A night of celebration quickly turned into a tough lesson for the Las Vegas Aces, as they fell to the Phoenix Mercury 99-66 at T-Mobile Arena on May 9, 2026. The game, which began with the Aces receiving their championship rings from the 2025 season, ended with the defending champions on the wrong side of a lopsided scoreline.

Before tip-off, the atmosphere was electric. Team owner Mark Davis stood by, waiting to honor his squad, while special guest Tom Brady joined the pregame festivities. The ring ceremony brought smiles and hugs, with President Nikki Fargas embracing Davis as she accepted her ring, and head coach Becky Hammon receiving hers from the owner. Star center A'ja Wilson proudly showed off her ring, and forward Kiersten Bell beamed as she celebrated the team's past success.

But once the ball was in the air, the Mercury had other plans. Phoenix guard Kiana Williams sliced through the Aces' defense, while forward Natasha Mack provided tough resistance on the other end. For Las Vegas, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus drove hard to the basket, and guard Chennedy Carter pushed the pace, but the team struggled to find its rhythm. Despite the championship glow from the pregame ceremony, the Aces couldn't translate that energy into a win on the court.

Photographer Kalin Sipes was there to capture every moment—from the ring presentations to the on-court action—offering a full visual story of a night that mixed triumph with adversity for the Las Vegas Aces.