By Shawn McCullough

The Aces fell to 2.5 games back of third place Minnesota in a 98-87 loss to the Lynx at Michelob Ultra Arena.

“Some of our big studs were not grinding tonight,” said head coach Becky Hammon. “We made so many mistakes and it was my big dogs.”

Guard Jackie Young led the Aces with 26 points, going six for eight from three-point range.

“I think we just have to do a better job executing the game plan and not making as many mistakes,” said Young.

Kelsey Plum scored 20 points, while A’ja Wilson added 15 points and nine rebounds.

“They shot 60% from the field and they made us pay,” said Plum. “They were better than us tonight.”

The WNBA is coming off a break for the 2024 Olympics, but six Aces players traveled, played in France and didn’t have any time off.

“There is a point in the season where it becomes mental,” said Plum. “Obviously people have had a month off, but six of us haven’t.”

With the loss, Las Vegas fell to 17-10 on the season.

The Aces will head out on a three-game road trip starting in Minnesota on Friday against the same Lynx team.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Lynx shot 59.4% from the field.
Las Vegas went 13 for 30 from three-point range.
The Aces were outrebounded by the Lynx, 31-28.

Game Starters:

C – 41 Kiah Stokes
F – 0 Jackie Young
F – 22 A’ja Wilson
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

None