Las Vegas Aces Start 2026 Season with Loss to Phoenix Mercury

May 9, 2026, 22:46
USSports

Introduction

The defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces began their 2026 season with a surprising and heavy loss to the Phoenix Mercury.

Main Body

The Las Vegas Aces entered the 2026 season as the strongest team in the league after winning championships in 2022, 2023, and 2025. The team relied on a core group of stars, including A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young, while adding new players like Chennedy Carter to improve their offense. Head coach Becky Hammon emphasized the need for a strong defense and better teamwork to stay competitive as other teams in the league improved. Past experiences played a major role in this opening game. The Phoenix Mercury had been easily defeated by Las Vegas in the 2025 Finals, which gave them a strong emotional motivation to win. Coach Hammon had warned that this drive could affect the result. Consequently, Phoenix won 99-66, making it the first time since 2018 that a team lost on their championship ring night. Analysts noted that the Aces struggled with their offense, specifically with a poor 3-point shooting percentage. In contrast, Phoenix showed better coordination, led by Alyssa Thomas's 20 points and nine assists. Furthermore, the Aces struggled to integrate Chennedy Carter into the game, as her defensive mistakes led to limited playing time. As a result, the Aces' usual dominance was stopped by Phoenix's superior execution.

Conclusion

The Las Vegas Aces will now travel to Los Angeles for their next game, while the Phoenix Mercury head to Golden State.

Learning

The "Logic Bridge": Moving from Simple to Complex Connections

At the A2 level, you likely use and, but, and because to connect your ideas. To reach B2, you need to use Logical Connectors. These are words that act as signposts, telling the reader exactly how two ideas relate.

🧩 The Shift: From Simple to Sophisticated

Look at how the article replaces basic words with "Power Connectors":

  • Instead of "So" →\rightarrow Consequently / As a result

    • A2: They lost the final, so they wanted to win.
    • B2: The Phoenix Mercury had been easily defeated... consequently, Phoenix won 99-66.

  • Instead of "Also" →\rightarrow Furthermore

    • A2: They had a bad game. Also, the new player made mistakes.
    • B2: The Aces struggled with their offense... Furthermore, the Aces struggled to integrate Chennedy Carter.

  • Instead of "But" →\rightarrow In contrast

    • A2: Las Vegas was bad, but Phoenix was good.
    • B2: The Aces struggled... In contrast, Phoenix showed better coordination.

⚡ Pro-Tip for Fluency

B2 speakers don't just give information; they show the relationship between facts.

Try this mental swap: Next time you want to say "and also", stop and use "furthermore". Next time you want to say "so", try "as a result".

By changing these three small words, you move from describing a situation (A2) to analyzing a situation (B2).

Vocabulary Learning

championship
A competition to determine a champion.
Example:The championship game was held in Las Vegas.
defeated
Beat in a competition or contest.
Example:They were defeated by the Phoenix Mercury in the finals.
motivation
A reason or incentive for doing something.
Example:Their emotional motivation helped them win the game.
coordinated
Organized to work together smoothly.
Example:The team showed better coordinated defense.
execution
Carrying out a plan or task effectively.
Example:Their superior execution led to a decisive victory.
dominance
Having control or superiority over others.
Example:The Aces' usual dominance was stopped this time.
superior
Higher in quality or rank.
Example:Phoenix displayed superior coordination.
integration
The process of combining parts into a whole.
Example:The team struggled with the integration of the new player.
defensive
Related to defense or protecting from attack.
Example:Her defensive mistakes limited her playing time.
mistakes
Errors or faults in action or judgment.
Example:The defensive mistakes caused the loss.
improved
Made better or progressed.
Example:Other teams improved their performance this season.
competitive
Striving to win or succeed against others.
Example:The coach emphasized the need for competitive defense.
emotional
Related to feelings or emotions.
Example:Their emotional motivation pushed them forward.
result
The outcome or consequence of an action.
Example:The result was a 99-66 victory for Phoenix.
season
A period of time for a sport or activity.
Example:The 2026 season began with a surprising loss.
league
A group of teams competing against each other.
Example:The Aces are the strongest team in the league.
coach
A person who trains and directs athletes.
Example:Coach Becky Hammon emphasized strong defense.
offense
The attacking side in a game.
Example:The Aces struggled with their offense this week.
defense
The protecting side in a game.
Example:A strong defense is key to staying competitive.
team
A group working together toward a common goal.
Example:The Las Vegas Aces are the defending champions.
core
Central or most important part of something.
Example:The core group of stars led the team.
group
A number of people or things considered together.
Example:The group of players joined the training camp.
travel
To go from one place to another.
Example:The Aces will travel to Los Angeles for their next game.
next
Following in time or order.
Example:They will play the next game in Los Angeles.