Imagine the thrill of witnessing a basketball legend rise to the occasion in the biggest game of her career—Jackie Young's unforgettable performance in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals not only propelled the Las Vegas Aces to victory but also ignited debates about star power in women's sports. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this the moment that reshapes how we view MVPs and team dynamics in the league? Let's dive into the details and see why this game could be a turning point for the Aces.
Jackie Young and A'ja Wilson were simply unstoppable for the Phoenix Mercury, guiding the Las Vegas Aces to a decisive 91-78 triumph in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals. Just two days prior, Game 1 had been an exhilarating seesaw battle, but on Sunday at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Paradise, Nevada, the Aces dominated from start to finish, securing a commanding 2-0 advantage in this best-of-seven showdown.
The spotlight shone brightly on 29-year-old A'ja Wilson and 28-year-old Jackie Young, whose synergy on the court proved overwhelming. Wilson, fresh from earning her record-breaking fourth MVP award last month (as detailed in this CNN report: https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/21/sport/basketball-wnba-aja-wilson-fourth-mvp-intl), delivered an impressive 28 points and 14 rebounds. For those new to the WNBA, the MVP is like the league's top individual honor, recognizing the player who had the most outstanding season—think of it as the basketball equivalent of a 'Player of the Year' award that can influence everything from endorsements to team strategies.
Yet, it was her teammate Jackie Young who captured the headlines with a jaw-dropping display in Game 2. As a former number-one draft pick, Young exploded for 21 of her career-high 32 points in the third quarter alone, helping the Aces surge ahead and setting a new WNBA Finals record for the most points scored in a single quarter. This kind of explosive scoring isn't just about talent; it often comes from perfecting skills like quick shots and driving to the basket, which can turn a close game into a rout. And this is the part most people miss: Young's feat wasn't isolated—she and Wilson teamed up for 60 points combined, marking the second-highest total ever by a duo in Finals history, trailing only Jewell Loyd and Breanna Stewart's 65 points back in 2020 with the Seattle Storm, according to ESPN stats.
When reflecting on Young's standout effort, Wilson playfully teased her teammate's earlier struggles while praising her character. 'I’m not sure where Jackie was hiding in Game 1,' Wilson shared during the ESPN broadcast, 'but I’m thrilled she arrived for Game 2. I always knew she was built for moments like this—it's her passion, her drive. Watching her excel here fills me with joy, and I'm honored to play beside her. She's nailing it exactly as she should.'
Young, keeping it humble, attributed her third-quarter burst to the game's flow. 'The hoop felt enormous,' she joked about her scoring spree. 'I wasn't tracking the numbers; I just focused on playing smart and attacking aggressively.' This kind of mindset—staying present and adapting—is a key lesson for aspiring athletes, showing how mental focus can lead to historic achievements.
Adding to the Aces' dominance, guard Chelsea Gray came tantalizingly close to a triple-double, racking up 10 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. For beginners, a triple-double means a player gets double-digit numbers in three of those categories, a rare feat that highlights versatility and is often celebrated as a sign of all-around greatness.
On the Mercury's side, Kahleah Copper stood out with 23 points, but it wasn't enough to counter the Aces' firepower. With this win, Las Vegas is now just two victories shy of claiming their third WNBA title in the past four years—a streak that underscores their rise as a powerhouse in women's basketball.
The action now moves to the Mortgage Matchup Center in downtown Phoenix, where Game 3 is set for Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET. As the series heats up, fans are buzzing about whether Young's breakout could challenge Wilson's MVP narrative or if this is just a temporary spark. And this is where the controversy really simmers: Some argue that individual awards like MVP might undervalue team players who shine in the playoffs, potentially sparking debates about fairness in sports recognition. What do you think—does Jackie Young's Game 2 heroics make her the unsung star of the Finals, or is A'ja Wilson's consistent brilliance still the gold standard? Do you believe team chemistry trumps individual stats in deciding championships? Share your opinions in the comments below—we'd love to hear your take and spark some friendly debate!
