The Phoenix Mercury appeared poised to pull off one of their biggest wins of the season Wednesday night before a disastrous second half allowed the Las Vegas Aces to leave Mortgage Matchup Center with an 86-76 victory.

Phoenix entered halftime with a 49-45 lead after one of its most efficient offensive halves of the season. The Mercury shot 60 percent from the field during the opening two quarters and knocked down seven three-pointers while controlling the tempo against one of the WNBA's top teams.

The momentum shifted quickly after halftime.

Las Vegas tightened its defensive pressure and began forcing turnovers all over the floor. The Mercury struggled to handle the Aces' aggressive defense, committing 22 turnovers that repeatedly led to transition scoring opportunities.

The Aces outscored Phoenix 23-15 in the third quarter and 18-12 in the fourth, turning a four-point halftime deficit into a comfortable road victory.

A'ja Wilson once again proved why she is one of the league's most dominant players. Wilson finished with 33 points, 11 rebounds, five steals, and two blocks while leading the second-half comeback. Jackie Young added 20 points, nine assists, and a career-high five steals, while NaLyssa Smith contributed 21 points on an efficient 8-of-10 shooting performance.

Despite the loss, Kahleah Copper delivered one of her strongest performances of the season for Phoenix. Copper scored 26 points and consistently attacked the basket throughout the night. Alyssa Thomas added a double-double with 10 points and 11 assists, but the Mercury point guard also committed six turnovers as Las Vegas increased its defensive intensity.

What made the loss especially frustrating for Phoenix was that the Mercury actually shot better than the Aces. Phoenix finished the game shooting 47.4 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three-point range, while Las Vegas shot 45.6 percent overall and just 23.8 percent from beyond the arc.

The difference came down to possessions.

Las Vegas committed only nine turnovers compared to Phoenix's 22. The Aces also recorded 18 steals, tying the highest single-game total in the WNBA this season. Those extra possessions allowed Las Vegas to overcome its shooting disadvantage and take control of the game during the final 20 minutes.

The loss dropped the Mercury to 4-12 on the season and extended their losing streak to four games. Phoenix also fell to 1-6 at home this year, continuing a difficult start at Mortgage Matchup Center.

​For much of the first half, the Mercury looked capable of upsetting one of the WNBA's elite teams. However, against a championship contender like Las Vegas, taking care of the basketball is essential. Phoenix learned that lesson the hard way as turnovers erased an impressive start and allowed the Aces to rally for an important road win.

Past Mercury Articles:
Phoenix Mercury Fall to Los Angeles Sparks in Overtime Despite Kahleah Copper's Career Night 
Paige Bueckers Explodes for 31 as Dallas Wings Defeat Phoenix Mercury 85-70 

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