Category: WNBA

Aces Shoot Lights Out From Beyond the Arc Beating Wings 106-87

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Las Vegas Aces center A’Ja Wilson (22) is fired up after scoring against the Dallas Wings at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sun Aug 17, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

It was competitive for awhile during the Las Vegas Aces (21-14) game with the Dallas Wings (9-16) but the Aces closed it out big time in the final minutes of the fourth quarter taking as much as a 23-point lead.

The final was 106-87 in favor of the Aces winning their seventh game in a row. Once again A’Ja Wilson was outstanding finishing with 34 points and eight rebounds. Kierstan Bell had an amazing game hitting 6 of 7 from beyond the arc.

Bell had 18 points in the game. Jewel Loyd had 12 points off the bench and Nalyssa Smith chipped in 14 points in a great offensive effort for the Aces. The team had a collective 18 shots of 34 from beyond the arc.

The Wings hung with the Aces throughout the opening ten minutes of play. Despite trailing for a bit in the first quarter, the Aces took the lead 31-27 going into the second quarter. Las Vegas got rolling big time as the second quarter wore on. With 2:13 left in the half, the Aces had taken a 52-40 lead. Las Vegas outscored the Wings 24-17 in the second quarter and took a 55-44 lead into the locker room at the half.

Wilson had a terrific first half with 18 points and 3 rebounds. She had been outstanding from both ends of the floor. Bell had 12 points and Chelsea Gray had 10. It had been another slow start for Jackie Young and Jewel Loyd and they would be looking for more in the second half.

Las Vegas was 100% from the line and 50 % from both the field and from beyond the arc. Through the first two quarters the Aces were protecting the ball well with only six turnovers.

The Wings had two players in double digits at the half. Maddy Siegrist had 11 points as did Paige Bueckers. They struggled from three point land making only 2 of 9. The Aces had made nine of 18 points from beyond the arc.

Las Vegas has come out a bit slow in the third quarter of games recently and they would need more physicality in the second half as well as containing the Wings offense. Young already had three personal fouls which was of some concern.

Dallas also had two starters with significant personal fouls, Luisa Geiselsoder with three and Haley Jones with four. The Wings started to trim the Aces lead to start the third quarter prompting a early time-out for the Aces.

Dallas trimmed the Las Vegas 12-point lead to six points mid-way through the quarter. Leading by only six points, Las Vegas put a stop to the Dallas run taking a 69-57 lead with 4:26 left in the quarter.

Both Lloyd and Young made three’s to stage the comeback. Dallas continued to fight cutting the Las Vegas lead to single digits 75-66. The Aces closed out the quarter taking back a double digit lead 81-66. Las Vegas continued to hit big shots from beyond the arc with Bell hitting 4 of 4 and Lloyd 4 of 6. They had a total of 13 threes.

The fourth quarter got underway with Wilson on the bench something we typically see. They would need her fresh down the stretch. Bell hit her fifth three of the game at 6:28. Dallas continued to hang around cutting the Las Vegas 18 point lead down to 12 points prompting another time-out.

With 4:22 left in the game the Ace had taken a 93-72 lead with Bell hitting three after three finishing with 6 of 7 and 18 points. The Aces win in a strong fourth quarter finish.

This has been an amazing run for the Aces; Las Vegas had won their seventh game in a row. They had hit 18 three’s in their 106-87 win over Dallas. It was a perfect blend of offensive and defensive effort. They have won nine of their last ten games.

Game notes: The Aces are on a roll that’s unequivocal. Ever since they were soundly beaten by the Lynx back on August 2 by the score of 111-58 they have pulled out all the stops playing some incredible basketball. The lop-sided loss to Minnesota didn’t sit well with Las Vegas and they have turned their season around and they did it on a dime.

They have beaten the Valkyries twice in a row, the Storm, the Sun, the Liberty and the Mercury for a six game winning stretch. This afternoon the beat the Wings at Michelob ULTRA Arena getting lucky number seven.

A’Ja Wilson has come unleashed and off the bench Jewel Loyd has also been instrumental in this winning streak along with the rest of the team. They have all been playing smart, hard and it is without doubt paying off handsomely.

Today the entire team continued to move up in the standings and have been taking it one game at a time as the wins continue to pile up. It has sure been something special for Las Vegas fans to witness.

Next up for Las Vegas will be another home game; another challenge for the Aces taking on the Atlanta Dream who sit in second place in the league and first place in the Eastern Conference. That game will take place next Tuesday with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 PM at Michelob ULTRA. The Aces will be looking to keep this crazy run going strong and there is absolutely nothing that would indicate otherwise

Aces Beat Liberty For Fifth Win In a Row 83-77

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Las Vegas Aces center A’Ja Wilson (22) is jacked over her basket after getting fouled against the New York Liberty forward Kennedy Burke (left) at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Wed Aug 14, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

LAS VEGAS–The Las Vegas Aces (19-14) won their fifth win in a row beating the New York Liberty (21-12) 83-77 Wednesday night at Michelob ULTRA Arena . They trailed for much of the game but really turned this game around in the fourth quarter.

They got the calls they needed in that fourth quarter and drew a lot of fouls to nail this win down. A’Ja Wilson had another double double with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Jewell Loyd had the team high with 21 points. The Aces hit 15 free throws in the final quarter.

Game recap: The Aces got a nice start taking as much as a six-point lead in the first quarter. The Liberty took a six point lead late in the quarter and led after the first ten minutes of play 24-20.

The Aces took back the lead in the second quarter when Lloyd hit an open three for a 25-24 advantage and the war between the two teams was on. The Aces began to heat up going on a 9-2 run early in the quarter taking a 30-26 lead.

The Liberty lead the league in points from beyond the arc hitting four so far in this game, the Aces keeping pace also hitting four. At the half the Liberty had taken a 43-40 lead when Leonie Fiebich hit New York’s fifth three of the game with seconds left on the clock in the second quarter.

The Liberty had one player in double digits after two quarters, Emma Meesseman with 12 points. The Aces Wilson had 11 points and six rebounds in the half and Chelsea Gray also had 11 points.

Off the bench, Lloyd was on the verge of double digits with nine points. Las Vegas’ Jackie Young had a slow start and the team would need more from her in the second half. On the sidelines head coach Becky Hammon was heard telling the team to slow down.

Las Vegas would not beat New York playing in a hurry and they needed to keep the Liberty out of the paint. New York was shooting at nearly 53% and had scored 26 points in the paint. The Aces had only scored 12 points in the paint in a very competitive game.

Mid-way through the third quarter, the Liberty took their largest lead of the night 54-47. Lloyd made her fifth of eight threes taking up residence in the corner. Young was really struggling in this game with only three points through almost three quarters.

Despite trailing, Las Vegas was coming up with some great interior defense in an effort to squelch the New York points in the paint. With 2:06 left in the third, Young really rose to the occasion hitting a three to tie up this game at 58 plus a free throw was awarded giving Las Vegas a 59-58 lead.

After three quarters it was about as tight a game that one could imagine with New York clinging to a 63-61 lead. Young had a great late third quarter hitting eight points joining Wilson and Gray with 11 points. Loyd was having a great game leading the team scoring with 18 points.

Las Vegas was able to get some stops to start the fourth quarter trailing by a single point 64-65. Chelsea Gray drew a foul giving the Aces a 66-65 lead. Wilson had a double double early in the fourth with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

With four minutes left in the game it was dead even at 72 apiece. With 2 1/2 left in the game the Aces had a 78-74 lead. A’Ja Wilson does what she does so well and that is draw fouls. She made some critical free throws to extend their lead out to 81-77 with under a minute.

The Aces took the 81-77 lead into the final 19 seconds of the game. The Liberty fouled Jackie Young who took the lead out to 83-77. The final was 83-77 and the Aces had their fifth win in a row beating the second place Liberty. It was an outstanding win for Las Vegas.

The team got the stops they needed to win this game in the fourth quarter. Loyd finished with the team high of 21 points. She was a huge part of this win. The Aces are hitting their stride at just the right time this season.

Wilson had a double double with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Young sure turned her game around finishing with 15 points and five rebounds. Gray had 13 points.

Game notes: Wednesday night the Aces beat the Liberty to continue their climb up in the standings. Going into Wednesday night’s game the Aces were holding onto fifth place and New York was in second place.

Las Vegas was also playing another game at Michelob ULTRA Arena to another sell-out crowd and more home court support, a real advantage. The Liberty had to fight off a late flight arrival or rather an early Wednesday morning arrival in Las Vegas.

The Aces will now travel to Phoenix for a matchup with the Mercury. They will be looking for a sixth win in a row with the tipoff scheduled for Friday night at 7:00 PM.

Violet, Cecilia and the rest of the Valkyries On Point In Big 74-57 Win Over The Connecticut Sun

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By Morris Phillips

SAN FRANCISCO–Violet the Raven, just like some other Valkyries, hasn’t been around for the entire inaugural season, but on Monday, the team’s mascot hit the floor running in her debut.

The feathery Violet hit a sequence of dance moves, looking the part as the lead in a tightly choreographed dance troupe. She also missed a couple of point blank shots against minimal defense. The verdict would have to be she’s not a finished product, but loaded with potential.

Sound like a true Valkyrie? Yes.

The team itself used Monday night to show their quest to reach their potential continues in earnest with a convincing 74-57 win that displayed their defense has arrived ahead of schedule. The visiting Sun were held to 34 percent shooting and turned the ball over 14 times. For the second game in a row, the Valkyries’ opponent was held to fewer than 60 points allowing the hosts to move above .500 in the league standings (16-15) for the first time in a month.

Cecila Zandalasini nearly posted a new personal best in scoring with 17 points while helping key a defensive effort that flustered the undermanned Sun. The hosts’ lead hit 20 points a couple of times in the fourth quarter as the Sun continued to faltering from three where they converted just 20 percent of their 25 attempts.

“It’s the minimum we have to do every game, and it’s given us some rhythm in each of the last two games,” Zandalasini said.

The reserved Zandalasini made three of the Valkyries’ 13 made threes, one which prompted her seemingly understated three-finger celebration. But that move drew a technical foul that shocked coach Natalie Nakase.

“She didn’t do anything… I don’t understand why someone would give this a technical foul,” Nakase said on a night that a referee’s bizarre reaction was rendered to a moment of humor.

Tiffany Hayes also scored 17 points for the Valkyries, and Janelle Salaun had 16. The team’s 41 percent shooting wasn’t anything to trumpet but their 39 percent shooting from three was, as they continue to successfully leverage their uptempo attack into a number of uncontested looks from distance.

The Valkyries have road games Mystics and Sky up next, two opportunities to improve their stature in the playoff picture against two struggling teams.

Slow Las Vegas Start Finishes On Fire Beating Sun 94-86; Aces pick up fourth straight win

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Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) drives on Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles (left) at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sun Aug 10, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

Despite struggling this season, the Connecticut Sun (5-25) gave the Las Vegas Aces (18-14) all they could handle in the first half of their matchup with the two teams tied at the half 45 points apiece. Las Vegas fought back leading after three quarters 70-62 winning the game 94-86 Sunday.

With this win the Aces are tied with the Indiana Fever for fifth place. A’ja Wilson finished the game with 32 points and 20 rebounds. Jackie Young had a 12 point first quarter finishing with 21 points. This was their fourth win in a row.

Game recap: The Aces took their largest lead of the game 14-6 at 5:32 in the opening ten minutes of play. The Sun pushed back erasing the Aces eight point lead cutting it in half 18-14 with 3 1/2 minutes left in the first quarter.

Young started the game with a hot hand already hitting 12 points with two minutes left in the quarter. Every time the Aces extended their lead, the Sun pushed back hard pulling to within two points with under two minutes left on the clock 22-24. With under a minute left in the opening quarter the Sun took a 28-26 lead.

Connecticut had hit five of eight from beyond the arc and the Aces had to contain the Sun’s long ball in the second quarter. After the first ten minutes of play the Sun had taken a 31-27 lead and had gone on a 15 to 3 run. After a hot start, the Aces had really cooled off. Las Vegas already had five turnovers, the Sun only two. Las Vegas had to put the stops on the Sun’s success from beyond the arc.

The Sun did not back down to start the second quarter and in fact continued to extend their lead 39-30 in the opening minutes. This was not the start to the second quarter that Las Vegas had envisioned.

The Sun took a ten-point lead, the largest of the game, 43-33 prompting a time-out for the Aces. After a great first quarter start, the Aces had fallen flat offensively and were struggling defensively.

The Sun’s confidence continued to build as the second quarter wore on leading 45-38 with 4:33 left in the half. Las Vegas needed to trim the Sun’s lead before halftime. The Aces went on a 10-0 run in the final minutes of the second quarter cutting their 12 point deficit to two points. Las Vegas tied up the game at 45 going into the half and it was a new ball game.

The Aces had really turned this game back in their favor in the later minutes of the second quarter. Young had hit 14 points and Wilson was closing in on another double double with 13 points and nine rebounds after two quarters. Las Vegas had to take back control of this game and cut down on the turnovers.

Las Vegas turned this game around in the third quarter taking their largest lead of the game so far with 11 points and leading 70-62 after three quarters.

Connecticut continued to hang around but unlike the second quarter when the Sun pushed, the Aces successfully pushed right back taking an 82-71 lead after the Sun had pulled to within 6 points with 6:35 left in the game.

With 5 1/2 minutes left on the clock Wilson had 28 points and 18 rebounds taking her team to an 86-73 lead. The Aces continue to work their way up the standings. They are without doubt playing with playoff mentality. Their defense really clicked in the second half.

Wilson finished with 20 rebounds, a career high, and 32 points. The Aces locked in defensively to pull off their fourth win in a row.

Game notes: The Aces continued their homestand defeating the struggling Sun Sunday evening at Michelob ULTRA Arena. They had a great win over the Seattle Storm Friday night 90-86 in a nail-biter of a fourth quarter. With the win Friday night the Aces have pulled into sixth place a half game behind the fifth place Indiana Fever. There will be a lot of shuffling as the season enters its final push.

Las Vegas will face a tough assignment on Wednesday evening taking on the New York Liberty but will continue to play with home court advantage before heading out on the road taking on Phoenix on Friday night. Tipoff for the Aces game with the Liberty is scheduled for 6:30 PM PT.

Valkyries Apply The D: Sparks Stopped Cold in 72-59 Loss

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By Morris Phillips

SAN FRANCISCO–The streaking Sparks arrived at Ballhalla having scored at least 100 points in each of five wins over their last six games. All that offense came to a halt Saturday night with an  uncurteous assist from the Valkyries.

The hosts clamped down, holding Los Angeles to 32 percent shooting in a 72-59 win that was critical for playoff positioning. The Valkyries clinched the season series between the clubs with a third win in four meetings, and created a one game cushion in the fight for the eighth and last playoff seed.

The visitors were essentially limited to a credible offensive showing in the second quarter then through two surges in the third quarter. That brought the Sparks to within 43-40 with 4:52 remaining in the quarter but they would get no closer the remainder of the game. The Valkyries closed beautifully, surviving a scoreless finish over the final 3:41 without relinquishing their double-digit lead.

Veronica Burton was a two-way menace with a team-best 16 points along with suffocating defense on Kelsey Plum, who was limited to 4 points and one made basket. In the season-opener, Plum exploded for 37 points, but this time was left visibly flustered.

“We were really connected defensively,” Burton said. “The communication was at an all-time high, we were in our shifts. Obviously I was guarding her a lot but I never felt like I was on an island.”

“Just Vee understanding the game plan, asking questions at shootaround… We understand the talent of Kelsey Plum, scorer on all three levels. Credit to Vee, and credit for her teammates having her back,” coach Natalie Nakase said.

The Valkyries scoring was characteristically balanced Cecila Zandalasini contributing 14 points, all in the first half, and Janelle Salaun adding 11. Twelve made threes were most damaging to the Sparks with Zandalasini leading the way with four of those. Also, the Sparks were plagued by turnovers early with eight of their total of 12 coming in the game’s first 15 minutes.

Dearica Hamby led Los Angeles with 15 points, and Julie Allemand and Rae Burrell scored 10.

Julie Vanloo was greeted with a warm welcome in her return to Chase Center after her controversial release following her return from the Eurobasket tournament. Vanloo had two points and four rebounds in 13 minutes for the Sparks.

Steph Curry and his wife Ayesha were present in support of family friend Cameron Brink. Brink had five points and two rebounds off the bench.

The Valkyries conclude their home stretch on Monday at 7:00pm against the Connecticut Sun.

Aces Squeak Past Storm For Third Win In a Row 90-86

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Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) goes for a lay up against the Seattle Storm’s forward Ezi Magbegor (13) in first half WNBA action at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Fri Aug 8, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

The Las Vegas Aces (17-14) won their third game in a row beating a tough Seattle Storm (16-15) team and moving into a tie with the Indiana Fever for fifth place in the standings at Michelob ULTRA Arena.

At one time in the third quarter, the Aces had a 19 point lead that the Storm slashed tying up the game in the fourth quarter. There had been a huge swing in the game but the Aces fought back and came out with the 90-86 win handing the Storm their fourth loss in a row.

Game recap: The Aces got a nice start to open this game. After the first ten minutes of play Las Vegas had a 23-17 lead and A’Ja Wilson already had nine points. The Arena was really fired up at full capacity. The Aces have an amazing fan base and they are playing a lot of games at home in August which is a great way to finish off the regular season.

Mid-way through the second quarter Wilson had already hit 11 points. They needed to continue to control the points in the paint and so far in this game they were 14-4 in the paint.

The Aces continued to extend their lead and at the half they had continued to dominant and led 47-36 their largest lead of the game. The Aces had out-rebounded the Storm and outscored them in the second quarter 24-19.

Wilson finished the first half with 18 points and 5 rebounds. Chelsea Gray had scored ten points in the half and Nalyssa Smith was having a solid game with six points and seven rebounds. None of the Storm had scored double digits.

Las Vegas had a great start to the third quarter taking as much as a 19 point lead but as the quarter wore on there was a real shift in the game. The Storm systematically chipped away at the Las Vegas lead and when the quarter came to an end that 19 point Las Vegas lead had been cut to a 71-63 lead.

The Storm roared to life in the fourth quarter tying up the game at 75 with just over five minutes left in the game. It was a new ball game. The Aces fought back and began to push their lead back out and with 4:37 left in the game had taken an 80-75 lead.

Las Vegas had to tighten up and they were having some untimely turnovers which really hurt. The Aces were getting possessions but not cashing in on them. This game was going down to the wire. Since the tie the Aces had gone on a 7-1 run.

With only three minutes left in the game the Storm had no choice but to turn their defense up and risk fouling. Seattle had a couple of fouls at the end that turned into four Las Vegas points. With under two minutes left in the game the Aces were clinging to an 86-81 lead.

It was crunch time and Young answered the call hitting a three with 51 seconds left on the clock. The Storm answered back and with 23 seconds left in the game Las Vegas was leading 90-86.

Wilson was playing with five personal fouls in one crazy game. With 5.4 on the clock Seattle’s Brittney Sykes missed an attempted three and that was the ball game. Las Vegas had pulled this game out winning 90-86.

The was a terrific win for the Aces with five players in double digits. The high was Wilson with 29 points and 12 rebounds. Young finished with 26 points and five rebounds. Chelsea Gray chipped in 13 points and Nalyssa Smith with ten. It was another good game for Jewell Loyd off the bench hitting ten points. The Aces are now tied with the Indiana Fever in fifth place.

Game notes: Friday night the Aces battled the Storm in Las Vegas and moved into sole position of fifth place. This was a huge game for the Aces. The finish line for the 2025 season looms in the distance for the Aces.

Wilson was celebrating her 29th birthday and Wilson got a birthday gift for a win Friday night after beating the Storm. The Aces got a win against the Valkyries for a second time in a row last Wednesday 78-72 in San Francisco. Seattle has been struggling losing their last four games.

The Aces will be back in action this Sunday in Las Vegas taking on the Connecticut Sun and looking for their fourth win in a row. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Valkyries Fall In Return Home To Focused Aces, 78-72

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By Morris Phillips

SAN FRANCISCO–If the Valkyries’ unprecedented path to the WNBA playoffs involves beating the teams at and below their level in the standings, the Las Vegas Aces made it clear that they’re not in that group.

A’ja Wilson’s efficient 27 points and 7 rebounds led the Aces to a 78-72 win at Chase Center on Wednesday night that was easily the visitors’ most focused effort against the expansion Valkyries in their now completed four-game set.

Physical play throughout limited scoring, and proliferated the referee whistles, but didn’t deter the Aces’ gritty defensive effort that limited the Valkyries to 39 percent shooting from the floor.

“We needed to fight for 40 minutes, not 20 or 25,” Janelle Salaun said afterwards on the KPIX-TV post-game show.

The Valkyries fell below .500 to 14-15, but remained in the top eight of the standings, a half game ahead of the Sparks and a full game in front of the Mystics. The top eight qualify for the playoffs, and the Valkyries still have critical home games against the Sparks and Mystics.

Both teams wasted their opportunities at the 3-point line, shooting just 18 percent but made up for it with near flawless free throw shooting. Wilson navigated both areas by shooting 11 for 11 at the stripe and not attempting a three, while making 8 of 11 from two. The former MVP and two-time champion also had two steals and two blocks. When pressured, she drove. When afforded space, Wilson cooked the Valkyries from the free throw line extended.

Tiffany Hayes led the hosts with 14, Salaun added 13, and Carla Leite and Kaila Charles had 11 each.

The Valkyries next host the Sparks on Saturday evening.

Raining Three’s Propel Aces to Win Over Valkyries 101-77

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Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson (22) high-fives guard Jewell Loyd (24) during a WNBA game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Golden State Valkyries, Sunday August 3, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nev. (photo by the Sporting Tribune)

By Rich Perez

LAS VEGAS–After their worst game this season Saturday, the Las Vegas Aces (15-14) took on the Golden State Valkyries (14-14) Sunday. What a difference a day makes. Las Vegas played with passion, with energy, showcasing their defense, ball movement and they controlled the flow of this game from start to finish for a 101-77 win.

Jewell Loyd had a banner game finishing with 27 points. The team collectively hit 18 shots from beyond the arc eight of them coming from Loyd. A’Ja Wilson had a double double, Jackie Young had 20 points and Chelsea Gray finished with 11 in an amazing effort offensively and defensively.

Game recap: What a difference a day makes. The Aces came out with great energy, impeccable ball movement, pinpoint passing and those missed open shots were history. The Aces got right down to business in the first quarter leading after the first ten minutes of play 27-14.

Las Vegas kept the pressure on in the second quarter outscoring the Valkyries 23-11 and leading at the half 50-25. The Aces were not only shooting at over 51% but they were almost at 54% from beyond the arc. Las Vegas had also hit seven three’s to the Valkyries three.

The Valkyries will have an added challenge in the second half losing starter Janelle Salaun just before the half. She was ejected on a flagrant two for a hit on Jewell Loyd. Not a single Golden State player was in double digits.

The Aces A’Ja Wilson had ten points and Jewell Loyd playing off the bench had 13 points. The Aces would need to keep the pressure on the Valkyries in the second half and continue to dictate the pace and flow they had in the first half.

The Aces took a 27 point lead in the third quarter but Golden State started to shave it down. The Valkyries cut the 27 point lead down to 19. With under three minutes left in the quarter, the Aces pushed their lead back out to 64-38.

Jewell Loyd really showed up for this game hitting six of from beyond the arc. As the third quarter came to an end the Aces had hit 13 shots from downtown. They led after three quarters 76-50.

How the Aces would respond after yesterday’s loss was answered loud and clear. Seven minutes into the fourth quarter Jewell Loyd hit her seventh three and seven Aces had made shots from beyond the arc.

They were playing with unparalleled passion. The decision to play Lloyd off the bench took so much pressure off her and we saw that in her play in this game Sunday.

Game notes: After what had to be their most disappointing game this season the Aces bounced back Sunday when against the Valkyries at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Saturday the Aces was pulverized by the best team in the WNBA, the Minnesota Lynx, by a shocking 53 point differential the final 111-58.

Just about anything that they did in Saturday’s game was not repeated Sunday. With the season winding down, every game right now is critical. Las Vegas will wanted Sunday’s game and played with energy; Saturday there was close to none.

Fans just don’t see this from the Aces and just what was going on may never be known. The bottom line is that this team has to put the loss behind them and got back to playing Aces basketball. This is a huge win for the Aces to get them back on track against the Valkyries.

The Aces now move a half game ahead of them in the standings. Golden State drops to eighth place, the Aces in seventh place. Every game going forward is of the utmost importance.

The Aces will meet the Valkyries again on Wed Aug 6 this game at Golden State’s home the Chase Center. They will be looking to pick up where they left off and hand the Valkyries another loss.

It will be a tougher matchup for the Aces who will no doubt play in front of a packed house of Golden State fans. They will be looking to again control the flow of the game and show up offensively and defensively. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Kayla McBride and the Lynx Wallop Las Vegas 111-58

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Las Vegas Aces center Aj’a Wilson (22) dives against the Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) during the first half at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sat Aug 2, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

LAS VEGAS–This game was lopsided from start to finish as the Las Vegas Aces (14-14) lost to the number one team in the WNBA the Minnesota Lynx (24-5) 111-58 on Saturday afternoon. Las Vegas fell behind in the opening quarter 35-17 and it only snowballed from there.

Minnesota’s Kayla McBride got the game going in the first half going eight of eight from beyond the arc. It went from bad to worse from there. This was Minnesota’s third win of the season over Las Vegas and the all -time differential in WNBA history winning by 63 points.

No one saw this one coming with A’Ja Wilson only scoring ten points. This is a game the Aces need to put in the rear view going forward if they want to be playoff bound. Going forward, it is all about winning as many games as possible with the season winding down.

Game recap: The Lynx came out on fire leading after the first ten minutes of play 35-17. Minnesota had shot for 74% in the first quarter.

The Aces seemed to have come out with little intensity missing far too many shot and the Lynx were killing them from outside. The Minnesota defense kept the Aces off balance not allowing them to get set for many shots.

Things went from bad to worse as the Lynx continued their assault leading with under three minutes left in the second quarter 54-29. Kayla McBride already had 15 points and Minnesota had gotten 18 points off their bench.

They also had 11 shots from beyond the arc only missing one three in the half and the Lynx’s McBride finished the half going 8 for 8 from beyond the arc for 24 points. At the half Minnesota lead 67-33. Las Vegas had a mountain to climb going into the second half.

The Lynx shot for 92.9% from outside in the first half the Aces were 50%. Inside the Lynx shot for 76.5% while the Aces were shooting at 40.6%. The Aces were not able to take the three away from Minnesota and Las Vegas had really struggled defensively.

Their transition defense was MIA and they had missed so many attempted shots. The Lynx had more than twice as many rebounds most of them defensive. Fast break points were really lopsided, the Lynx with 21, the Aces only two.

The largest lead for Minnesota in the first half was 37 points. The Aces would have to shake off their lackadaisical first half going into the second half. They needed to somehow disrupt the offensive rhythm that the Lynx had established in the opening half. Las Vegas had also missed far too many shots in the first half due to the solid defense that Minnesota brought to this game..

The Lynx continued to control the pace of the game as well as hitting those three’s and hanging onto their thirty point lead throughout the third quarter. As the third quarter came to an end, the Lynx had continued their total domination. It would be a long fourth quarter of basketball for the Aces. They lost the third quarter. 25-16 and trailed 92-49 going into the final quarter.

Aces Head Coach Becky Hammon was seen in the fourth quarter having a group chat on the sidelines with starters AJa Wilson, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray. With just over five minutes left in the game and Las Vegas trailing 98-54, the writing was already set in stone on the wall.

Game notes; Saturday afternoon, the Aces took on the Lynx at Michelob ULTRA Arena. The Aces have fought their way back over .500 after struggling off and on all season. Last Tuesday the Aces handled the Los Angeles Sparks 89-74 and took on the top three-shooting team in the league the Lynx.

The challenge against the Lynx was containing them on the inside and the outside. Minnesota is number in the standings for not only their offense but also their defense. The Aces lost to the Lynx in their last matchup getting thumped pretty good 109-78.

Jewell Loyd had an awful game going 0-10 and will not start in the game. The Lynx out-rebounded them, and outshot them from inside and out in that contest. Las Vegas had their work cut out for them. They are clinging onto eighth spot in the standings right now. Minnesota got their third straight win against Las Vegas this season.

There will be no rest for the Aces taking the court Sunday against the Golden State Valkyries at Michelob ULTRA. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 3:00 PM. The Aces will need to put this game in their rear view going forward. With the season almost three quarters over the Aces need to tack on some wins to solidify a place in the playoffs.

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Roberson: Valkyrie look to make up for huge loss of Kayla Thornton

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Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) before the opening tip against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on May 29, 2025. Thornton suffered a knee injury earlier in the week in San Francisco and will be out for the rest of the WNBA season./ John Jones-Imagn Images

Golden State Valkyrie podccast:

#1 The Golden State Valkyrie (11-12) picked up a big win over the Dallas Wings (7-18) on Friday night at Chase Center 86-76 and ended their three game skid.

#2 The big loss for the Valkyrie is of star player Kayla Thornton due to a knee injury. Talk about how her absence will effect the Valkyrie line up.

#3 Thornton was the leading scorer with 14 points and seven assists and 1.5 rebounds that’s a lot offense that will be missed.

#4 On the Valkyrie win on Friday leading in scoring Tiffany Hayes 17 points and Janelle Salaun 16 points to help pave the ten point win for Golden State.

#5 It’s off to Connecticut as the Valkyrie prepare to face the Sun. The Sun are a struggling bunch at 3-20 and in last place in the WNBA Eastern Conference. The Valkyrie at 11-12 in the Western Conference are in eighth place. How do you see this match Sunday?

Michael Roberson is a podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com