Category: WNBA

Aces Blister Atlanta 93-72; Clinch playoff birth with win in Vegas

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

All for one and one for all as the Las Vegas Aces celebrate their win over the Atlanta Dream and move into the post season clinching at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Aug 1, 2023 (@LVAces photo)

Aces Blister Atlanta 93-72

By Barbara Mason

Tuesday evening the Las Vegas Aces (24-2) took on the Atlanta Dream (14-12) at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Las Vegas has been having another “dream” season. There are only 15 games left in the regular season and the Aces have their sights set on another post season run that will hopefully end with a second title. That dream continued with the Aces 93-72, 21 point win over the Dream.

The Dream challenged Las Vegas in the first quarter. Atlanta led for the first three minutes of the game coming out strong in the opening minutes. The Aces turned the slow start around tying up the game 8-8 at 7:08. The two teams remained close for the remainder of the quarter. Las Vegas took a five point lead in the final minute of play and led after one quarter 25-22.

The Aces began to pull a bit of a lead winning the second quarter 29-21 and leading at the half 54-43. Las Vegas has been a second half team all season. The second half is when they typically pull out all the stops and they would need that against this feisty Atlanta team that refused to back down.

The Dream won the third quarter 16-15 but still trailed 69-59. Atlanta kept plugging away and a minute into the fourth quarter, the Aces lead had been cut to seven points 69-62. Las Vegas turned that around in record time taking a 75-62 lead.

As the fourth quarter wore on, the Aces got this game under control leading 80-62 with four minutes left in the game. The Dream called a timeout when this game began to go south but there was no stopping Las Vegas. This game had turned into a real nightmare for the Dream. The final was 93-72.

Las Vegas powered their way through the fourth quarter. Jackie Young finished the game with 24 points and A’Ja Wilson had 20 points and 11 rebounds. The high for the Dream was Cheyenne Parker with 19 points.

The Aces will take on a tough team in the New York Liberty next Sunday. Tipoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM.

Aces continue to roll, beat Wings, 104-91

Published on by psushawnLeave a comment
Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson (22) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Las Vegas. (Sports Radio Service/Shawn McCullough)


By Shawn McCullough

LAS VEGAS–The Aces fought off a 15-0 run early in the fourth quarter to beat the Dallas Wings, 104-91, at Michelob Ultra Arena.

“Tough game,” said head coach Becky Hammon. “It was a tough, physical game and down the stretch we got stops when we needed.”

Kelsey Plum led the Aces with 28 points, including four three-pointers, while Chelsea Gray added 27 and eight assists.

“We needed to get stop and execute on the offensive end,” said Gray of the fourth quarter.

The Aces were out-sized by the Wings, being out-rebounded 41-30.

“They [the Wings] are huge, they hurt us on the glass,” said Hammon.  “They got a legit big four.”

A’ja Wilson scored 22 points while also blocking six Wings shots.

“Just trying to be the anchor of the defense,” said Wilson. “I want to be consistent for my teammates and be there to alter shots.”

With the win, the Aces improved to a WNBA best 23-2 on the season heading into their next game at home on Tuesday against the Atlanta Dream.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 50.0% from the field.
Las Vegas went 13 for 25 from three-point range.
The Aces never trailed in the game.

Game Starters:

C – 41 Kiah Stokes
F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 0 Jackie Young
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Riquna Williams, Out, Lower Back
Candace Parker, Not with team

Aces win sixth straight, beat Sky, 107-95

Published on by psushawnLeave a comment
Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson, right, and guard Chelsea Gray celebrate their 107-95 victory over the Chicago Sky in a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)


By Shawn McCullough

The Aces continue their dominance over the WNBA with a 107-95 win over the Sky in Chicago.

Guard Kelsey Plum led the Aces with 27 points, hitting 10 of 20 shots from the field.

WNBA Western Conference Player of the Week A’ja Wilson dropped 24 points, pulled down four rebounds and blocked four shots.

The Aces got 22 points from guard Chelsea Gray, who also dished out nine assists, while center Kiah Stokes pulled down 17 rebounds.

Aces forward/center Candace Parker had successful foot surgery to repair a fractured bone and will be out indefinitely.

With the win, the Aces improved to 22-2 on the season heading into their next game at home on Sunday against the Dallas Wings.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 50.0% from the field.
Las Vegas went seven for 22 from three-point range.
The Aces scored over 100 points for the fifth time this season.

Game Starters:

C – 41 Kiah Stokes
F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 0 Jackie Young
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Riquna Williams, Out, Lower Back
Candace Parker, Out, Foot Surgery

Aces Take Down Lynx 98-81

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

A’ja Wilson (22) of the Las Vegas Aces sent a message loud and clear to the Minnesota Lynx with a double double in the Aces win over the Lynx at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Sat Jul 22, 2023 (AP News photo)

Aces Take Down Lynx 98-81

By Barbara Mason

Saturday afternoon the Las Vegas Aces (21-2) continued to bulldoze their way through the 2023 season. This time the Aces were taking on the Lynx (10-13) in Minnesota and bulldoze they did defeating the Lynx 98-81.

The Aces got a dynamite start in the first quarter leading 11-0 at 6:27. Las Vegas had taken full advantage of the Lynx slow start. Minnesota turned things around as the quarter wore on going on a 7-0 run. After the first ten minutes the Aces had a 23-18 lead. The Lynx had gotten on track and the Aces had to amp it up going into the second quarter.

Las Vegas did indeed amp it up in the second quarter extending their lead to 48-30. Leading by eighteen points the Aces had really begun to flex their muscle going into halftime.

A’Ja Wilson finished the first half with 19 points and seven rebounds. Jackie Young had 13 points to finish the first half. With an entire half of basketball left to play, there would be a lot more coming from these two. Kelsey Plum had not gotten going in the first half and was looking to in the second half of this game.

The third quarter was all Aces. They took a nice lead 78-55 and they hung onto that lead going into the fourth quarter. The reigning MVP A’ja Wilson had her 15th double double of the season.

The slow start for Kelsey Plum in the first half got a jump start in the second half. She really got going finishing with 16 points after having only three points at the half. Wilson finished with 35 points and 14 rebounds.

The Lynx’s Diamond Miller had 17 points in this game followed by Naphessa Collier with 16.

I am certain that head coaches around the league are scratching their heads trying to put together a game plan that can beat Las Vegas. They have lost two games this season but came right back in the next game. They learn from their mistakes, they have incredible depth, they can shoot from anywhere on the court and they are a determined bunch.

They will next take on the Chicago Sky next Tuesday. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Aces roll over Storm, 79-63

Published on by psushawnLeave a comment


By Shawn McCullough

The Aces got a big game from forward A’ja Wilson in a 79-63 win over the Storm in Seattle.

“We are locked in,” said Wilson. “I love my teammates and I love the feeling in that locker room.”

Wilson registered her 14th double-double of the season, scoring 23 points and pulling down 15 rebounds.

“Rusty game for us shooting-wise, but we buckled down and our defense won us the game,” said head coach Becky Hammon.

Jackie Young contributed with 22 points, while Kelsey Plum added 20.

“I was just trying to get to the paint,” said Plum.

The Aces will most likely be without star center Candace Parker for a long time after suffering an ankle injury before the All-Star Break.

“We miss Candace pushing the ball up the court and her communication and IQ, but we have to step up,” said Wilson.

With the win, the Aces improved to 20-2 on the season heading into their next game in Minnesota on Saturday against the Lynx.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot just 43.9% from the field.
Las Vegas went seven for 18 from three-point range.
The Aces out-rebounded the Storm, 40-33.

Game Starters:

C – 41 Kiah Stokes
F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 0 Jackie Young
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Riquna Williams, Out, Lower Back
Candace Parker, Out, Ankle

WNBA Stars Outshine Las Vegas Lights; Team Stewart puts away Team Wilson 143-127at Michelob ULTRA

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Brittany Griner representing the Phoenix Mercury and Team Breanna Stewart at the WNBA All Star Game in Las Vegas is introduced to the crowd at Michelob ULTRA Arena prior to tip off against Team A’ja Wilson on Sat Jul 15, 2023 (AP News photo)

WNBA Stars Outshine Las Vegas Lights; Team Stewart puts away Team Wilson 143-127

By Barbara Mason

The Stars came out in Las Vegas at the Michelob ULTRA Arena as the WNBA All-Star game got underway on Saturday night. From tipoff it was obvious how much fun all of the players were having. Fans got to watch two super-teams from each side of the country. A’Ja Wilson was captain for the West and Breanna Stewart for the East. Team Stewart came away with the win thanks to a lot of offense 143-127.

It was extra fun for fans with three special rules. There were four-point shots, 20-second shot clock and no free throw shots. There was a four point circle at each end of the court that was beyond the arc, 28 feet from the rim.

Wilson had two of her team mates as her starters Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray along with Alijah Boston and Arike Ogunbowale. Kelsey Plum made an appearance as a bench player.

Captain Breanna Stewart had Brittney Griner, Jewell Loyd, Satou Sabally and Nneka Ogwumike as her starters. Both the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty were well represented.

The first quarter was a close one with Team Stewart edging out Team Wilson 29-27. Team Stewart started to make a move in the second quarter winning it 44-36 and leading at the half 73-63.

Team Stewart continued to extend their lead in the third quarter 110-93. By the fourth quarter they had complete control of this game.

Most valuable player of this game was Jewell Loyd who finished the game with 31 points for Team Stewart. Kelsey Plum had the high for Team Wilson with 30 points.

It was an amazing event for basketball fans in an incredible city. There will no doubt be a lot of celebrating in Las Vegas tonight with entertainment at every turn; a perfect destination for this yearly event. Tuesday it will be business as usual for these players as they start play in the remainder of the 2023 season.

Aces dominate Sparks, 97-78

Published on by psushawnLeave a comment


By Shawn McCullough

The Aces rolled into the All-Star Break with a commanding 97-78 win over the Sparks in Los Angeles.

“Good way to go into the Break,” said head coach Becky Hammon. “We came out really good in the first half and imposed our will on both ends of the court.”

A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 25 points and 12 rebounds, with 23 coming in the first half.

“Our mindset and mental approach every game is locked in,” said Wilson. “We come with so much juice.”

Kelsey Plum scored 21 points including two three-pointers, while guard Chelsea Gray added 16.

With the win, the Aces improved to 19-2 on the season heading into the All-Star Break.

“If we were 2-19, I would say that we are the best team in the league,” said Wilson. “We don’t worry about the record and just compete at a high level.”

The 2023 WNBA All-Star Game will be held in Las Vegas, being the third time since 2019 that the All-Star Game will be held in Sin City.

“It’s a big part of growing the game,” Wilson said about the All-Star Game being in Las Vegas. “Vegas puts the game in the spotlight.”

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 54.4% from the field.
Las Vegas went nine for 22 from three-point range.
The Sparks won the rebounding battle, 36-34.

Game Starters:

C – 3 Candace Parker
F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 0 Jackie Young
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Riquna Williams, Out, Lower Back

Aces Dismiss Mercury 98-72

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas Aces Chelsea Gray (12) gets the player of the game against the Phoenix Mercury at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Jul 11, 2023 (@LVAces photo)

Aces Dismiss Mercury 98-72

By Barbara Mason

Tuesday night the Las Vegas Aces (18-2) took on the Phoenix Mercury (4-15) in front of their home crowd at Michelob ULTRA Arena the Aces rolled on the Mercury 98-72.

The first quarter was a close one with the Aces leading after the first ten minutes 26- 22. The Mercury were making their presence known but could they keep it up against the power house Aces?

We got our answer in the second quarter. Las Vegas put a real beat-down on Phoenix winning the quarter 26-12. The Aces led at the half 52-34. The Mercury could not stop the Aces offensively or defensively. Las Vegas had really cleaned up the turnovers and breezed through the first half.

After three quarters the Aces continued to extend their lead winning the third 32-23. They had a 84-57 lead after three quarters.

The Mercury did win the fourth quarter in a low scoring affair 15-14 but they were so far behind the eight ball that it was an exercise in futility. The final was 98-72 and the Aces had their eighteenth win of the season steamrolling yet another team.

Jackie Young had the high for the Aces with 23 points followed by Chelsea Gray 21 points and A’Ja Wilson with 20 points. Las Vegas had great ball protection in this game with only four turnovers as they coasted to another victory. They had led at one point in the second half by 36 points. They had this game well in hand from pretty much start to finish.

Wednesday the Aces will take on the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Aces Steamroll Lynx 113-89; 10th win in 11 games for Vegas

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Kelsey Plum of the Las Vegas Aces is ready for that top scoring cigar after doing most of the heavy lifting against the Minnesota Lynx leading with 40 points in Minnesota on Sun Jul 9, 2023 (@LVAces photo)

Aces Steamroll Lynx 113-89

By Barbara Mason

Sunday night the Las Vegas Aces (17-2) steamrolled the Minnesota Lynx (9-10) with ball protection front and foremost in their mind and came away with a 113-89 win. The Aces were favored in this game but they were against the Dallas Wings as well and lost that game Friday night by two points. This season the Aces have beaten their opponent by an average of 20 points but that did not even come close to happening in their last game with Dallas.

It was a remarkable turnaround from the Aces last game winning every quarter in this game.

After the first ten minutes of play, the Aces had built a 28-19 lead and they did not let their foot off the pedal for the entire game. They won the second quarter 26-23 and had a half time lead of 54-42.

They went on to win the third quarter 26-19, the fourth quarter 33-28 and the game. They only had 12 turnovers in the game much improved from the 18 they had in their last game. Kelsey Plum had a career high 40 points which propelled Las Vegas to their 17th win of the season. She had an amazing 14 of 18 shooting. She was also six of nine from beyond the arc. This was their third win this season over the Lynx.

This win clinched a Western Conference berth in the Commissioner’s Cup. Right now the Aces are averaging 92 points a game which is a point behind the WNBA record. Las Vegas really righted the ship after their second loss of the season last Friday.

Besides the 40 points from Plum, Jackie Young had 17 points and was five of nine from downtown. Las Vegas made 17 shots from beyond the arc. A’Ja Wilson also had another double digit game with 15 points and ten rebounds.

Game notes: Friday night the Las Vegas Aces dropped their second game of the season in Dallas against the Wings in the final minute of the game 80-78. The Aces with 18 turnovers in the game did them no favors.

Tuesday night the Aces will take on Brittany Griner and the Phoenix Mercury at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Wings hand Aces second loss of season 80-78

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas Aces forward Aja Wilson (22) finished with 18 points against the Dallas Wings in Dallas it wasn’t enough as the Aces fell by two points in their second loss of the season (@LVAces photo)

By Barbara Mason

After beating the Dallas Wings (9-9) Wednesday evening in Las Vegas, On Friday night the Aces (16-2) dropped their second game of the season to Dallas 80-78 in Dallas. Las Vegas tried to extend their amazing season winning record against the Wings which was a real challenge and they met their match on Friday night.

The Wings let Wednesday’s game go in the fourth quarter and got out played by the Aces and what went wrong for the Wings in that final quarter. On Friday the Wings turned it around.

Friday night recap: The Wings came out fast in the first quarter. After a quick timeout, the Aces took the lead getting on track and led 25-23 after trailing by as much as seven.

Dallas was shelling out as much as Las Vegas could handle. This game had the makings of a real fight to the final seconds. Las Vegas is a second half team and have been for most of the season so they could change the course of this game in a heartbeat.

The Aces continued to hang unto a slim lead going into half time 40-39. A’Ja Wilson was the only Ace starter with double digits after two quarters with 14 points. The Wings also had a single starter with double digits. Teaira McGowan finished the first half with ten points.

After three quarters the Aces continued to lead 66-60 but Dallas came roaring back time after time in the game.

It all came down to the fourth quarter. The turnovers were killing Las Vegas with 18. In the paint both teams were shooting around 45% but it was the rebounding that got the Wings on the verge of handing the Aces their second loss of the season.

There would be no second half comeback for Las Vegas and the Wings got their ninth win of the season beating the Aces 80-78 in this high octane game that went down to the wire. With the score tied at 78, the Wings took a couple of free throws and that was the game.

Every starter on both teams finished in double digits. A’Ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum both had 21 points in this game. For the Wings it was Arike Ogunbowale with the high.

Sunday the Aces will try to get back on the winning track taking on the Lynx in Minnesota for a 4:00pm PT tip. They will need to clean up the turnovers in this next matchup.