Author: Sports Radio Service

NBA Playoffs podcast Michael Roberson: Knicks take 2-0 lead on Celtics; Thunder even series with Nuggets

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) blocks a pass from the Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (right) in the second half at TD Garden in Boston on Wed May 7, 2025 (AP News photo)

NBA Playoffs podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 The New York Knicks were down 20 points but big help from Mikal Bridges. For the second night in a row Bridges stole the ball for a game ending steal and the Knicks once again came away with a razor close 91-90 win to take a 2-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

#2 The Knicks Jalen Brunson scored 17 points and hit two free throws and did it all with just 12.7 second left in the game. Every basket counted in this game for the Knicks to pull this one off.

#3  Turning to the Oklahoma City Thunder Shai Gilgeous-Alexander erupted for 34 points in three quarter of work against the Denver Nuggets in a 149-106 landslide in game 2 of the Western Conference Finals tying the series at 1-1.

#4 The Thunder who scored 87 points in the first half set an NBA playoff record for the most points in a first half. The previous holder were the Cleveland Cavaliers who did it against the Golden State Warriors with 86 points in game 4 of the NBA Finals on June 9, 2017.

#5 Please tell us your predictions for the Nuggets and Thunder’s next game this Fri May 9 in Denver with this series tied up 1-1 and the Celtics at Knicks for game 3 this Sat May 10th at Madison Square Garden with the Knicks leading the series 2-0.

Michael Roberson is a NBA analyst for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Earthquakes take down Republic 2-1 in Round of 32 of U.S. Open Cup

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Jose Earthquakes striker Amahl Pellegrino celebrates his first half goal teammate Preston Judd during the Earthquakes 2-1 win over the Sacramento Republic at Pay Pal Park on Wednesday MAY 7, 2025. (San Jose Earthquakes)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — The San Jose Earthquakes scored two goals in the first half and hung on to defeat the Sacramento Republic 2-1 in the Round of 32 of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday evening at Pay Pal Park.

San Jose snapped their two-match losing streak against Sacramento and advanced to the round of 16 to take on the Portland Timbers on either May 20th or 21st. Sacramento bows out of the tournament after just one match.

“We made a 4-0 game into a 2-1 game. That part is disappointing, but it was positive to see the number of players on the field tonight that we haven’t given a whole lot of minutes and try to make some assessment of where they are.” Quakes head coach Bruce Arena said.

The Earthquakes drew first blood in the second minute of the match. Preston Judd crossed the ball into the middle where unmarked Amahl Pellegrino drilled a right footed shot past Republic goalkeeper Jared Mazzola for his first goal of the tournament.

San Jose doubled its lead in the 44th minute. Nick Lima sent a ball into the middle of the box. Niko Tsakiris made a touch pass off of his knee up over to Judd who beat Mazzola with a low shot for his first goal of the tournament.

“Any time out there I want to play as much as I can, so I don’t want to put myself in a position where I have to go out. … but getting the W is the main thing, and we’re happy about that the most, so now we’re looking forward to the game Saturday,” Judd said.

Sacramento didn’t record its first shot on net until the 68th minute.

Tsakiris played one of his best matches in an Earthquakes kit, creating numerous scoring chances for his teammates throughout the match.

“Tonight, there were moments and opportunities that I felt were open for me and moments where I felt like I could have done better. That’s all part of it. Getting these minutes were valuable for me and for this year. [I’m] just looking to take this and move forward with it,” Tsakiris said.

Jamar Ricketts was given a red card and an automatic ejection in the 83rd minute when he made a dangerous tackle against a Republic midfielder.

The Republic scored in the fifth minute of stoppage when Trevor Aman scored in the final minute of stoppage time when he curled around Quakes goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr. for his first goal of the tournament.

GAME NOTES: The Earthquakes now hold a 22-19 all-time record in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play and 19-6 against non-MLS clubs.

The Quakes and Republic have now met six times in the U.S. Open Cup, with the home side winning all six contests. Host San Jose defeated Sacramento in 2014 (2-1), 2015 (2-2 regulation; 6-5 PKs) and 2019 (4-3), while the Republic won in 2022 (2-0) and 2024 (4-3 after extra time).

Hernán López made his first appearance since the second game of the MLS docket on March 1. The midfielder underwent right shoulder surgery March 14. He entered the match in the 66th minute.

Benji Kikanović made his 2025 debut in the 79th minute after undergoing knee surgery in January. The forward was born in San Jose but grew up in the Sacramento area, featuring collegiately for Sacramento State University (2018-19) and scoring nine goals in 34 games.

UP NEXT: San Jose returns to MLS action as they take on the Colorado Rapids on Saturday May 9th at 6:30pm at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

NBA Playoffs podcast Jessica Kwong Tue May 6, 2025: Pacers Haliburton hits key jumper to beat Cavs; Timberwolves send videos to NBA of non calls by officials; plus more NBA news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Tyrese Haliburton is congratulated by teammates Myles Turner (33), Andrew Nembhard (2), and Obbi Toppin (top right) after hitting a 3 pointer with 1.1 seconds left in the game for the game winner against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quick and Loans Arena in Cleveland in game 2 of the NBA Playoffs on Tue May 6, 2025 (AP News photo)

Headline Sports podcast Jessica Kwong Wed May 7, 2025:

# 1 The Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton hit a three point shot with just 1.1 seconds left on Tuesday night in game 2 in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Haliburton took the all outside of the arc and hit a jumper that shocked the top notch Cleveland Cavaliers 120-119. The Cavaliers are now 0-2.

#2 The Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch said that the Wolves had handed over clips of what was said were egregious contacts and fouls committed against center Rudy Gobert when the Timberwolves lost 99-88 in Game 1 against the Golden State Warriors. The Timberwolves say that the officials failed to make any calls against Golden State.

#3 Former Los Angeles Lakers player and coach Byron Scott is facing a lawsuit that was filed accusing Scott of assaulting a 15 year old girl who is now 26 today at her high school event in 1987. The lawsuit was filed in December 2022 and was amended May 1st. The lawsuit accuses Scott of sexual battery and false imprisonment. Scott had asked the court to have him named by “John Doe” but the court went forward and named Scott by name.

#4  Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is probable for game 2 in the Eastern Conference semifinal against the New York Knicks. Porzingis was out with an illness on Monday during game 1 and missed the second half of the game. Also reserve player Sam Hauser is a scratch due to a sprained ankle and did not play in game 2.

#5 The Sacramento Kings have hired long time NBA coach Mike Woodson as an assistant who will join head coach Doug Christie. Woodson was coach with the Indiana Pacers for the last four years. Woodson was a player at Indiana University between 1976 to 1980 under former head coach Bobby Knight and in 1980 was a first round draft pick by the New York Knicks.

Join Jessica every other Wednesday for Headline Sports podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Barracuda end season with a 3-1 loss in 2nd round of Calder Cup Playoffs

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Jose Barracuda vs Colorado Eagles on Wednesday May 7th at Blue Arena (via sjbarracuda/x)

By Madison Montez

Before San Jose officially scored the first goal of the game, both San Jose and Colorado had goals taken away from them. In the first period, Jack Thompson scored but Danil Guschin was in the crease, causing the goal to not count. In the second period, Colorado thought they scored but instead it was ruled that the Eagles pushed Askarov into the net, causing the goal to not count.

Wednesday night’s game was a goalie duel, neither team allowing a goal through two periods of the hockey game. In his Calder Cup playoff debut, Igor Cherynosov scored his first AHL goal to give San Jose the lead. Lucas Carlsson recorded the lone assist. Colorado quickly tied the game a minute and seventeen seconds later, Chase Bradley with his first Calder Cup playoff goal.

On their last powerplay opportunity, Colorado took advantage to get their first lead of the game with five minutes left of the game. Tye Felhaber who has scored two goals this series, scored once again to give them the lead. To seal the win, Jason Polin scored an empty net goal to secure the 3-1 win.

In a close game like Wednesday night’s, shots were equal between the two teams. After the first period, San Jose outshot Colorado eleven to nine. After the second period, San Jose outshot Colorado again, this time 14-9. To end the game, Colorado outshot San Jose 12-9.

Although a very physical game, both teams were nearly equally given power-play opportunities. San Jose went to the box four times and Colorado went five times. San Jose was given a four minute power play opportunity when Jacob MacDonald took a four-minute double minor for a high sticking penalty. Colorado took advantage of their last opportunity.

After getting taken out before the overtime period in Tuesday’s game, Yaroslav Akarov got the start for San Jose. Askarov recording the loss, made 27 saves on 29 shots. Askarov ended the season with a record of 11-10. For Colorado, they also went with the same goalie, with Trent Miner in goal. Miner, recording the win, made 34 saves on 35 shots. Up until this point, Miner’s record is 23-10.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

  • 1. Tye Felhaber
  • 2. Chase Bradley
  • 3. Trent Miner

Mariners come back late for second day in a row to take series with 6-5 win over A’s

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Seattle Mariners Leody Taveras (4) steals second base on Sacramento Athletics second baseman Luis Urias (17) in the top of the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento on Wed May 7, 2025 (AP News photo)

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Sutter Health Park

West Sacramento, California

Seattle Mariners 6 (22-14)

Sacramento Athletics 5 (20-18)

Win: Eduard Bazardo (1-0)

Loss: Noah Murdock (1-1)

Save: Andres Munoz (13)

Time: 2:58

Attendance: 9,657

By Stephen Ruderman

WEST SACRAMENTO–For the second day in a row, the Sacramento A’s blew a late lead and lost a tough one, as the Seattle Mariners came back from down 5-0 to take the series with a 6-5 win.

Wednesday, the A’s looked to win a series against the Mariners, who went into Sunday riding high on a six-game winning streak. The A’s came mighty close last night, but the Mariners scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning off Tyler Ferguson to hand the A’s a tough loss.

Leading the charge for Sacramento, as they looked to bounce back today would be Gunnar Hoglund making his second big league start. In his major league debut in Miami last Friday, he gave up just a run and struck out seven against the Marlins. Wednesday, Hoglund would be tested against one of the stronger teams in Baseball.

Hoglund started off nicely with a scoreless top of the first inning. The A’s offense was then ready to give him some support in the bottom of the first against Mariners’ starter Bryan Woo.

Jacob Wilson started the inning with an infield hit, and Tyler Soderstrom singled him over to third base. Brent Rooker was unable to get the job done, as he popped out to second-baseman Dylan Moore. That brought up Miguel Andujar, who grounded a single into left field that put the A’s on the board.

JJ Bleday then came up, and he lined a double out into the gap in right-center that scored a pair to make it 3-0. The A’s were unable to add on any further, but they had made an early statement following their tough loss Tuesday night.

Hoglund pitched two more scoreless innings in the second and third, and he threw his first one, two, three inning of the day in the top of the fourth.

Lawrence Butler led off the bottom of the fourth with a home run to right-center to make it 4-0. Seth Brown then singled with one out, and advanced to second on a ground out by Jhonny Pereda. Wilson came up with two outs, and slashed a double off the end of the bat that deflected off the glove of the diving first-baseman, Rowdy Tellez, down the right field line. That knocked in Brown, and the A’s now led it 5-0.

Perhaps, things were coming too easily for the A’s. The fact of the matter was that they were not going to be able to take two of three from a strong Mariners’ team without a fight.

Dylan Moore lined a base-hit to right with one out in the top of the fifth and stole second. Ben Williamson came up, and he shot a double just over the glove of left-fielder Seth Brown and into the gap in left-center to put the Mariners on the board.

Hoglund walked Cal Raleigh with one out in the top of the sixth, and that did it for the A’s young righty. In came Mitch Spence, who walked Randy Arozarena to put runners at first and second with one out for Seattle. Tellez came up and gulfed a three-run shot to right, and suddenly it was 5-4.

It was an unfortunate end to what was otherwise another solid outing by Hoglund, who ended up getting tagged for four runs.

Woo, who had hung in there despite the rough innings he faced in the first and fourth, finished his day with a scoreless bottom of sixth.

T.J. McFarland retired the first two men he faced in the top of the seventh, but he gave up a double to Jorge Polanco with two outs. Noah Murdock came in and got Julio Rodriguez to ground out to keep the A’s ahead.

Unfortunately, Murdock and the A’s would not be as lucky in the top of the eighth. Arozarena walked with one out, and Miles Mastrobuoni pinch-ran and stole second. Murdock was a strike away from getting out of the inning, as he was ahead of Leody Taveras 1-2, but Taveras grounded one just past the diving third-baseman, Miguel Andujar into left field for a base-hit. Mastrobuoni, and the game was tied.

Taveras then stole second, and Moore lined a double to right-center field to give the Mariners their first lead of the day. For the second day in a row, the A’s had blown a late lead, but you really have to give credit to the Mariners, who are just a good team.

Eduard Bazardo and Gabe Speier combined for a one, two, three bottom of the eighth. Mariners’ closer Andres Munoz came in for the bottom of the ninth, and while Luis Urias led off the inning with a base-hit, Munoz retired the next three to end it.

Eduard Buzardo got the win for the Mariners; Noah Murdock took the loss; and Andres Munoz picked up his 13th save.

The A’s fall to 20-18, and they will have to face another good team in the Yankees, who will make their first trip to Sacramento over the weekend.

Aaron Judge and the Yankees will indeed come in with their torpedo bats—though Judge does not use one—to hit home runs out of the most intimate ballpark in Major League Baseball starting Friday night.

Osvaldo Bido (2-2, 4.71 ERA) will take the ball in the series opener for Sacramento on Friday. He will be opposed by Yankees’ right-hander, Will Warren (1-2, 5.65 ERA). First pitch will be at 7:05 p.m.

Robbie Ray Pitches His Way to Fifth Win As Giants Beat Cubs 3-1

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin (right) congratulates starting pitcher Robbie Ray (left) as he returns to the dugout after the first inning after retiring the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Wed May 7, 2025

By Barbara Mason

After playing a crazy game Tuesday night winning in 11 innings and scoring nine runs in the 11th the Giants picked up where they left off winning game three 3-1 beating the Chicago Cubs.

The Giants did win the series losing game one but taking the next two games. San Francisco starting pitcher Robbie Ray continued the stellar play we have seen from him all season.

He has not lost a game this season and now has a 5-0 win/loss record. Wilmer Flores had an exceptional game with three hits one RBI and one run in four at bats.

Game recap: The Giants picked up where they left off Tuesday night taking an early 1-0 lead in the first inning. It was really good to see Wilmer Flores single driving Mike Yastrzemski home and putting the Cubs on notice from the beginning of the game.

The Giants extended their lead scoring a couple more runs in the fourth inning taking a 3-0 lead. Matt Chapman led off the inning with a walk followed by another single off the bat of Flores. LaMonte Wade Jr. doubled Chapman home from second base and a 2-0 lead. Christian Koss singled Flores home but Wade Jr. was thrown out at home plate in an effort to score a third run in the inning.

The Cubs were able to get up on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fourth inning. Pete Crow-Armstrong doubled Nico Hoerner home for the one run and that would be the only run the Cubs were able to generate for the remainder of the game. The final was 3-1 in favor of the Giants winning the series for San Francisco. The Giants finished the game with nine hits and the Cubs had only four.

Giant’s starting pitcher Ray was spotless in fact the team has not lost a game with him on the mound. He finished six innings allowing three hits, one run, two walks with five strikeouts. Camilo Doval, Tyler Rogers and Ryan Walker relieved and closed out this game. Walker allowed one hit but that was all Chicago could get off some great San Francisco relief pitching. Ray now has a 5-0 win/loss record and a 2.84 ERA. He has been a major bright spot for San Francisco this season.

Game notes: After a crazy four-hour extra innings game Tuesday the Giants finished up their series with the Cubs with a series win taking two out of three games. After losing game one in the series on Monday 9-2, the Giants turned it all around in game two on Tuesday scoring the most runs in a single inning in Wrigley Field history with nine.

The 11th inning was the straw that broke the camel’s back as San Francisco crossed home plate nine times to win the game 14-5.

The question was answered; how will the Giants come into game three after the offensive display we saw yesterday they didn’t score nine runs in one inning but ended up getting a two run 3-1 win. As the Giants get a satisfying two out of three game series win at Wrigley.

The Giants have now won their eighth series this season as they leave the windy city and head for a series with the Minnesota Twins. The probably pitcher for the Giants will be RHP Jordan Hicks (1-3 ERA 6.03) and the RHP Twins Bailey Ober (4-1 ERA 3.72) will get the nod. The temperatures are expected to soar into the mid-eighties so toasty but void of the wind the Giants had to contend with in Chicago a 5:10pm PDT first pitch.

NBA Playoffs/Golden State Warriors podcast David Zizmor: Warriors face huge set back with Curry out of the line up

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) gives the thumbs up sign in the first half of game 1 of the NBA Playoffs at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Tue May 6, 2025 (AP News photo)

Golden State Warriors podcast David Zizmor:

#1 David talk about Golden State Warrior guard Stephen Curry now out at least a week due to a hamstring strain.

#2 Talk about how Curry’s absence will impact Golden State’s offense and the psyche for the rest of the team.

#3 Warriors took game 1 by 11 points on Tuesday night can they do it again for game 2 in Minnesota without Curry?

David Zizmor does the Golden State Warriors podcast each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Raleigh’s Pinch-Hit Knock Sinks A’s in Late-Inning Heartbreaker 5-3

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Miguel Andujar on Tuesday night in the A’s contest against the Seattle Mariners (Photo: Athletics on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

WEST SACRAMENTO — The A’s and Mariners faced off in the second game of a three-game series on Tuesday at Sutter Health Park. In front of 9,615 fans, the A’s dropped game two of the series to the Mariners, 5-3.

“Yeah, really tough,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “The kid comes into my office and tells me he’s good to go, and you trust the player. He’s pitched quite a bit, and tonight was his fourth night [in a row]… The at-bat that changed the inning was the pitch inside to Arozarena that hit him… He answered the bell, and it just didn’t go well tonight.”

Kotsay was referring to a taxed bullpen and, specifically, reliever Tyler Ferguson, who took the loss on Tuesday. With Mason Miller and others unavailable, the A’s turned to Ferguson to close out the ninth with a 3-2 lead. But Ferguson didn’t have his best stuff and allowed three runs on two hits, walking one and striking out one in two-thirds of an inning.

The inning began well, with Ferguson striking out J.P. Crawford swinging, but things unraveled quickly. He walked Jorge Polanco, gave up a single to Julio Rodríguez, and then hit Randy Arozarena with a sinker that ran inside, loading the bases for pinch-hitter Cal Raleigh. Raleigh, who had the night off until that point, delivered a sharp two-RBI single into right field to put Seattle ahead, 4-3. Dylan Moore followed with a sacrifice fly to right, plating another run to make it 5-3. Hogan Harris then entered and struck out Rowdy Tellez to end the inning.

In the bottom of the ninth, the A’s fought back but ultimately came up short and dropped the game, 5-3.

It was a tough finish for the A’s, who got strong contributions throughout the night.

Starter Jeffrey Springs pitched five innings of two-run ball, allowing five hits while striking out four. He walked two and gave up a solo homer to Julio Rodríguez in the first inning.

The bullpen—aside from Ferguson—was excellent. Noah Murdock, T.J. McFarland, Justin Sterner, and Hogan Harris combined for 3.1 scoreless innings.

Offensively, the A’s answered right away after Rodríguez’s homer in the top of the first, tying the game in the bottom half on a Miguel Andujar RBI single that scored Brent Rooker. In the third, trailing 2-1, the A’s tied it again on a Rooker RBI single that brought home Nick Kurtz, who had walked earlier in the inning. The A’s last run came in go-ahead fashion in the eighth when Andujar singled home Rooker to make it 3-2. Unfortunately for A’s fans, the rest is history.

With the loss, the A’s dropped to 20-17 on the season, good for second place in the AL West, two games behind the Mariners.

The two teams will meet in the rubber match Wednesday at 12:35 p.m. at Sutter Health Park. The A’s will send Gunnar Hoglund (1-0, 1.50 ERA, 7 K, 6 IP) to the mound against Seattle’s Bryan Woo (4-1, 2.58 ERA, 38 K, 38.1 IP).

Note of the night: A’s first baseman Nick Kurtz remains homerless through 13 games and 42 at-bats in the majors but walked twice Tuesday night. After the game, I asked manager Mark Kotsay what he’s seen from Kurtz’s recent approach.

“I think his at-bats have been good,” Kotsay said. “You don’t just come up here and dominate from day one. I think Nick’s at-bats continue to get better, and the walks are an indication that he’s laying off pitches he was chasing earlier when he got called up. These were good at-bats tonight, and he continues to build off of them.”

A’s fans continue to wait with bated breath for the first Nick Kurtz home run. However, Mark Kotsay doesn’t seem worried one bit. 

Phillips OT heroics gives Eagles series lead in 3-2 win over Barracuda

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Colorado Eagles forward Matthew Phillips celebrates a first period goal against the San Jose Barracuda with his teammates along the bench at Blue Arena on Tuesday MAY 6, 2025. (Ashley Potts-Colorado Eagles)

by Marko Ukalovic

Matthew Phillips scored the game winning goal five minutes into overtime to give the Colorado Eagles a 3-2 victory over the San Jose Barracuda in Game 3 of the Pacific Division Semifinals on Tuesday evening at Blue Arena.

Former Barracuda defenseman Jayson Megna found Phillips along the right wing on a three-on-two odd man rush. Phillips skated in and beat Cuda backup goalie Gabriel Carriere with a wrist shot for his first goal of the playoffs at the 5:02 mark of the overtime period.

Colorado can close out the series tomorrow evening as they went up 2-1 in the best of the five series. San Jose is on the brink of elimination for the first time in the playoffs.

The Eagles (2-1) drew first blood less than two minutes of the first period. Phillips centered the puck from behind the net out to Tye Felhaber who beat starting Cuda goalie Yaroslav Askarov to the stick side for his second goal of the playoffs at the 1:59 mark.

Colorado doubled its lead late in the opening frame with an even strength goal. John Ludvig’s shot from the point trickled behind Askarov and a crashing Megna chipped the puck into an open net for his third goal of the playoffs at the 17:02 mark.

San Jose (1-2) cut the deficit in half with a power play goal late in the second period. Filip Bystedt had a give and go with Colin Graf. Bystedt skated out to the right faceoff circle and beat Eagles goalie Trent Miner with a wrist shot to glove side for his second goal of the playoff at the 13:05 mark.

Cuda head coach John McCarthy pulled Askarov with over two minutes remaining in the third period for an extra attacker. San Jose cashed in on the 6-on-5 when Patrick Giles sent a on net that was initially saved by Miner. During a mad scramble in front of the net Pavol Regenda poked home the puck past Miner for his third goal of the playoffs with 1:35 remaining.

Just over a minute into the overtime session, Askarov had to come out of the game with alleged cramping. Askarov was replaced by Carriere who finished the rest of the game stopping two of the three shots he faced in suffering the loss. Askarov made 25 saves on 27 shots.

Miner finished the game stopping 29 of the 31 shots to earn his second victory of the playoffs.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 1-for-2 on the power play. Colorado went 0-for-3.

The Three Stars of the Game: 1) Phillips (1G, 1A) 2) Felhaber (1G,2A) 3) Megna (1G,1A).

UP NEXT: San Jose and Colorado continue their best of five series in Game 4 on Wednesday at 6:05pm at Blue Arena.

Aces Light It Up Beating Mercury In Thriller 85-84

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Forward Kierstan Bell (1) and guard DeJa Kelly (2) and forward Queen Egbo (4) celebrate the Las Vegas Aces win over the Phoenix Mercury at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas (Las Vegas Aces X photo)

By Rich Perez

LAS VEGAS–The Las Vegas Aces are back and hungry for another title after losing in last year’s final. They have a great new addition to the team in Jewell Loyd. Tuesday night they won a thriller over the Phoenix Mercury 85-84 after beating the Dallas Wings last Friday night 112-78. Bench player Deja Kelly had the team high with 15 points in the Phoenix matchup

Tuesday night the Las Vegas Aces took on the Phoenix Mercury in a pre-season matchup. After a disappointing loss in the finals last year losing to the New York Liberty this team is primed an ready for another run, another title. This was the Liberty’s first WNBA title crushing the Aces hopes for a THREE-PEAT.

Las Vegas is back as it’s determined to dominate again in 2025. Head Coach Becky Hammon and her team are ready for another run that will hopefully result in another championship. The Aces pulled off a massive three-team deal that resulted in Kelsey Plum going to the Los Angeles Sparks and Jewell Loyd coming to Las Vegas. Loyd coming to the Aces makes them the team to beat. The talent on this team is unquestionable.

This game was a battle from the very start. The Aces led after the opening quarter by the score of 23-22. The Mercury fought right back outscoring the Aces 27-24 in the second quarter and taking a 47-46 lead at the half.

The third quarter was a dead even affair with both teams hitting 19 points and the Mercury hanging onto a 66-65 lead. This was a back and forth affair with both teams trading baskets going into the fourth quarter.

When the dust had settled the Aces had outscored the Mercury in the final quarter 20-18. This game was tied at 79 with 1:10 left in the game. With 23 ticks left on the clock the Aces were hanging onto a 83-82 lead.

The Mercury took back the lead 84-83 with 15 seconds left on the clock. After an Aces timeout, Las Vegas’ Deja Kelly hit an 18-foot jump shot for the 85-84 final. The Mercury’s Shyla Heal missed a three- point attempt in the final seconds and Phoenix came close but the Aces prevailed.

When you look at the stats it is very misleading. The Mercury shot 49% from the field, the Aces 41%. The Mercury were very good from beyond the arc shooting 41% to the Aces 29%. Phoenix also had 35 rebounds to the Aces 27. The turning point were the turnovers. The Aces only had 12 while the Mercury had 21. At one time in the game, the Mercury had a ten-point lead that the Aces extinguished. Points in the paint were almost dead even.

Four of the Aces starters finished the game in double digits. The ever dominant A’Ja Wilson scored 14 points and six rebounds. Jewell Loyd, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young also had double digits. The team high was scored by bench player Deja Kelly with 15 points.

Next up for the Aces will be on Saturday May 17 in a re-match with the New York Liberty. Tip-off for that game is scheduled for 9:00 AM and can be seen on ABC/ESPN+/Disney+.