Full Breakdown
Commissioner's Cup Midseason: Aces Edge Lynx, Wings Dominate Mercury
6/14/2026, 2:28:13 PM
Core Matchups and Outcomes
On June 13, the Las Vegas Aces beat the Minnesota Lynx 100-97 at Michelob Ultra Arena, extending their six-game winning streak and moving to 5-0 in the Western Conference Cup race. Two days earlier, the Dallas Wings routed the Phoenix Mercury 85-70 at College Park Center, with Paige Bueckers scoring 31 points on 70 % shooting.
Background & Context
The WNBA Commissioner's Cup, inaugurated in 2021, runs June 1-17 and culminates in a final on June 30. Each conference’s team with the best Cup record advances to the final, competing for a $500,000 prize pool and charitable donations selected by the clubs. Players describe the Cup as “a midseason measuring stick.”
Key Performers
- Chelsea Gray (Aces) – 23 points, seven assists; tied the single-game record with six 3-pointers on Thursday and matched the season record with 15 threes over two games.
- A’ja Wilson (Aces) – 24 points, 10 rebounds; reached 6,000 career points in 278 games, the fastest in league history.
- Olivia Miles (Lynx) – 29 points, leading Minnesota’s offense.
- Paige Bueckers (Wings) – 31 points on 14-of-19 shooting, zero free-throw attempts; 6 rebounds, 5 assists.
- Azzi Fudd (Wings) – 17 points, 4 assists, 3 blocks.
Data & Statistics
- Aces shot 54 % overall, 44 % from three, and were 17-of-19 (89 %) from the line in the final 44.3 seconds.
- Lynx entered the game on an eight-game winning streak; the loss ended that run.
- Wings shot 58 % overall, held Mercury to 39 % shooting and forced 16 turnovers.
- Cup standings after the games: Aces 5-0 West, Lynx 4-0 West; New York Liberty leads the East at 4-0.
Impact on the Cup Race
The Aces’ victory solidifies their conference lead and sets up two remaining Cup games against Dallas (Monday) and Phoenix (Wednesday). The Lynx remain second in the West but must defend their lead. The Wings improve to 8-4 overall, but their win does not place them in immediate Cup contention.
Official Statements & Responses
Aces coach Becky Hammon stressed defensive adjustments, noting both teams’ displeasure with allowing 100 and 97 points. Guard Chelsea Gray called the Cup “a midseason measuring stick” and highlighted its charitable purpose. Lynx forward Kayla McBride praised Wilson’s caliber while acknowledging the challenge. Wings coach Jose Fernandez lauded Bueckers’ “special night,” citing her comfort level and versatility.
Criticism & Opposition
Both Hammon and Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve expressed frustration over defensive lapses, indicating that conceding near-100 points is unacceptable. Analysts noted a perceived cooling of the historic Aces-Lynx rivalry after the Lynx’s eight-game streak.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on Bueckers’ 31 points and shooting efficiency, but the exact number of free-throw attempts is omitted in several accounts, leaving a minor data gap.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's always good to play for charity and a bigger purpose, and you know everybody likes money, right?” — Chelsea Gray, Guard, Las Vegas Aces
- “I'm sure both me and [Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve] are going to be looking at the defensive end. She's not happy giving up 100, and I'm not happy giving up 97. At the end of the day, it was probably fun to watch. But one of those games that, as a coach, probably drives you crazy.” — Becky Hammon, Head Coach, Las Vegas Aces
- “I think that's always something that's on top of your list, but they're champs for a reason. They play really well together, they know each other, and it's always a challenge…It's another test for us.” — Kayla McBride, Guard, Minnesota Lynx
- “There’s a comfort level to her. When she gets going, it’s easy to put her in spots — at the elbow, on the nail, post her up — that’s why she’s one of the best in the world.” — Jose Fernandez, Head Coach, Dallas Wings
- “Paige Bueckers or Supergirl Before the game in a broadcast interview, Bueckers said the team just wants to win.” — Paige Bueckers, Guard, Dallas Wings
- “I think she has a really great gift that — you know, some guys, they can pressure and keep the ball in front of them. She can anticipate where the ball handler’s going and generate jump balls and get her hands on it. Credit to her.” — Jose Fernandez, Head Coach, Dallas Wings
What’s Next
The Aces will host Dallas on Monday and travel to Phoenix on Wednesday to complete their Cup schedule before the June 30 final. The Lynx aim to preserve their Western lead, while the Wings look to sustain momentum as the regular season progresses.
