Photo credit: Shawn McCullough, Sports Radio Service
By Shawn McCullough
Diana Taurasi and Brittany Griner combined for 52 points as the Phoenix Mercury won their eighth straight game beating the Las Vegas Aces 92-80 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on Sunday night.
A’ja Wilson scored 21 points and pulled down 11 rebounds while Kayla McBride scored 20.
Wilson, in just her 12th professional game, learned in-game from facing Griner and adjusted as the game progressed.
“I had to knock a couple down in front of her, then I could use my versatility,” said Wilson.
Griner did have very good things to say about Wilson.
“She’s an awesome player,” said Griner. “I would be very shocked if she doesn’t get rookie of the year. She’s just going and scoring. I am excited to see how she grows.”
Getting two wins during their recent four game road trip gave the young Aces momentum.
“The road trip was really good for us to get wins on the road and we carried some momentum,” said McBride. “We are still learning, still growing and trying to get better.”
“We are getting better,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “We are still very young, but we are learning. I am seeing great progress.”
The Aces are now 3-9 on the season and next travel to Seattle to play the Storm on Tuesday.
The Aces next home game will be on Friday, June 22nd against the New York Liberty at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.
Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com
Game Starters:
F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 1 Tamera Young
C – 19 JiSu Park
G – 21 Kayla McBride
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
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