Category: Las Vegas Aces

Raiders display varied offense to win 33-22 over Eagles

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The Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards (89) keeps the football after scoring a second half touchdown agianst the Philadelphia Eagles on Sun Oct 24, 2021 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas (AP News photo)

Raiders display varied offense to win 33-22 over Eagles.

By Rich Perez

Las Vegas Raiders beat writer

The Las Vegas Raiders (5-2) came out on fire on an office and the fence playing a great all-around game beating the Philadelphia Eagles (2-5) 33 to 22. Raiders quarterback Derek Carr distributed the ball to varied receivers and running backs in a great effort of offense that the Raiders have not seen in a while.

The defense added a superior effort in shutting down Jalen Hurts. Kenyan Drake had a tremendous game running the ball as did Josh Jacobs in key situations. Brian Edwards scored a tough 2 yard touchdown and is beginning to really blossom as wide receiver for the team.

The bye week for the Raiders is well deserved they really played well these first weeks of the season. Unfortunately they had a hiccup with Coach Gruden when they lost to the Chicago Bears on Oct 10th at Allegiant Stadium but they’ve seemed to have overcome it.

Carr had time to throw the ball on Sunday improving his pass to complete ratio going 31-34 for 323 yards for two touchdowns and was intercepted once. Raiders head coach Rich Bisaccia who is now 2-0 “The offensive line today set the tempo for what we’re trying to do. Not only in the run game, but pass protection. They kept him clean with no sacks. They’re a young group that’s on the come up and they’ve been practicing extremely hard. They were exciting to watch..” said Bisaccia.

For the Eagles who lost their fifth game of the season quarterback Jalen Hurts just couldn’t get more than half of his passes completed going 18-34 for 236 yards and two touchdowns. The Eagles scored seven in the first quarter and 15 in the fourth. Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox said they tried to get at Carr today on the defensive end today but just couldn’t stop him, “Getting rid of the ball quick. You go out and use a stopwatch and see how the ball is going quick at the end of the day, he was on fire. We didn’t get to him.” said Cox.

The Raiders head into a bye week next week Oct 31st and will go to New Jersey to face the New York Giants on Sun Nov 7th at the Meadowlands.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: U.S. House of Reps to establish Oversight Committee on Gruden emails; plus more

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The US House of Representatives are looking into former Las Vegas Raiders head coach for his email that he sent to former Washington Football Team president Bruce Allen. The hearings will be held at US Capital (file photo from istock)

On the Raiders podcast with Rich:

#1 Rich, the US House of Representatives are forming an oversight committee to investigate former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden’s emails that he sent out to former that he sent while working as an analyst for ESPN to former Washington Football Team president Bruce Allen.

#2 The Representatives are requesting copies of the emails that had homophobic, racist, and misogynistic slurs which led Gruden to have to resign from the team. The Committee is asking the NFL to produce all of the emails. Gruden could end up on the Hill as a sworn witness to testify about the emails.

#3 The purpose for the investigation is the Reps are looking into widespread complaints about the WFT and the NFL having abusive workplace conduct and want to see how the league is handling the matter.

#4 On the field the Raiders are coming off their first game since Gruden left with a 34-24 win over the Denver Broncos last Sunday taking a look at their next game against the Philadelphia Eagles and quarterback Jalen Hurts the Eagles are coming off last week’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

#5 The Raiders quarterback Derek Carr who was 18-27, 341 yards and threw for two touchdowns and the Raiders are favored to defeat the Eagles at Allegiant in Vegas this Sun Oct 24th a 1:05 kick off. Rich how do you see this match up.

Join Rich for the Raiders podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Mercury rally in fourth quarter, eliminate Aces

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Photo credit: Shawn McCullough (Sports Radio Service)


By Shawn McCullough

The Aces season came to an end in an 87-84 loss to the Phoenix Mercury at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.

“We got down and clawed back and didn’t give up,” said Mercury center Brittney Griner. “Super proud of the team.  We got the win.”

The Mercury won the best of five game series over the Aces three games to two.

Las Vegas led 66-58 after three quarters, but Phoenix outscored the Aces 29-18 in the fourth quarter to advance to the WNBA Finals.

“Someone has to lose and we did,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “We didn’t make the plays that we needed to in the fourth quarter and they did.”

Down two points with less than one second left, Griner blocked A’ja Wilson’s layout to seal the win.

“She [Griner] has been amazing all year,” said Phoenix guard Skylar Diggins-Smith. “She is a superstar.”

“A’ja was our second option,” said Laimbeer. “She had a good move, but Griner got a hand on it.”

Wilson took the loss hard, falling to the ground at the end of the game in tears.

Laimbeer stressed that Phoenix emerged victorious in the game because of the leadership from guard Diana Taurasi and Griner.

“This team [Aces] has lacked leadership throughout the season,” said Laimbeer.  “It’s a good learning experience for us.”

Kelsey Plum and Chelsea Gray led the Aces with 22 points, while Wilson added 21 points and 10 rebounds.

“I’m just proud to be a part of the Las Vegas Aces,” said Plum. “We were so close, that’s why it hurts.  We will be back, I have no doubt in my mind and the result will be different.”

“We played together as much as possible, but it didn’t go our way tonight,” said Gray.

The Aces head into the offseason with a list of unrestricted free agents including Liz Cambage, Riquna Williams, Angel McCoughtry and Kiah Stokes.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

– The Aces shot 42.0% from the field.
– Las Vegas went 20 for 20 from the free-throw line.
– The Aces out-rebounded the Mercury, 38-29.
– Las Vegas turned the ball over 16 times.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 3 Riquna Williams
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Angel McCoughtry—Out, right ACL

Aces force deciding game five in 93-76 win over Phoenix

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Phoenix Mercury guard Skylar Diggins-Smith vies for the ball with Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum and guard Jackie Young (0) during the first half of Game 4 of a WNBA basketball playoff series Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)


By Shawn McCullough

The Aces blew the game open in the third quarter, going on a 24-0 run to take game four of the WNBA Semifinals, 93-76, over the Mercury in Phoenix.

“We played a solid basketball game,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “The whole package is who we are.”

With the win, the Aces and Mercury will play a deciding game five on Friday in Las Vegas.  Winner advances to the WNBA Finals against the Chicago Sky.

“We haven’t won anything,” said Laimbeer. “It’s 2-2, that’s where we are supposed to be.”

The Aces were led by guard Chelsea Gray with 22 points, while guard Kelsey Plum came off the bench to score 20.

“We had great energy and just a different change in attitude,” said Plum. “Getting beat the last two games was humbling.”

A’ja Wilson recorded a double-double, scoring 15 points and pulling down 12 rebounds.

The Aces will attempt to advance to the WNBA Finals for the second straight season.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

– The Aces shot 48.1% from the field.
– Las Vegas out-rebounded the Mercury, 37-35.
– The Aces went 11 for 22 from three-point range.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 3 Riquna Williams
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Angel McCoughtry—Out, right ACL

Aces on brink of elimination after blowout loss, 87-60

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Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) shoots over Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson (22) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)


By Shawn McCullough

The Aces shot just 30.9% from the field in an 87-60 loss to the Mercury in Phoenix in game three of the WNBA Semifinals.

“We just didn’t have it offensively today,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “Shooting 30% isn’t going to win games. We missed a lot of shots that we normally make.”

“I don’t feel like this is our team,” said center Liz Cambage. “We can’t start games 10-0.”

Cambage led the Aces with 13 points, while Dearica Hamby added 10.

A’ja Wilson went just 2 for 14 from the field.

“A’ja didn’t get on track today and neither did [Kelsey] Plum,” said Laimbeer.

The Mercury dominated the Aces on the boards, pulling down 58 rebounds, to Las Vegas’ 29.

“When you miss a lot of shots like we did, the defensive team is going to get a lot of rebounds,” said Laimbeer.

Brianna Turner led the Mercury with 23 points while pulling down 17 rebounds.

The Mercury now lead the best of five series two games to one heading into game four on Wednesday in Phoenix.

“We need to go back to playing our game,” said guard Jackie Young.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

– The Mercury shot 44.3% from the field.
– Only two Aces players scored in double figures.
– The Aces went just 2 for 14 from three-point range.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 3 Riquna Williams
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Angel McCoughtry—Out, right ACL

Aces blown out in game two of semifinals, 117-91

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Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) calls a play as she brings the up court against the Las Vegas Aces during the second half of Game 2 in the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)


By Shawn McCullough

The Phoenix Mercury stole home court advantage with a 117-91 blowout of the Las Vegas Aces at the Michelob Ultra Arena.

“Effort, we didn’t have it tonight,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “They played harder because they wanted it more than us.”

Laimbeer wasn’t happy with his team’s performance, but also was unhappy with the referees.

“Getting a little tired of the referees and how we’re being refereed,” said Laimbeer.

Kelsey Plum led the Aces with 25 points off the bench, going 10 for 17 from the field including 3 for 8 from three-point range.

The Aces had six players score in double digits, while shooting 52.2% from the field.

The Aces just couldn’t find a way to stop Mercury guard Diana Taurasi, who dropped 37 points, hitting eight three-pointers.

Phoenix started the game fast, building a 17-point lead in the first quarter.  The Mercury controlled the game after that.

The Aces and the Mercury are now tied 1-1 in the best of five game series.

The Aces will travel to Phoenix to play game three of the WNBA semifinals on Sunday.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

– The Mercury shot 60.6% from the field.
– The Aces were out-rebounded by Phoenix, 36-23.
– Las Vegas turned the ball over just six times (Phoenix had 14 turnovers).

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 3 Riquna Williams
C – 41 Kiah Stokes
G – 0 Jackie Young
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Angel McCoughtry—Out, right ACL

Aces take game one of WNBA semifinals, 96-90

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Las Vegas Aces guard Riquna Williams (2) lays up the ball during the second half of Game 1 in the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs against the Phoenix Mercury Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, in Las Vegas. Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) is at left. The Aces beat the Mercury 96-90. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus)


By Shawn McCullough

The Aces came off eight days rest and took game one of the WNBA semifinals in a 96-90 win over the Phoenix Mercury at the Michelob Ultra Arena.

“They [Aces] came focused today,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “If we can maintain the consistency in this series, it’s our game.”

Riquna Williams led the Aces with 26 points, while Kelsey Plum came off the bench and added 25.

“I took advantage of anything that they gave me and didn’t overthink,” said Williams on her career night.

“We bring consistency and energy off the bench,” said Plum. “We don’t care about the numbers. We care about how we can uplift our team.”

Chelsea Gray recorded a double-double, scoring 17 points and dishing out 12 assists.

“We [the Aces guards] were just taking what the defense gave us,” said Gray.

With the win, the Aces jump out to a 1-0 lead in the best of five semifinals series against the Mercury.

The Mercury made it to this series by beating the New York Liberty, 83-82, in the first round and by knocking off the Seattle Storm, 85-80, in the second round.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

– The Aces shot 49.3% from the field.
– Las Vegas outrebounded the Mercury, 34-30.
– The Aces got 34 points off the bench.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 3 Riquna Williams
C – 41 Kiah Stokes
G – 0 Jackie Young
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Angel McCoughtry—Out, right ACL

Aces win regular season finale, 84-83

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Monica D. Spencer/The Republic Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury attempts to keep the ball from Las Vegas Aces’ Kiah Stokes during a Sept. 19, 2021 game at the Footprint Center.


By Shawn McCullough

The Aces got a late bucket from Jackie Young to beat the Mercury in Phoenix, 84-83.

Young grabbed a rebound off a Kelsey Plum miss and put it back with just 4.3 seconds left in the game to secure the win for Las Vegas.

Young finished the game with 10 points, while Plum came off the bench and scored a game high 23 points.

Liz Cambage played 9:31 and had four points with four rebounds after coming out of the health and safety protocol.

With the win, the Aces finished the regular season 24-8 and secured the double bye by finishing in second place in the standings.

The WNBA playoffs will begin on Thursday, September 23rd.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

– The Aces shot 46.4% from the field.
– Each team pulled down 33 rebounds.
– Ten Aces players saw substantial minutes in a game that didn’t matter in the standings.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 3 Riquna Williams
C – 41 Kiah Stokes
G – 0 Jackie Young
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Angel McCoughtry—Out, right ACL

Aces secure playoff double bye with win over Sky, 103-70

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LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 30: Riquna Williams (2) of the Las Vegas Aces seen playing the Los Angeles Sparks on June 30, 2021 at the L.A. Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by John McCoy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)


By Shawn McCullough

The Aces rolled off a 34-17 second quarter enroute to a 103-70 blowout win over the Sky in Chicago.

“Tonight was one of our better games,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “We will take the win.”

With the win, the Aces secured the second seed going into the playoffs and a double bye.

“We haven’t done anything yet,” said Laimbeer. “We were expected to get the double bye.”

Six players scored in double figures including Riquna Williams, who scored a game high 22 points.

“Defense wins games,” said Williams on the Aces defense. “We need to just lock up and defend.”

A’ja Wilson recorded a double-double, scoring 14 points and pulling down 10 rebounds, while Kelsey Plum came off the bench and dropped 20.

“I was just trying to play free and be myself,” said Plum. “We knew that we had to bring up the intensity level.”

The Aces improved to 23-8 on the season heading into their final game of the regular season on Sunday in Phoenix against the Mercury.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

– The Aces shot 56.2% from the field.
– Las Vegas was outrebounded by Dallas, 47-33.
– The Aces went 9 for 18 from three-point range.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 3 Riquna Williams
C – 41 Kiah Stokes
G – 0 Jackie Young
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Angel McCoughtry—Out, right ACL
Liz Cambage – Out, health and safety protocol

Aces rally to beat Wings, 85-75

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By Shawn McCullough

Trailing by 12 at halftime, the Aces rallied in the second half to beat the Dallas Wings, 85-75, at ULTRA Arena.

Las Vegas took over in the third quarter, scoring 20 of the final 26 points in the quarter.

Kelsey Plum led the Aces with 30 points coming off the bench, going 5 for 7 from three-point range.

A’ja Wilson record a double-double, scoring 21 points and pulling down 12 rebounds, while Riquna Williams added 16.

With the win, the Aces improved to 22-8 on the season and sit two games behind the Connecticut Sun for first place.  Las Vegas is two games ahead of third place Minnesota with just two games remaining in the regular season.

The Aces will next play the Sky on Friday in Chicago.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

  • The Aces shot 47.7% from the field.
  • Las Vegas was outrebounded by Dallas, 40-33.
  • The Aces scored 49 points in the second half.


Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 3 Riquna Williams
C – 41 Kiah Stokes
G – 0 Jackie Young
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Angel McCoughtry—Out, right ACL
Liz Cambage – Out, health and safety protocol