By Shawn McCullough

LAS VEGAS–The defending back-to-back WNBA world champions started the season with an 89-80 win over the Phoenix Mercury at Michelob Ultra Arena.

“It’s the first game of the season and it looked like it,” said head coach Becky Hammon. “We will take the win. It wasn’t pretty, but it shows us that we have room for improvement.”

The Aces were led by forward A’ja Wilson, who dropped 30 points and pulled down 13 rebounds.

“I just kind of took what the defense was giving me,” said Wilson. “My teammates fed me the ball and I was appreciative.”

Guard Jackie Young scored 23 points, while Kelsey Plum added 19.

“Today was our first game and tried to just shake off the nerves,” said Young. “We tried to be aggressive and execute our game plan.”

Las Vegas was without starting guard Chelsea Gray, who was out with a lower left leg injury.

“We don’t have our point guard right now,” said Wilson of Gray. “We are all trying to compensate for the organizer on the court who is gone.”

During pre-game, the Aces raised their second world championship banner and were presented with their championship rings.

“Ring night is always special,” said Young. “We were trying to have fun and enjoy the moment, but also remember that we have a game to play.”

The Aces will next play at home on Saturday against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 40.8% from the field.
Las Vegas went just six for 29 from three-point range.
Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady gave a pre-game speech in the Aces locker room.

Game Starters:

C – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 41 Kiah Stokes
F – 7 Alysha Clark
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 0 Jackie Young

Aces Injury Report:

Chelsea Gray, Out, Lower Left Leg