Napheesa Collier Reacts to A’ja Wilson’s Game-Winning Shot as Aces Take Game 3 Thriller | WNBA Finals

The 2025 WNBA Finals just delivered one of its most dramatic moments yet — a last-second dagger from A’ja Wilson lifted the Las Vegas Aces over the Phoenix Mercury, 84–83, in a nail-biting Game 3. The shot not only stunned the crowd but sent shockwaves across the league, with players and fans reacting in disbelief — including Napheesa Collier, who shared her raw reaction live on SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt (SVP).

As Wilson’s buzzer-beater swished through the net, the arena exploded. The reigning MVP dropped 32 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, and reminded everyone why she’s the face of the Aces’ dynasty chase. But it was Collier’s reaction — a mix of admiration and astonishment — that instantly went viral.

“That’s the type of moment that defines greatness,” Collier said on SC with SVP. “A’ja’s confidence never wavers. You could see it in her eyes before she even got the ball — she knew she was hitting that shot.”

Collier, who led the Minnesota Lynx deep into the playoffs before being eliminated, praised Wilson’s mental toughness and leadership, adding that this Finals series has been “some of the best basketball” the WNBA has produced in years.

On the opposite bench, DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas struggled to contain Wilson down the stretch. The Mercury duo combined for 38 points but couldn’t match the Aces’ relentless energy in the closing minutes. Head coach Becky Hammon called Wilson’s performance “legendary,” adding, “That’s what MVPs do — they show up when everything’s on the line.”

The Aces’ victory puts them one win away from capturing back-to-back championships, further cementing their status as the league’s dominant powerhouse. Kelsey Plum added 19 points and several clutch assists, while Chelsea Gray, back from injury, controlled the tempo in the final two minutes.

Meanwhile, Collier’s candid postgame analysis brought attention to the growing competitiveness across the league. “What I love is how much heart both teams played with,” she said. “You can feel how much the WNBA has grown — the passion, the fan energy, the storylines. This is the moment women’s basketball has been building toward.”

Social media erupted following her comments. Fans applauded Collier for showing grace and support toward a rival star, calling her reaction “classy” and “refreshingly authentic.” Others joked that her reaction “should be framed as art” — especially after ESPN’s clip of her jaw-dropping moment hit over a million views within hours.

As the Finals head into Game 4, the pressure now shifts entirely onto Phoenix. The Mercury must regroup quickly or watch the Aces hoist another championship trophy. For A’ja Wilson, though, the mission is clear: one more win to seal her legacy.

And for Napheesa Collier — like millions watching — all she could say was: