Category: Las Vegas Aces

Ace squeak past Lynx in a marathon 96-95

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Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson (22) is all smiles as the Aces get a one point win over the Minnesota Lynx on Sun Jun 19, 2022 (@LVAces photo)

Aces Squeak Past Lynx In a Marathon 96-95.

By Barbara Mason

Sunday afternoon the Las Vegas Aces (13-2) took on the Minnesota Lynx (3-13) at Michelob ULTRA Arena. The Lynx have been struggling and on the opposite end of the spectrum the Aces have been playing lights out basketball led by Kelsey Plum and A’ja Wilson. The Aces continued their winning ways picking up their 13th win against the Lynx 96-95.

A real offensive and defensive battle between the two teams resulted in a tie after the first quarter of play. The two teams were knotted at 22. Moriah Jefferson led the Lynx with seven points and Chelsea Gray led the Aces with 6 points.

The Lynx outscored the Aces in the second quarter 28-17 and led at the half 50-39. It was a stunning first half for Las Vegas struggling against Minnesota. They were having a tough time offensively in this game.

Las Vegas turned this game around in the third quarter tying it up at 56 with 2:37 left in the quarter. With 54.0 ticks left in the quarter the tie persisted at 69. As the quarter came to an end the Lynx had taken a slim lead 74-73.

Minnesota refused to back off and continued to lead the Aces by the slimmest of margins in this roller coaster of a game. It wasn’t until the final three minutes of the game that Las Vegas locked in the win. The Aces fought through this game from the tipoff. The final was 96-95.

A’Ja Wilson finished with 25 points and Kelsey Plum turned in 21 points in this marathon.

The Aces will be taking on the Sky Tuesday night with tipoff 7:00 PM.

Aces make it three straight beating Wings 92-84; Vegas’ tenth win in last 11 games

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Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) (below) takes aim at the free throw line and (top) forward A’ja Wilson (22) takes a jump shot against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center in WNBA action on Wed Jun 15, 2022 (Image from the Las Vegas Aces Twitter account)

Aces Make It Three Straight Beating Wings 92-84

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday afternoon the Western Conference leading Las Vegas Aces (12-2) took on the Dallas Wings (6-8) at College Park Center.

The Aces had a slow start trailing by as much as ten points in the first quarter. After 12 minutes Las Vegas trailed by the score of 23-14.

The second quarter ended up a tie 21-21 and at the half the Wings led 44-35. Las Vegas had some ground to make up in the second half.

The Aces tuned on the heat in the third quarter and turned the tables on the Wings winning the quarter 31-16 in a blowout. They scored 31 third quarter points to lead 66-60 after three.

The Wings continue to hang in this game but came up short. The Aces won the fourth quarter 26-24 and the game 92.84.

Teams have been able to challenge Las Vegas but have been unable to finish games largely in part to the play of A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum. The Las Vegas starting roster is a great one. Plum and Wilson combined for 52 points to put this one away.

In addition to Plum’s 27 and Wilson’s 25, they had some great offense from Chelsea Gray and Dearica Hamby both with 16 points. Jackie Young finished with eight points. Hamby led the team in rebounds with 12 for some solid defensive play. This is the Aces third win in a row.

Next up for the Aces will be a game with the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM.

Aces start fast, beat Sparks, 89-72

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Photo credit: ESPN


By Shawn McCullough

The Aces outscored the Sparks 52-35 in the first half en route to an 89-72 win over Los Angeles at Crypto.com Arena.

“Quality win. We came out and executed our game plan defensively,” said head coach Becky Hammon. “Holding a team like that to 72 points is an exceptional job.”

A’ja Wilson led the Aces, scoring 35 points and pulling down 11 rebounds.  It was Wilson’s seventh double-double of the season.

“A’ja had a big night. She is a handful when she gets it going,” said Hammon. “Her offense was her offense, but her defense was exceptional. We are seeing a more well-rounded player.”

“The ball was just going through the hoop,” said Wilson. “I had a rough stretch of games and I needed to step up for my team.”

Dearica Hamby dropped 20 points and pulled down eight rebounds, while Kelsey Plum added 17.

“It was nice to get my confidence back tonight,” said Hamby.

All 89 Aces points came from the five starters.  The bench players went 0-8 from the field.

Las Vegas held former Aces center Liz Cambage to just six points and six rebounds.

With the win, the Aces improved to a WNBA best 11-2 on the season, heading into their next game in Dallas against the Wings on Wednesday.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 48.5% from the field, while going 7 for 24 from three-point range.
The Aces out-rebounded the Sparks, 41-30.
The Aces turned the ball over 19 times.

Game Starters:

C – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 5 Dearica Hamby
F – 55 Theresa Plaisance
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Jackie Young – Out, Right Ankle Sprain
Riquna Williams – Out, Left Foot Sprain

Aces clip Wings, 84-78

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Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) guards Dallas Wings guard Marina Mabrey (3) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Sunday, June 5, 2022, in Las Vegas. (Sports Radio Service Photo/Shawn McCullough)


By Shawn McCullough

The Aces rebounded from a loss to Connecticut on Thursday with an 84-78 win over the Dallas Wings at Michelob Ultra Arena.

“Tough battle,” said head coach Becky Hammon. “We dug in and found a way to win.”

“Every game isn’t going to be pretty,” said guard Chelsea Gray. “It was a gritty win.”

Dallas was able to keep the game close by pulling down 19 offensive rebounds, but Las Vegas held them to just 10 second chance points.

“They hurt us on the glass and thankfully we were able to get stops down the stretch,” said Hammon.

Aces guard Kelsey Plum tied a career high 32 points, going 10 for 19 from the field and 4 for 11 from three-point range.

“We were proud that everyone came with the mindset to win the game,” said Plum. “I was proud of the way we battled.”

A’ja Wilson had just eight points and seven rebounds, but was in foul trouble the whole game and later fouled out in the fourth quarter.

“A’ja is our anchor and when she is missing, you feel it,” said Hammon about Wilson’s fouls and the referee calls. “She needs to get more respect on both ends of the floor.”

With the win, the Aces improved to a WNBA best 10-2 record heading into a two game road trip in Los Angeles and in Dallas.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot just 42.3% from the field, while holding Dallas to 34.6%.
Las Vegas was out-rebounded by the Wings, 50-35.
The Aces forced 17 Wings turnovers.

Game Starters:

C – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 5 Dearica Hamby
F – 55 Theresa Plaisance
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Riquna Williams – Out, Left Foot Sprain
Jackie Young – Out, Right Ankle Sprain

Aces winning streak ends at seven, fall to Sun, 97-90

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Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Thursday, June 2, 2022, in Las Vegas. (Sports Radio Service Photo/Shawn McCullough)


By Shawn McCullough

LAS VEGAS–The Connecticut Sun bounced back from an 89-81 loss to the Aces on Tuesday with a 97-90 win at Michelob Ultra Arena.

“It’s hard to beat a team two times in a row, that close together,” said head coach Becky Hammon.

The Aces fell behind early, trailing at the end of the first quarter, 37-22.

“Obviously, not the first quarter that we wanted,” said Hammon. “After that, I thought the teams played pretty evenly, but we put ourselves in a hole. You can’t let a team scored 37 points in 10 minutes.”

Jackie Young led the Aces with 26 points, going 9 for 12 from the field. Young left the game later in the game due to injury.

“We were all upset to see her [Young] go down,” said guard Kelsey Plum. “Jackie is as tough as it gets.”

Plum dropped 23 points, including shooting 5 for 10 from three-point range, while A’ja Wilson scored 13 points and pulled down seven rebounds.

“We lost the game in the first quarter,” said Plum. “They came out and punched us in the face.”

With the loss, the Aces fell to 9-2 on the season but still hold the best record in the WNBA.

Las Vegas will next meet the Dallas Wings at home on Sunday.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 48.5% from the field, while going 10 for 25 from three-point range.
Las Vegas was out-rebounded by the Sun, 37-31.
The Aces turned the ball over 13 times.

Game Starters:

C – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 5 Dearica Hamby
F – 0 Jackie Young
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Riquna Williams – Out, Left Foot Sprain

Wilson leads Aces past Sun, 89-81

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Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, May 31, 2022, in Las Vegas. (Sports Radio Service Photo/Shawn McCullough)


By Shawn McCullough

The Aces won their seventh straight game in an 89-81 win over the Connecticut Sun at Michelob Ultra Arena.

Center A’ja Wilson scored a game high 24 points and pulled down 14 rebounds.

Wilson scored in double figures for the ninth time this season and recorded her sixth double-double of the season.

Guard Jackie Young dropped 24 points, while guard Kelsey Plum scored 18, going 3 for 7 from three-point range.

The Aces got just four points off the bench, all four from center Kiah Stokes.

With the win, the Aces improved to 9-1 on the season with the best record in the WNBA.

Las Vegas will face the Connecticut Sun again on Thursday.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 45.2% from the field, while going 6 for 25 from three-point range.
Las Vegas out-rebounded the Sun, 38-37.
The Aces outscored the Sun 22-2 in fast break points.

Game Starters:

C – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 5 Dearica Hamby
F – 0 Jackie Young
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Riquna Williams – Out, Left Foot Sprain

Las Vegas Denies Challenge By Chicago 83-76

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Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray goes up for the shot against the defending Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena in Chicago on Sat May 28, 2022 (@WNBA photo)

Las Vegas Denies Challenge By Chicago 83-76

By Barbara Mason

Saturday afternoon the Las Vegas Aces (8-1) took on the Chicago Sky (4-3) at Wintrust Arena in the Windy City.

The Sky outscored the Aces in the first quarter by the slim margin of 23-22. Las Vegas turned it on in the second quarter overpowering Chicago to the tune of 29-15. The Aces led at the half 51-38, momentum clearly on their side.

There was a real momentum change in the final minutes of the third quarter. Chicago went on a 7-0 run cutting the Las Vegas 18 point lead in half. The Aces still had a 60-51 lead but Las Vegas had to start making some baskets curbing the Chicago run.

Las Vegas would get back on track as the third quarter ran out. The Aces led 66-53. Defensively A’ja Wilson had 12 rebounds and Derica Hamby had 11. Both Wilson and Hamby shot in double digits through three quarters along with Chelsa Grey and Kelsey Plum.

The Aces had cooled off here and there in the third quarter. These momentary lapses gave Chicago some great opportunities that they were unable to capitalize on.

Chicago continued to struggle from downtown missing 18 straight attempts but they did continue to threaten the Las Vegas lead.going into the fourth quarter. Chicago really cranked it up on the defensive end coupled with taking advantage of Las Vegas turnovers.

The Aces had five fourth quarter turnovers allowing the Sky to get back in this game. Las Vegas was able to finish this game with some great aggressive offensive work 83-76. The Aces had taken down the defending champion Chicago Sky.

Las Vegas had some great offensive work in this game. A’ja Wilson finished with 22 points and 16 rebounds. Every starter finished the game with double digits.

Kelsy Plum had 19 points, Chelsea Gray with 18, Derica Hamby had 14 points with 14 rebounds and Jackie Young had ten points. Every one of these ladies was needed to pull this game out in a great win.

The high scorer for the Sky was Courtney Vandersloot and Kahleah Cooper both with 12 points.

Taking away the paint from Chicago and forcing those failed attempts from downtown was key for the Aces in this win. Both teams finished the game with 50 rebounds. The Sky made this game a close one but came up just short.

Tuesday night the Aces will take on the Connecticut Sun at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Aces blow out Sparks, 104-76

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Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) boxes out Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike (30) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Monday, May 23, 2022, in Las Vegas. (Sports Radio Service Photo/Shawn McCullough)


By Shawn McCullough

The Aces knocked down 18 three-point shots enroute to a 104-76 blowout win over the Los Angeles Sparks at Michelob Ultra Arena.

“We were pretty locked in from the jump,” said head coach Becky Hammon. “I was more happy with our defense holding that team to 76 points.”

The Aces were led by center A’ja Wilson, who scored 24 points, going 10 for 15 from the field.

“A’ja really set the tone and defensively, she worked,” said Hammon. “She has been our leader on both ends of the floor.”

“I just try to put the ball in the hoop,” said Wilson. “My teammates trust me enough.”

The 18 three-pointers set a franchise record, along with tying a WNBA record.

Forward Jackie Young scored 19 points and pulled down nine rebounds, while guard Kelsey Plum added 17.

“You saw not just starters, but everyone contributed,” said Plum. “People had complete games.  We are in a great rhythm and a great flow.”

Las Vegas held former Aces center Liz Cambage to just 10 points and four rebounds.

With the win, the Aces improved to 7-1 on the season.

Las Vegas will next face a tough three game stretch, traveling to Chicago on Saturday, then returning home for two games against the Connecticut Sun.

“These next 3 games, we are going to get a feel of where we are at,” said Hammon. “It is going to be a really good test.”

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 50.7% from the field, while going 18 for 38 from three-point range.
The Aces out-rebounded the Sparks, 42-32.
Guard Jackie Young was named WNBA Western Conference Player of the Week

Game Starters:

C – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 5 Dearica Hamby
F – 0 Jackie Young
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Riquna Williams – Out, Left Foot Sprain

Big third quarter lifts Aces over Mercury, 100-80

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Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) drives around Phoenix Mercury center Megan Gustafson (10) during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)


The Aces exploded in the third quarter to beat the Phoenix Mercury, 100-80, at Michelob Ultra Arena.

Up 44-42 at halftime, the Aces went on a 38-18 run in the third quarter to break the game open.  The 38 points were a record number of points in a quarter in franchise history.

“We really buckled down defensive,” said head coach Becky Hammon about the third quarter. “The girls really locked in.  Offensively we got out and we were able to run on them.”

Las Vegas was led by guard Kelsey Plum, scoring 24 points and going 3 for 6 from three-point range.

“We were a little complacent in the first half,” said Plum. “We knew that we had to step up our defensive intensity.”

“She just comes in and shoots the open shots,” said Hammon about Plum. “I think it’s going in every time.”

Forward Jackie Young scored 20 points, while Dearica Hamby and Chelsea Gray added 13.

“I think it’s just being confident shooting and being ready to shoot the next one,” said Young about her shot.

The Aces got 11 points and nine rebounds from Theresa Plaisance off the bench.

With the win, the Aces improved to 5-1 on the season heading into a matchup at home on Monday against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 47.9% from the field, while going 9 for 27 from three-point range.
Las Vegas forced 15 Phoenix turnovers.
The Aces out-rebounded the Mercury, 36-33.

Game Starters:

C – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 5 Dearica Hamby
F – 0 Jackie Young
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Riquna Williams – Out, Left Foot Sprain

Aces Win Third Straight Beating Minnesota 93-87

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Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson (22) shoots over Minnesota Lynx center Sylvia Fowles (34) at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas in WNBA action on Thu May 19, 2022 (AP News photo)

Aces Win Third Straight Beating Minnesota 93-87

By Barbara Mason

Thursday night the Las Vegas Aces (4-1) took on the Minnesota Lynx (1-4) at Michelob ULTRA Arena. The Aces have been playing some solid ball although on May first the Lynx edged Las Vegas 89-86 in a pre- season game.

The first quarter was a close one with the Aces on top by a single point 26-25. Las Vegas made a move in the second quarter winning it by the score of 28-18. The Aces led at the half 54-43.

The Lynx made it uncomfortable in the third coming to within seven points and by the end of the quarter the Lynx had pulled to within four points 70-66.

The entire starting roster for Las Vegas had double digits but the Lynx got some great work off their bench keeping them within striking distance of the Aces. Las Vegas had some work to do in the fourth quarter.

The Lynx were able to get within one point of the Aces in the final quarter. They remained neck in neck with Las Vegas through the first half of the fourth quarter. Minnesota fought hard but Las Vegas proved to be more than they could handle. The final was 93-87 in favor of the Aces in a very close game.

Aerial Power had the high score for the Lynx with 25 points giving Las Vegas all sorts of trouble. Minnesota came close in this game.

The strength of the Aces starting roster was the difference in the game. Jackie Young had the high score with 25 points. A’Ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray both had 17 points for Las Vegas.

Next up for the Aces will be the Phoenix Mercury Saturday afternoon. Tipoff is scheduled for 12:00 PT and will be televised on ABC.