her role, thriving off the bench. In the Finals, Las Vegas may look for her to provide an additional offensive spark.
12. Brianna Mack, Forward, Phoenix Mercury
Playoff Stats: 3.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 0.7 BPG
Brianna Mack earns her minutes with tenacious defense and rebounding. While she attempted just 20 shots in the playoffs, she ranked second in the league in both blocks and offensive rebounds per 40 minutes during the regular season. Her length and mobility could be a critical factor as Phoenix searches for ways to slow down A’ja Wilson.
13. Dana Evans, Guard, Las Vegas Aces
Playoff Stats: 7.4 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 3.0 APG
After four years in Chicago, Dana Evans has been a strong addition to the Las Vegas bench. She has scored in double figures in four of the Aces’ eight playoff games, providing instant offense. Her quickness and defensive tenacity could make her an X-factor among the reserves in this series.
14. Maddy Westbeld, Forward, Phoenix Mercury
Playoff Stats: 4.3 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 53.3% 3FG
A 29-year-old rookie, Maddy Westbeld played in a team-high 43 games this season. As a quintessential pick-and-pop power forward, she took over 60% of her shots from three-point range. Though her minutes have decreased in the playoffs, she has remained incredibly efficient, making 8 of 15 attempts from behind the arc.
15. Megan Gustafson, Center, Las Vegas Aces
Playoff Stats: 3.0 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 0.3 APG
With Phoenix expected to play a physical series, having a tough backup center like Megan Gustafson is a major advantage for Las Vegas. She provides a reliable presence who will not back down, allowing Wilson crucial rest. Gustafson played nearly 18 minutes in the decisive semifinal Game 5 win over Indiana, contributing five points and three assists.
