Category: WNBA

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.

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

Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria: Will US exchange Griner for Russia’s Merchant of Death? Plus NBA Conference Final predictions

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WNBA and Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner is led away in handcuffs by Russian authorities as seen here Fri May 13th is up for prisoner exchange for The Merchant of Death Viktor Bout. The deal is up for consideration between the Russian and US governments. (photo from the Toronto Globe and Mail)

On Headline Sports podcast with Tony R:

#1 Tony, could you talk about the chances that you see in a prisoner swap Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner for Russia’s The Merchant of Death Viktor Bout?

#2 Griner no doubt is the face of basketball was stopped at the Moscow Airport for alleged drug possession of vape cartridges that contained hashish oil. Griner has been detained in Russia since February. Talk a little about her mental state and how she’s holding up through this process?

#3 Tony NBA playoffs Western Conference Finals are about to tip off starting on Wednesday night at Golden State with the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors. All the talk has been about the Mavericks Luka Doncic. Will he be and the Mavericks be enough to get by Golden State in this third round?

#4 The Mavericks had a rather close series against the Phoenix Suns who had the best record in the NBA regular season and overcame adversity with a 4-3 series win. How much of a force would you say Doncic, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Jalen Brunson have been for the Dallas offense?

#5 Turning to the NBA Eastern Conference Finals the Boston Celtics are coming off a best of seven series win over the Milwaukee Bucks and tip off against Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat in game 1 tonight in Miami.

Join Tony for Headline Sports each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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.