Category: WNBA

Aces Top Minnesota 91-85; Vegas picks up second win in three games

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Minnesota Lynx forward Jessica Shepard (10) dribbles the ball against Las Vegas Aces center Iliana Rupert (21) (photo from the Minnesota Star Tribune Erica Dischino)

Aces Top Minnesota 91-85

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Las Vegas Aces (15-5) traveled to Minnesota to take on the Lynx (6-15). The Aces got a 91-85 win in Minnesota. Las Vegas dropped their last game to the Storm 88-78 last Wednesday night collapsing in the fourth quarter. The game was tied with four minutes left in the game but the Aces couldn’t finish and lost to Seattle.. They were looking to get back on the winning track Friday night.

The Aces had a great start leading 15-2 with three minutes left in the first quarter. The Lynx made an amazing push in the final three minutes of the opening quarter. They went on a 11-2 run and only trailed 19-13 after the first ten minutes.

The Aces would hit seven shots in a row to end the first half. Despite ten turnovers they led after two quarters 46-33. Las Vegas shot 59% in the first half and the Lynx struggled shooting just under 36%.

Moriah Jefferson was 2-2 from downtown and had 12 points in the half to lead the Lynx. The Aces Chelsea Gray had 12 points and Kelsey Plum finished the first half with ten points.

The Aces continued to lead and after three quarters Las Vegas was still in charge 69-61. The Lynx won the third quarter 28-23 but still trailed never taking the lead once through three quarters.

At 6:02 in the fourth quarter the Lynx took their first lead of the game 76-75. The Lynx kept it close until the closing minutes. The final was 91-85.

The entire Las Vegas starting roster shot double digits with Chelsea Gray the team leader with 21 points. Kelsey Plum finished with 18 points and A’Ja Wilson had 15 points and 12 rebounds.

The Lynx got an outstanding game from Rachel Banham off the bench with 24 points and was six of eight from downtown. It was just not enough to get past Las Vegas.

The two teams will meet again on Sunday in Las Vegas. Tipoff is schedule for 4:00 PM.

Aces lose to Storm 88-78; Vegas’ third loss in four games

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Aces Lose to Storm 88-78; Vegas’ third loss in four games

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday night the Las Vegas Aces (14-5) took on the Seattle Storm (12-7) at Climate Pledge Arena home of the Storm in Seattle. The Aces won their last game, a close one, to the LA Sparks 79-73 Monday night. The Aces in turn lost to the Storm 88-78 a ten point disappointment and the Aces third loss in their last four games.

The Storm are currently in second place in the Western Conference trailing the first place Aces.

The Aces won the first quarter 27-23 in a closely contested game. The Storm would pull to within three points at the half. Seattle won the second quarter by the slim margin of 21-20. The Aces led at the half 47-44. A’Ja Wilson pulled out all the stops in the first half the only Ace in double digits.

After three quarters the Storm had taken the lead 64-62 winning the quarter 20-15. The Aces had a strong fourth quarter finish in their last game and needed to finish strong in this one.

With four minutes left in the game, the score was tied at 72 and it was the Storm that finished the game. They hoped for a fourth quarter finish but that didn’t happen for Las Vegas and they dropped their third game in four outings. The ten point win was in favor of the Storm.

The Storm had a tremendous game from Jewell Loyd with 24 points.

The high score for the Aces was A’JA Wilson with yet another outstanding game. She finished with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray all shot double digits.

Las Vegas will be back on the court in Minnesota taking on the Lynx Friday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM PT.

Aces Back On the Winning Track Beating Sparks 79-73

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Los Vegas Aces gets a six point win on the road against the Los Angeles Sparks for their 14th win of the season on Mon Jun 27, 2022 (@LVAces photo)

Aces Back On the Winning Track Beating Sparks 79-73

By Barbara Mason

Saturday the Las Vegas Aces (14-4) suffered a very tough loss in overtime to the Washington Mystics by a single point 87-86. They were looking to bounce back Monday night against the Los Angeles Sparks (7-11) after two straight losses. In the past two games between the two teams the Aces completely dominated Los Angeles and Monday was no exception as the Aces got a six point win over the Sparks 79-73 in Los Angeles.

The Sparks had a very strong opening quarter topping the Aces 26-21. The Aces would strike back in the second quarter with a 18-7 run and lead at the half 40-36.

This game was a tie after three quarters at 59. The Sparks outscored the Aces 23-19 in the third. Los Angeles went on a 13-3 run and this game was up for grabs.

With 3:03 left on the clock the Aces held a slim 74-71 lead. Las Vegas was tired of losing fighting their way through this very tough Los Angeles team The final was 79-73 in favor of the Aces.

Kelsey Plum was the high for the Aces with 29 points and A’ja Wilson finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds.

The Sparks played a great game but came up just short. They showed a lot of determination and played far better than they did in their previous meetings.

Wednesday night the Aces will be trying to get a new winning streak going at the expense of the tough Seattle Storm. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Aces fall to Washington 87-86; Vegas’ second straight loss

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Las Vegas Aces forward Dearica Hamby (5) takes a shot that is rejected by Washington Mystics forward Elena Delle Donne (11) at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas in first half action on Sat Jun 25, 2022 (AP News photo)  

Aces Fall to Washington 87-86

By Barbara Mason

Saturday night the Las Vegas Aces (13-4) took on the Washington Mystics (12-9) at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas and the Aces came away with their second straight loss 87-86. It was the first time the Aces have lost multiple games this season.

The Aces are coming off a disappointing loss to Chicago 104-95 Tuesday night. The Sky came back from 28 points down, the largest comeback in WNBA history. Las Vegas does didn’t want to repeat anything even remotely close to that. They were looking to get back on the winning track.

Saturday night game recap: The Aces won the first quarter 22-20. The Mystics would prove to be a very real challenge. Las Vegas led at one time in the second quarter by seven points but the Mystics erased that lead and led at the half 46-40. Washington had won the second quarter 26-18.

Both teams battled through the third quarter as Washington continued to lead after three 63-60. The Aces won the third quarter 20-17 but still trailed in this game.

With four minutes left in the game Las Vegas trailed 75-72. The Aces were able to tie the game with 7.7 seconds left on the clock. Chelsea Gray tied the game when she hit from downtown. The game was tied at 83 at the buzzer and this game went into overtime. The Aces couldn’t hold on and lost by three points in favor of the Mystics. A tough loss for the Aces.

Las Vegas had opportunities but couldn’t take advantage of them in overtime. Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young each had 20 points. A’ja Wilson had 14 rebounds and 17 points. The Aces had 16 steals yet they were unable to pull this game out. This is the second meeting for the Aces facing the Mystics and they had lost each time. The first time in Washington losing 89-76 on May 10th.

The Aces hope to bounce back Monday night when they take on the LA Sparks. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM PT.

Las Vegas falls to the Sky 104-95; Loss snaps 4 game win streak for Aces

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Chicago Sky forward Candace Parker, center, battles for the ball with Las Vegas Aces forward Dearica Hamby (5) and guard Chelsea Gray, right, in WNBA action at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Jun 21, 2022 (AP News photo)

Las Vegas Falls to the Sky 104-95.

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (13-3) barely survived their last game Sunday against the Lynx winning by a singe point 96-95. Tuesday night they came back home at Michelob Ultra Arena taking on the Chicago Sky (11-5); this matchup a very tough one and took a tough loss 104-95 to snap a four game win streak.

The Aces had an amazing first quarter winning it 41-18. After 12 minutes it looked like they were in complete control of this game even though it was early.

The Sky came back in the second quarter winning the quarter 33-21 but still trailing at the half 62-51. Chicago had erased 11 points off the Aces lead but still had some work to do.

The Sky made a huge push in the third quarter coming out on top 30-11. Chicago had taken the lead 81-73 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Aces continued to trail the Sky in the fourth quarter. The hot start that Las Vegas had in the first quarter had vanished in the second quarter and they were struggling to keep up with Chicago through the third quarter and into the fourth. The Sky maintained a nice lead 92-82 with five minutes left in the game.

After an explosive first quarter the Aces seemed to fizzle. They took their foot off the pedal and let Chicago off the hook and back into this game. The final was 104-95. The Aces came close but it was too little too late. They did enough offensively to win this game and only had five fouls but it was just not enough defensively.

Courtney Vandersloot had the high for the Sky with 25 points. The Aces had great games from Jackie Young with 23 points and Kelsey Plum with 22.

Saturday night the Aces will take on the Mystics in yet another tough matchup. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

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