By Shawn McCullough
The Las Vegas Aces are now three wins away from a WNBA championship.
The Aces grinded out a 66-63 win over the Connecticut Sun in game five of the WNBA Semifinals at the IMG Bubble in Bradenton, FL.
“It became a test of wills,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “It was an ugly basketball game, but our team learned a tremendous amount about themselves.”
The Aces clamped down on defense in the second half giving up just 18 points in the final two quarters combined.
“We played solid defense and rebounded very well,” said Laimbeer on the second half defense. “Both teams were tired and I think that contributed on holding them to 18 points.”
Las Vegas forward A’ja Wilson put the team on her shoulders, registering a double-double, scoring 23 points and pulling down 11 rebounds while playing every minute of the game.
“I knew that I would have to grind it out and I would be on the court a lot more,” said Wilson. “At the end of the day, I know that I had to give it my all.”
Forward Angel McCoughtry scored 20 points, while both Carolyn Swords and Daniele Robinson each pulled down 10 rebounds.
McCoughtry will play in her fourth WNBA Final series, the only Aces player to play in the Finals.
“It means a lot [on getting back to the Finals],” said McCoughtry. “It’s amazing.”
The Aces will next face the Seattle Storm in a five game series for the championship. Las Vegas beat Seattle in both games in the regular season.
“The job’s not done,” said Wilson. “We just have to keep going.”
The Aces and the Storm will play game one on Friday.
Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com
Game Notes:
- Bill Laimbeer will coach in his 5th WNBA Finals.
- Las Vegas shot just 35.5% from the field.
- The Aces finished the game with 18 turnovers.
Game Starters:
F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 35 Angel McCoughtry
C – 4 Carolyn Swords
G – 21 Kayla McBride
G – 3 Danielle Robinson
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