LAS VEGAS (AP) — Before Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, coach Becky Hammon made a bold statement about her bench, considering the reserves who helped the Las Vegas Aces win back-to-back championships in 2022 and ’23.

“The bench has really been a difference maker … I think we have the best overall bench that we’ve had since I’ve been here,” said Hammon, who is in her fourth year with the Aces.

Those reserves made her look prophetic, providing the spark the Aces needed in an 89-86 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Friday to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Dana Evans led the reserves wiith 21 points and Jewell Loyd poured in 18. Evans became the first player in WNBA Finals history to make five 3-pointers and register four steals in a game.

“I want to come in and be a spark” Evans

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