Las Vegas Aces Center A’ja Wilson (22) takes a shot while getting fouled by the Chicago Sky’s Kamilla Cardoso (10) in second half action at T Mobile Center in Las Vegas on Tue Sep 3, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (21-12) won their third game in a row beating the Chicago Sky (11-22) 90-71 Tuesday night at T Mobile Center. The Aces won the second quarter 30-18 but barely squeaked by in the third and fourth quarters.

The Aces actually won every quarter in this game. A’Ja Wilson booked another double double with 30 points and 14 rebounds. The Aces are really in playoff mode right now but face upcoming games this weekend against the two best teams in the WNBA. They will take on the Connecticut Sun Friday and on Sunday they will face the New York Liberty with both games on the road.

Game recap: The Aces were off to the races in the first half of play. They won the opening quarter 17-13 and continued to push the lead leading at the half 47-31. They had won the second quarter convincingly 30-18.

After three quarters, the Aces continued to lead 68-51. The finish of the third quarter was wild with some untimely turnovers and fouls by Chicago. Las Vegas took the 17 point lead into the fourth quarter, ten minutes away from their third win in a row.

After the first three quarters the ever consistent A’Ja Wilson already had a double double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. She has put her team in playoff contention and she needs her team to respond as she has and tonight that is exactly what they did.

With 3:41, the Sky had pulled to within ten points pushing the Aces to their limits. With under three minutes left in the game, the Aces had pushed their lead back out to 14 points, 82-68.

With the Sky trailing by a significant margin and time running out, they were forced to take shots they might normally not take. Chicago suffered turnovers that totaled 13 to the Aces 5. Las Vegas had outplayed them in the fourth winning this game 90-71.

The Aces are really zoned into playoff mode; they have a real playoff vibe lately as this season begins to wind down. They are really starting to click and that will be put to the test on this upcoming road trip.

They will be challenged in their next two road games taking on the first and second ranked teams; the Connecticut Sun and the leagues’ number one New York Liberty. They are stringing wins together now showing some greatly improved effort and they will be ready for this challenge.

A’Ja Wilson finished this game with another double double with 30 points and 14 rebounds. Tiffany Hayes had 20 points and Jackie Young chipped in 15 with six rebounds. Angel Reese had a double double for the Sky with 12 points and 16 rebounds.

Game notes: Tuesday night the Aces were back at home in Las Vegas taking on the Sky with tipoff taking place at T-Mobile Arena a change in venue to accommodate the multitude of fans wishing to take in the game.

The growing popularity of women’s basketball across the nation has forced other teams to also find larger venues. Tuesday night the Aces extended their two-game winning streak to three. The Aces seems to be peaking at just the right time and despite the fact that Kelsey Plum was out for Tuesday night’s game this team was focused and on course, and was poised to win.

Friday the Aces will travel to Connecticut to take on league’s #2 overall the Sun. The Sun fell to the Storm Tuesday afternoon and they were at Mohegan Sun Arena the Suns’ home court so they will be looking to get back on track while the Aces will be looking for a fourth win in a row. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 4:30 PM.