By Shawn McCullough

The new look Las Vegas Aces lost their season opener to the defending WNBA champion Seattle Storm, 97-83, in Seattle, WA.

“It was a good first game for us to get our feet wet, but this is one that we know is a learning experience,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer.

The Aces had just one starter, A’ja Wilson, who was in the starting lineup last season. 

“We have been playing with each other for maybe a week,” said Wilson.  “It’s just team chemistry.  We need to come together.”

Wilson finished the game with 24 points and five rebounds.

After sitting out the 2020 season, center Liz Cambage returned to the Aces and added 16 points.

“I had a lot of jitters tonight and I came out a bit nervous,” said Cambage.  “I want to do my best for this team.”

Former Los Angeles guard Chelsea Gray made her Aces debut, scoring seven points.

Guard Jackie Young moved into a starting role this season going 6 for 15 from the field for 12 points.

With the loss to Seattle, the Aces have now lost four straight games to the Storm dating back to last season’s WNBA Finals.

Las Vegas will next have a rematch with the Storm in Seattle on Tuesday night.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

• The Aces shot 43.8% from the field and went 3 for 12 from three point range.
• Las Vegas turned the ball over just six times.
• The Aces scored just 14 points in the second quarter.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 3 Riquna Williams
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
G – 12 Chelsea Gray