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A’ja Wilson and Dana Evans lead Las Vegas Aces past Phoenix Mercury 89-86 in WNBA Finals opener

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Aja Wilson and Dana Evans each scored 21 points as the Las Vegas Aces edged the Phoenix Mercury 89-86 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Friday night.

Wilson contributed 12 of her points over the final 14 minutes, helping the Aces hold on as Phoenix’s Satou Sabally missed a long 3-pointer with 2 seconds left that would have tied the game. Game 2 is set for Sunday in Las Vegas.

Evans led a dominant Aces bench that outscored the Mercury’s reserves 41-16. Reserve Jewell Loyd added 18 points for second-seeded Las Vegas, while starter Jackie Young contributed 10 points. Wilson also grabbed 10 rebounds, and Chelsea Gray led the team with 10 assists.

For the fourth-seeded Mercury, Kahleah Cooper scored 21 points. Sabally added 19 points, and Alyssa Thomas closely missed a triple-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.

Cooper’s 19 first-half points were just one shy of her playoff career high for a half. Interestingly, her personal best of 20 points in a first half also came against the Mercury, during Game 3 of the 2021 Finals when she played for Chicago. Cooper’s five 3-pointers in the first half surpassed her previous high of four made threes in a game.

If this opening game was any indication, this WNBA Finals — the first-ever best-of-seven series — is set to be tightly contested throughout. The largest lead was nine points, and the game featured 12 lead changes and nine ties.

The Mercury threatened to take control on several occasions, only for the Aces to respond with timely runs. In the closing moments, with Phoenix down by one point and 24.6 seconds remaining, Thomas went to the free-throw line but missed both attempts.

On the other end, Young was fouled with 13.5 seconds left and calmly sank both free throws, sealing the final margin and giving Las Vegas the Game 1 victory.

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AP WNBA: Copyright.
https://wtop.com/wnba/2025/10/aja-wilson-and-dana-evans-lead-las-vegas-aces-past-phoenix-mercury-89-86-in-wnba-finals-opener/

Peers say Purdue's Matt Painter best at Xs and Os: 'His sets are almost impossible to stop'

**Matt Painter Ranked No. 1 Coach at Xs and Os in CBS Sports Candid Coaches Survey**

WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue men’s basketball coach Matt Painter has long been known for his detailed and sometimes complex explanations of strategy and play design in postgame interviews. This knack for strategy has helped amplify Painter’s national reputation as a top-tier tactician—not just among the media, but also among his coaching peers.

A recent CBS Sports candid coaches survey polled roughly 100 college basketball coaches to determine who is the nation’s best at Xs and Os. Painter earned the largest share of the vote, capturing 19% and edging out UConn’s Dan Hurley, who received 18%. Creighton’s Greg McDermott followed closely behind with 16%—the only other coach to garner more than 7% of the votes.

Painter and Hurley notably faced off in the 2024 national championship game, where Hurley’s Huskies defeated Purdue 75-60 to repeat as champions.

Voters praised Painter for his ability to scheme Purdue to victory even when faced with talent disparities. They also highlighted how he has elevated the games of unheralded recruits like Braden Smith and Zach Edey.

One anonymous coach said, “When he has a dynamic playmaker, his sets are almost impossible to stop. Then he has a ton of counters. You think you know what’s coming, then he flops it. Then he flips the flop. You gotta turn them over, ’cause you can’t get enough misses.”

In other recent CBS Sports candid coaches features, Purdue was also selected as the nation’s best team for the 2025-26 season, and Braden Smith was named the nation’s best player.

Matt Painter’s strategic prowess continues to earn him high praise, solidifying his status as one of college basketball’s elite coaches.
https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/purdue/2025/10/01/purdue-basketball-coach-matt-painter-best-xs-os-survey-candid-coaches/86459005007/

“No statue” – 3x NBA champ lays down tough terms for LeBron James’ Lakers statue while downplaying his current case

As LeBron James nears the end of his legendary playing career, discussions about how to celebrate his achievements post-retirement have intensified.

Fans, analysts, and fellow athletes alike have shared countless ideas on the best ways to honor his impact on and off the basketball court. From potential jersey retirements to Hall of Fame inductions, the conversation continues to evolve as LeBron’s career approaches its final chapters.

Regardless of the form these celebrations take, one thing remains clear: LeBron James’s legacy will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-no-statue-3x-nba-champ-lays-tough-terms-lebron-james-lakers-statue-downplaying-current-case

“No statue” – 3x NBA champ lays down tough terms for LeBron James’ Lakers statue while downplaying his current case

As LeBron James nears the end of his legendary playing career, discussions about his legacy have become more frequent.

Fans, analysts, and fellow athletes alike have engaged in endless discourse about the best ways to celebrate his remarkable achievements once he retires.

From potential Hall of Fame honors to special tributes and even possible roles within the basketball community, the conversation continues to evolve as we approach the conclusion of an extraordinary era in sports.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-no-statue-3x-nba-champ-lays-tough-terms-lebron-james-lakers-statue-downplaying-current-case