Category: Las Vegas Aces

Aces top Mercury in Commissioner’s Cup matchup, 86-74

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Aces guard Jackie Young (0) drives past Phoenix Mercury guard Diamond DeShields (1) in the first half during a WNBA basketball game on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Michelob ULTRA Arena, in Las Vegas. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review Journal)


By Shawn McCullough

All five Aces’ starters scored 13 or more points as Las Vegas beat the Phoenix Mercury, 86-74, at Michelob Ultra Arena.

The Aces were led by guard Kelsey Plum with 20 points, going 4 for 8 from three-point range, while Jackie Young added 19.

A’ja Wilson recorded her 4th double-double this season (out of five games), scoring 16 points and pulling down 10 rebounds.

The Aces fell behind early, trailing 29-21 after the first quarter, but rallied in the second and third quarters, outscoring the Mercury 48-26.

Las Vegas got 82 points from their starting five, while only getting four points from the bench.

With the win, the Aces improved to 4-1 on the season heading into a matchup at home on Thursday against the Minnesota Lynx.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 46.8% from the field.
Las Vegas forced 15 Phoenix turnovers.
The Aces were out-rebounded by the Mercury, 31-29.

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:

None

Aces avenge tough loss in DC, beat Dream, 96-73

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Kelsey Plum pointed toward travel issues as a factor in the Aces-Mystics game on Tuesday night. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)


By Shawn McCullough

Six Aces players scored in double digits as Las Vegas rolled over the Dream, 96-73, in Atlanta.

“We kind of picked up where we left off last season,” said guard Kelsey Plum on the balanced scoring. “We shared the ball well and people were getting open looks.”

Plum scored 14 points and dished out 11 assists.

The Aces fell to the Mystics in Washington DC on Tuesday, 89-76, after scoring just seven points in the third quarter.

“It [the win] was huge,” said guard Chelsea Gray. “It said a lot about our team to come back and play like we are capable of playing.”

Gray scored 14 points.

The Aces took and made franchise highs in three-pointers, going 16 for 35 from beyond the arc.

“We have been putting them up pretty good,” said guard Riquna Williams. “We want to shoot the three.   If they give it to us, we are going to take it.”

Williams scored 14 points, making four three-pointers.

Dearica Hamby had a double-double, scoring 11 points and pulling down 13 rebounds, while A’ja Wilson dropped a team high 15 points.

With the win, the Aces improved to 3-1 on the season heading into a matchup at home on Tuesday against the Phoenix Mercury.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 47.1% from the field.
Las Vegas turned the ball over 13 times.
The Aces were out-rebounded by the Dream, 36-31.

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:

Kiah Stokes – Out, Overseas

Mystics rally in second half, beat Aces, 89-76

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The Mystics’ Elena Delle Donne outdueled the Aces’ A’ja Wilson on Tuesday night. (Terrance Williams for The Washington Post)


By Shawn McCullough

The Aces led 49-35 at halftime, but scored just seven points in the third quarter to fall to the Mystics in Washington, 89-76.

Las Vegas was outscored 53-27 in the second half.

The Aces were led by forward Jackie Young, who scored 19 points, while Kelsey Plum added 18.

A’ja Wilson had a double-double scoring 10 points and pulling down 11 rebounds.

The Aces struggled from three-point range, going just 6 for 17 beyond the arc.

This was head coach Becky Hammon’s first loss with the Aces.

With the loss, the Aces fell to 2-1 on the season heading into a matchup in Atlanta on Friday against the Dream.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot just 41.5% from the field.
Las Vegas turned the ball over 16 times.
The Aces were out-rebounded by the Mystics, 38-34.

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
Kiah Stokes – Out, Overseas

Aces best Storm 85-74; Second straight win for Vegas

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Las Vegas Aces Best Seattle Storm 85-74

By Barbara Mason

Sunday evening two rivals met at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. The Seattle Storm and Las Vegas Aces know each other all too well. When these two teams meet the one thing that is a given is a well played and fast-paced game.

The Aces came out fast and finished the first quarter with a 26-18 lead. The Storm got going in the second quarter winning it 15-13 but it was the Aces that led at the half 39–33.

Breanna Stewart led the Storm after three quarters with 19 points. For Las Vegas A’ja Wilson had 19 points and was keeping Las Vegas in the game with her outstanding defense. Between Wilson and Dearica Hamby they had 30 rebounds.

Going into the fourth quarter the Storm had finally taken the lead 59-58; This game could not have been any tighter. The Aces would have to dig deep to win this game and would rely heavily on A’ja Wilson the 2020 MVP.

The Aces got right back on track taking a ten point lead in the fourth quarter with under five minutes left in the game. The Storm refused to back down and with 3:18 left in the game the Storm had pulled to within four points. The Storm came up just short as the Aces put the finishing touches on this game with a 26-foot three point jumper from Chelsea Gray. The final was 85-74.

Stewart had the high for the Storm with 21 points and eight rebounds. The entire starting roster for the Aces finished with double digits. A’ja Wilson finished with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Jackie Young was right behind Wilson with 19 points. Dearica Hamby had 19 rebounds in a great defense effort.

These are two of the premier teams in the WNBA and when they meet fans are assured of a highly competitive basketball game. In this game it was Aja Wilson’s defense that was the anchor that sunk the Storm.

Tuesday the Aces will meet the undefeated Washington Mystics. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Aces blow out Mercury in season opener 106-88

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Phoenix Mercury’s Shey Peddy, front right, drives around Las Vegas Aces’ Dearica Hamby (5) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, May 6, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

By Shawn McCullough

Three Aces scored 20 or more points as Las Vegas routed the Mercury, 106-88, at Footprint Center in Phoenix.

“We will take 1-0,” said head coach Becky Hammon on the win. “The girls came out locked and loaded and ready to play.  We played well and I know we can still play better.”

Hammon coached her first game as the head coach of the Aces.

“It was super fun,” said Hammon. “I could feel how bad they wanted it for me.  That was the most special thing about it.”

Dearica Hamby led the Aces with 24 points, going 11 for 14 from the field, while A’ja Wilson dropped 15 and pulled down 11 rebounds.

“We are playing hard and tonight was a lot of fun,” said Hamby. “It [the win over Phoenix] was a good measuring stick to see where we are.”

“It is pretty encouraging that I can have a light day with ‘the gun’,” said Wilson about only taking eight shots and still winning by 18.

Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum each added 20 points.

“I just tried to come out and be aggressive,” said Young.

Guard Chelsea Gray dished out her 1,000th career assist in the third quarter.

The Aces will return to Las Vegas for their home opener on Sunday at Michelob Ultra Arena against the Seattle Storm.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 58.2% from the field and 52.4% from three-point range.
Las Vegas turned the ball over 16 times.
The Aces out-rebounded the Mercury, 38-26.

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
Kiah Stokes – Out, Overseas

Las Vegas Loses A Close One to Minnesota 89-86

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The Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson (22) eyes the basket for a free throw. The Aces lost in exhibition play at the Target Center in Minneapolis to the Minnesota Lynx on Sun May 1, 2022 (photo from Las Vegas Aces)

Las Vegas Loses A Close One to Minnesota 89-86

By Barbara Mason

After leading through the first three quarters, it was the domination by the Minnesota Lynx in the fourth quarter that lost this game for the Las Vegas Aces 89-86 in pre season play at the Target Arena in Minneapolis.

Las Vegas got a great start in this game and led 25-17 after one quarter. The Aces continued to dominate through the second quarter winning it 21-16 and leading at the half 46-33.

The Lynx were not able to gain any ground in the third quarter with both teams finishing with 26 points apiece. It was the fourth quarter that saw a total collapse by Las Vegas. The Lynx won the final quarter by a landslide 30-14 and it was just enough for Minnesota to take this game 89-86.

The Aces had taken a nice lead into the fourth quarter 72-59. With 6:24 left in the fourth quarter Las Vegas went cold. The Aces couldn’t buy a basket. They were unable to score until 1:54 and that was a free throw from Khayla Pointer one of two.

The lead that the Aces had taken into the fourth quarter had vanished and they now trailed 83-85. Las Vegas struggled through the remainder of the game in the losing effort.

It was a real disappointment for the Aces especially since they had led through three quarters. This was a game between two very closely matched teams. The Aces Kelsey Plum finished with 16 points for the high and for the Lynx Yvonne Turner had 15 points.

Next up for Las Vegas will be against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday May 6th. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Aces hire Becky Hammon as new head coach

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Becky Hammon, who has been on the San Antonio Spurs bench since 2014, is the first full-time, paid female assistant coach in the NBA (Jasen Vinlove – USA TODAY Sports)

By Shawn McCullough

The Las Vegas Aces have a new head coach.

Former San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon was named the Aces head coach.

Hammon was with the Spurs as a coach since 2014, but will now be a head coach for the first time.

“I am so excited to return to the WNBA and grateful for Mark Davis and Nikki Fargas having a vision for me to lead the Aces,” said Hammon. “This is where I come from, and I wouldn’t be me without the W. I’m thrilled to be able to give back and lead this next group of women.”

Hammon will replace Bill Laimbeer, who was the Aces head coach from 2018 through 2021.  Laimbeer will remain within the organization to help build the 2022 roster.

“This is the best possible scenario for the Las Vegas Aces,” said Laimbeer. “It takes a tremendous amount of energy to be a head coach. In Becky, the team now has somebody who can serve in that role for the long term, which is great for both the players and the franchise.”

Hammon played for both the New York Liberty and the San Antonio Stars in the WNBA.

NOTE: The Aces also added basketball legend Jennifer Azzi as the team’s chief business development officer.

Raiders win another cliffhanger 17-13 over Broncos; Jacobs redeems himself after first quarter fumble

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) on a give to running back Josh Jacobs (28) in the second half of action at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Dec 26, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

Las Vegas Raiders beat writer

The Las Vegas Raiders (8-7) were down by six points when running back Josh Jacobs approached the coaches at the half against the Denver Broncos (7-8) up 13-7 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Jacobs asked them to give him the ball that he will not let the rock get away from him like he did in the first half fumbling the ball away for a turnover.

Jacobs was granted a second chance he made up for the lost football in the first quarter and he took it to the Broncos on seven carries running for 57 yards on the opening series of the second half.

After nine plays and 75 yards of offensive effort the Raiders hit pay dirt scoring as running back Peyton Barber carried for five yards that gave the Raiders a third quarter touchdown that put them ahead 14-13.

Jacobs carried for 129 yards to help beat the Broncos and the win help keep the Raiders post season hopes alive as they move a game over .500. The Broncos now have lost three of their last four games and this puts their playoff hopes in jeopardy.

The Raiders win helped the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East through tiebreakers. The Raiders victory Sunday marks their second straight game. They also had another cliffhanger edging the Cleveland Browns on Sun Dec 19th 16-14. In three of their last four games the Raiders have held their opponents to just 17 or less points.

On Jacobs getting the ball he was gratetful for that second chance to help the Raiders punch it through for that third quarter touchdown, “Just give me a chance to play the style of ball that I want to play. The offensive line, we all came to an agreement and went out there and did it and executed.” said Jacobs. For Jacobs this was his first time rushing for 100 yards in a single game.

The Raiders play their next to last game of the season against the Indianapolis Colts (9-6) this coming Sun Jan 2, 2021 in Indianapolis 10:00AM PST. The Colts have won six of their last seven games. They had a huge win over the Arizona Cardinals (10-5) Sunday in Arizona 22-16.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Chiefs showed Raiders what happens when you disrespect them in their own house; Browns have 14 players out for Monday

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The Kansas City Chiefs logo at the 50 yard that the Raiders stomped on before last Sun Dec 12, 2021 game at Arrowhead Stadium according to social media (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Rich:

#1 Rich, the Raiders stomping on the Kansas City Chiefs logo at midfield is one of those unwritten football codes you just don’t do and the payback for it was unforgettable last Sunday to the tune of a 48-9 loss at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

#2 Before kickoff the Raiders moved their huddle from the 25 yard line to midfield right on top of the Chiefs logo at the 50 yard line. It was reported that most of the Raider players had no idea that the pre game huddle was a way to show disrespect to their hosts.

#3 Chiefs running back Mike Hughes said he had no idea what it was about until after the game and the social media chatter and said it was pretty disrespectful.

#4 The Chiefs made the Raiders pay dearly for it not letting up all and game long. The was the biggest landslide win or loss for the Raiders and Chiefs in their 62 year history and it was mostly built on payback.

#5 Rich, the Raiders are in Cleveland this Monday at 2:00 PM PST to face the Browns (7-6) the Browns in their last game just narrowly got by the Baltimore Ravens (8-5) 24-22 in Cleveland. Cleveland also has 14 players and coaches out for Covid 19 protocols for this Sunday’s game.

Join Rich Perez for the Raiders podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Raiders do enough to stay ahead of Cowboys; Get OT field goal from Carlson for winner 36-33

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Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 29 yard game winning field goal in overtime against the Dallas Cowboys on Thu Nov 25, 2021 at AT &T stadium in Arlington (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Rich:

The Las Vegas Raiders (6-5) kicker Daniel Carlson kicked the game winning field goal in overtime to just get the Raiders by the Dallas Cowboys (7-4) on Thanksgiving Day Thu Nov 25, 2021 36-33. It was a real nail biter the Raiders had just enough to stay ahead of the Cowboys throughout the game and got into overtime to get Carlson in good field position to boot the 29 yarder for the winner.

The win for the Raiders makes this their first Thanksgiving Day victory since 1968 the last time they won. This Thursday’s victory ended a two game losing streak and Thursday made it their third Thanksgiving game since 1968 as the Cowboys had won the two previous games.

The Cowboys Anthony Brown just couldn’t keep out of pass interference trouble. Brown’s pass interference help set up a field goal for Carlson. Brown would commit four third down pass interference penalties it no doubt was a factor in the Cowboys losing this game.

Rich Perez did the Raiders podcast at the conclusion of Thu Nov 25, 2021 in Dallas against the Cowboys at http://www.sportsradioservice.com