PHOENIX — The message has been clear from coach Becky Hammon the past four years.

The Aces are at their best when playing tough defense. It’s what’s made them a dynasty.

The team will try to focus on those words when the WNBA Finals move to Mortgage Matchup Center for Wednesday’s Game 3. The Aces, with a win, can take a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

“I think we started to really play out of (our defense in Game 2),” four-time MVP A’ja Wilson said. “We had some hiccups here and there, but I think that’s what we hung ourselves on.”

It’s a simple formula. The Aces win when their defense is at its best. They’re 22-3, regular season and playoffs, when allowing fewer than 80 points.

They’re 15-14 when giving up 80 or more, including their three losses this postseason.

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