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Raiders drop second straight game in 30-23 loss to Buffalo

Published on October 4, 2020October 4, 2020 by psushawnLeave a comment

Buffalo Bills free safety Jordan Poyer, left, and cornerback Josh Norman, right, guard Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Las Vegas. Poyer was called for pass interference on the play. (AP Photo/David Becker)

By Shawn McCullough

The Raiders lost for the first time at their new home, Allegiant Stadium, in a 30-23 defeat to the Buffalo Bills.

“I give our guys credit, we scored 23 points today,” said head coach Jon Gruden. “You know, we played pretty good at times on offense.”

Las Vegas moved to within one point of taking the lead at 17-16 in the third quarter, but Buffalo scored 13 unanswered points to break the game open later in the second half.

Quarterback Derek Carr went 32 for 44 for 311 yards and two touchdowns, one each to Jason Witten and Nelson Agholor, but Carr was frustrated after the game.

“I’m sick of losing,” said Carr. “I’m sick of working as hard as I do and as we do and going out there and losing. I mean, it sucks. Enough is enough.”

Second year running back Josh Jacobs was held to just 15 carries for 48 yards, while tight end Darren Waller led in receiving, catching nine balls for 88 yards.

“I guess it is just a credit to their defense,” said Jacobs on a lackluster rushing game. “They were flying in all of the gaps.”

Waller committed a huge fumble in the Raiders’ first possession of the fourth quarter, which later led to a two yard touchdown run by Bills running back Devin Singletary to put the Bills up 14.

“My fumble was pivotal,” said Waller. “We were going down the field to take the lead and it was the turning point.”

With the loss, the Raiders fell to 2-2 on the season and will next travel to Kansas City to face the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs on Sunday.

“If anybody has played a tougher schedule than us, tell me who has,” said Gruden. “We played Monday night against the Saints, across the country on a short week against the Patriots and the Buffalo Bills are undefeated and a playoff team. And we are not going to get any sympathy next week going to Arrowhead.”

Game Notes:

The Raiders outgained the Bills in total yards, 383-336.
The Raiders turned the ball over twice and QB Derek Carr was sacked x times.
Nine different Raiders players caught at least one ball from QB Derek Carr.
TE Darren Waller was targeted 12 times.

Aces unable to slow down Storm, fall 104-91; Seattle leads series 2-0

Published on October 4, 2020October 4, 2020 by psushawnLeave a comment

Photo credit: WNBA.com

By Shawn McCullough

The Seattle Storm shot 57.1% from the field and dished out a WNBA Finals record 33 assists in a 104-91 win over the Las Vegas Aces at the IMG Bubble in Bradenton, FL.

“They are a very fine basketball team,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “They made the plays when they had to make the plays and they got some good performances from some of their players.”

WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 20 points and seven rebounds, while Emma Cannon came off the bench and scored 17.

“We need to take care of the basketball,” said Wilson. “If we communicate and take care of the basketball, we are right there.”

The Aces turned the ball over 15 times in the game.

Three Storm players finished with over 20 points: Breanna Stewart (22), Alysha Clark (21), Natasha Howard (21).

“That’s why they’re at where they’re at,” said Laimbeer. “Everybody knew coming into this that they had a full contingent with quality players.”

Down 2-0 in the best of five game, the Aces have their backs against the wall heading into game three on Tuesday.

“It ain’t over,” said Laimbeer. “We have been in win or go home now twice, we are 2-0 and we expect to be 3-0.”

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 52% from the field.
Las Vegas was eight for 19 from three-point range.
The Aces out-rebounded the Storm, 34-26.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 35 Angel McCoughtry
C – 4 Carolyn Swords
G – 21 Kayla McBride
G – 3 Danielle Robinson

Aces drop game one of WNBA Finals, 93-80

Published on October 2, 2020October 2, 2020 by psushawnLeave a comment

Las Vegas Aces forward Angel McCoughtry (35) drives to the basket after getting around Seattle Storm forward Breanna Stewart (30) and forward Natasha Howard (6) during the first half of Game 1 of basketball’s WNBA Finals Friday, Oct. 2, 2020, in Bradenton, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

By Shawn McCullough

The Aces just couldn’t match the Storm duo of Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird as Seattle beat Las Vegas 93-80 at the IMG Bubble in Bradenton, FL.

“A lot of things didn’t go right for us today,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “We struggled to score, we struggled to make shots.”

Stewart finished the game with 37 points and 15 rebounds, while Bird had a WNBA Finals record 16 assists.

“I thought that she [Stewart] played very well,” said Laimbeer. “Once her shots start going in, she is going to start knocking in a bunch more.”

The Aces rallied back in the third quarter from 19 down, but couldn’t maintain their intensity in the fourth quarter.

“We worked so hard to get back in that game in the third quarter,” said Laimbeer. “I think it took a lot of gas out of us.”

The Aces were led by forward Angel McCoughtry who scored 20 points, while A’ja Wilson added 19.

“We have been in this situation before and we are in a good position,” said McCoughtry. “We can’t hang our heads. We will adjust for next game.”

“We are in the Finals,” said Wilson. “We have to give it our all and leave it there with no regrets.”

The Storm now lead the best of five series 1-0 heading into game two on Sunday.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot just 35.1% from the field, while Seattle shot 50%.
Las Vegas was 10 for 21 from three-point range.
The Aces out-rebounded the Storm, 39-37.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 35 Angel McCoughtry
C – 4 Carolyn Swords
G – 21 Kayla McBride
G – 3 Danielle Robinson

Aces advance to WNBA Finals with 66-63 win

Published on September 29, 2020September 30, 2020 by psushawnLeave a comment

Las Vegas Aces players celebrate after getting the win over the Connecticut Sun in Game 5 of a WNBA basketball semifinal round playoff series, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020, in Bradenton, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

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 5^th 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

Raiders lose first game of the season to New England, 36-20

Published on September 27, 2020September 27, 2020 by psushawnLeave a comment

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) gets a poke in the eye as he closes in to sack New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

By Shawn McCullough

The Raiders simply couldn’t overcome mistakes as they fell to the New England Patriots, 36-20, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA.

The Raiders fumbled the ball away three times and couldn’t convert multiple times in the redzone.

“There are some issues that add up to a loss,” said head coach Jon Gruden. “I am proud of our team for fighting and I like the effort.”

Las Vegas kept the game close in the first half, trailing just 13-10 at halftime, but the Patriots rolled off 23 points in the second half.

“We came in at halftime and we felt good, but coming out, obviously it got away from us,” said quarterback Derek Carr.

Carr threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns, one each to wide receiver Hunter Renfrow and tight end Foster Moreau.

“I like our team,” said Gruden. “We are a young team, but we do not lack confidence.”

“We are always confident,” said Carr. “We didn’t play our best game, but we made it a game.”

Josh Jacobs led the Raiders on the ground, rushing 16 times for 71 yards.

“We had a couple of drives where we moved the ball very well,” said Jacobs. “We have to just work on redzone execution and try not to beat ourselves in certain situations.”

With the loss, the Raiders fell to 2-1 on the season and will next return home to face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.

Game Notes:

The Raiders were outgained in total yards, 406-375.
Tight end Darren Waller was held to just two catches for nine yards.
Nine different Raiders players caught at least one ball from QB Derek Carr.

Aces force game five, beat Connecticut, 84-75

Published on September 27, 2020September 27, 2020 by psushawnLeave a comment

Photo credit: NBA Photos

By Shawn McCullough

The Aces staved off elimination with an 84-75 win over the Connecticut Sun at the IMG Bubble in Bradenton, FL.

“I thought that we played a very solid basketball game and on to game five,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “They had their opportunity to win, now it’s our opportunity to win.”

Down by one at halftime, Las Vegas went on a 16-7 run in the third quarter to pull away comfortably in the second half.

The Aces were led by veteran forward Angel McCoughtry who scored a game high 29 points.

“Angel wasn’t ready to go home. She really took it over,” said Laimbeer. “She’s got a calmness about here that is good for our team.”

“It was a big game, but we found the fun in it and just enjoyed the moment,” said McCoughtry.

Forward A’ja Wilson registered another double-double, scoring 18 points and pulling down 13 rebounds, while guard Danielle Robinson also added 18.

“It was win or go home,” said Wilson. “But the job is not finished. It is nowhere near done.”

The Aces were without the WNBA’s 6^th Woman of the Year, Dearica Hamby, who missed the game with a right knee injury.

“It was tough when we lost Dearica, but man down, man up,” said Wilson.

The Aces and the Sun will play game five on Tuesday to advance to the WNBA Finals.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces turned the ball over just seven times in the game.
Las Vegas shot 47.9% from the field.
The Aces got only four points off the bench.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 35 Angel McCoughtry
C – 4 Carolyn Swords
G – 21 Kayla McBride
G – 3 Danielle Robinson

Aces falter down the stretch, fall in game three, 77-68

Published on September 24, 2020September 24, 2020 by psushawnLeave a comment

Photo credit: Ned Dishman/NBAE

By Shawn McCullough

The Connecticut Sun rolled off a 20-4 run to finish the game as the Aces fell 77-68 in game three of the WNBA semifinals at the IMG Bubble in Bradenton, FL.

“We took a lead there in the fourth quarter, but ran out of gas,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “We couldn’t make shots, we couldn’t score.”

For the second straight game, the Aces found themselves in a close game in the fourth quarter, but tonight, turnovers and Connecticut offensive rebounds killed Las Vegas.

“How many times can we turn the ball over and expect to win the game?” said forward Angel McCoughtry. “You can’t do that in the playoffs.”

The Aces turned the ball over 15 times, while Connecticut had only four turnovers in the game.

A’ja Wilson led the Aces with a double-double, scoring 20 points and pulling down 12 rebounds.

“Bill [Laimbeer] always says, playoff games are really about turnovers, offensive rebounds and free throws and we lost in all of those categories,” said Wilson.

The Aces will try to stave off elimination in game four of the best of five series on Sunday.

“It’s not over yet,” said guard Danielle Robinson. “We just play free and go out there and win the next game.”

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot just 38.8% from the field.
Las Vegas allowed the Sun to pull down 14 offensive rebounds.
The Aces went 5 for 14 from three point range.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 35 Angel McCoughtry
C – 4 Carolyn Swords
G – 21 Kayla McBride
G – 3 Danielle Robinson

Aces bounce back to even series with Sun in 83-75 win

Published on September 22, 2020September 22, 2020 by psushawnLeave a comment

Photo credit: AP Photo

By Shawn McCullough

The Aces needed a spark after a game one loss and found exactly that in the WNBA MVP.

A’ja Wilson scored 29 points, pulled down seven rebounds and blocked seven shots to lead the Aces past the Connecticut Sun, 83-75 at the IMG Bubble in Bradenton, FL.

“She kept us in the game the whole way and then won the game for us down the stretch,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer of Wilson. “That’s what leaders do. That’s what MVPs do.”

The Aces improved defensively from game one, holding the Sun to 44.9% from the field and causing 17 turnovers.

“Defense won this game for us,” said Wilson. “When you get stops, the offense just flows into it.”

“I think that when we have the mentality that we are the best defensive team in the league, that is what carries us,” said guard Kayla McBride.

Angel McCoughtry, Dearica Hamby and McBride each added 11 points.

The best of five series is now tied one game apiece heading into game three on Thursday.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

A’ja Wilson’s 29 points were a career playoff high.
Bill Laimbeer is now 9-1 following a double-digit loss in a playoff series.
He has won five of his last six series when losing game one.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 35 Angel McCoughtry
C – 4 Carolyn Swords
G – 3 Danielle Robinson
G – 21 Kayla McBride

Raiders shock Saints in Las Vegas debut, 34-24

Published on September 21, 2020September 21, 2020 by psushawnLeave a comment

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes in the first half during the Raiders’ first home game against the New Orleans Saints at Allegiant Stadium Monday, Sept. 21, 2020. (Photo: Steve Marcus)

By Shawn McCullough

The first NFL game ever played in Las Vegas was a good one for the Raiders.

Las Vegas rolled to a 34-24 win over the New Orleans Saints at the new Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

“Thrilled for being a part of our first win here in our stadium against a great team,” said head coach Jon Gruden.

Quarterback Derek Carr led the offense going 28 for 38 for 282 yards and three touchdowns.

“I am really proud of our guys to sticking with our rules and trusting the game plan,” said Carr. “We got a lot of good football players. We got a lot of good football character guys.”

“This guy is a great quarterback,” said Gruden about Carr. “We have surrounded him with better players.”

Down 10-0 in the 1st quarter, Carr hit fullback Alec Ingold on a three yard pass for the first touchdown in Las Vegas Raiders history at Allegiant Stadium.

“I was real thankful that that preparation, the hard work, my coaches and my teammates trusted me to get that number called,” said Ingold on his touchdown catch.

After later falling down 17-7 in the 2^nd quarter, the Raiders rolled off 24 straight points including a one yard touchdown pass from Carr to tight end Darren Waller.

“Our offensive balance right now is amazing,” said Waller. “We could see it coming from training camp.”

Waller caught 12 balls for 103 yards and a touchdown.

Up just one score at 31-24 with 3:28 left in the game, Gruden called on kicker Daniel Carlson to seal the win with a 54 yard field goal.

With the win, the Raiders improved to 2-0 on the season and will next travel to Foxboro on Sunday to face the 1-1 New England Patriots.

Game Notes:

The Raiders were outgained in total yards, 424-375.
New Orleans committed 10 penalties for 129 yards, while the Raiders had just 3 penalties for 13 yards.
Running back Josh Jacobs rushed 27 times for 88 yards.
Raiders owner Mark Davis was not in attendance and held a watch party at the team’s Henderson headquarters.

Aces stunned by Sun in first playoff game, 87-62

Published on September 20, 2020September 20, 2020 by psushawnLeave a comment

Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson, left, drives against Connecticut Sun’s Alyssa Thomas in Bradenton, FL. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)

By Shawn McCullough

The #1 seed Las Vegas Aces fell to the #7 seed Connecticut Sun, 87-62, at the IMG Bubble in Bradenton, FL in the first game of the best of five WNBA semifinal series.

“We got beat soundly, they [Connecticut] came and played harder than us,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “We just didn’t play well offensively.”

Connecticut held the Aces to just 33.8% from the field and 1 for 14 from three point range.

“We shot the ball horribly today,” said WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson. “That’s just on us.”

Wilson led the Aces with 19 points and pulled down nine rebounds.

“It was a great loss for us,” said Wilson. “I think that we needed to get beat and we needed that slap in the face.”

Guard Jackie Young came off the bench and scored 17.

“A’ja did what she had to do to keep us somewhat competitive until the second half when Jackie found her stroke,” said Laimbeer.

The Aces beat the Sun twice in blowouts in the regular season, 99-78 on August 20^th and 93-78 on September 3^rd.

“We didn’t want to start 0-1, but I think that we learned a lot about how hard we have to play in this playoff atmosphere,” said guard Kayla McBride. “We just have to respond.“

The Aces and the Sun will play game two of the best of five series on Tuesday.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes: