Sami Whitcomb's bid for a third WNBA title has started with an injury scare and a dramatic loss in game one of the finals.

Whitcomb's Phoenix Mercury led for the majority of their series opener against the Las Vegas Aces but ultimately suffered a 89-86 defeat in Nevada on Friday night (local time).

Whitcomb limped off the court and into the locker room during the third quarter with a suspected knee injury.

The Australian veteran returned to the fray, missing a three-pointer during a frantic final three minutes of the contest, but has limited time to rest and recover ahead of game two on Monday morning (AEDT).

The 37-year-old has enjoyed a remarkably successful stretch since the Paris Olympics, when she made her Olympic debut and helped the Opals win a bronze medal.

Whitcomb was crowne

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