Survival

The first game of a best-of-seven affair is rarely definitive, but it often sets the temperature for the rest of the series. At the Michelob ULTRA Arena the other day, it burned slowly and steadily in a contest that rewarded poise rather than precision. The Aces outlasted the Mercury despite the latter’s scorching-hot opening; starting guard Kahleah Copper scored 19 by halftime to lead an offense that made more than half its shots from the field.

- ANTHONY L. CUAYCONG

As the night wore on, however, the rhythm gave way to disjointed notes, and the lead thinned until it vanished altogether. Even as there was no collapse, the gradual erosion could not be denied.