Category: WNBA

Star-Studded Event At Footprint Center- Team WNBA Beats Team USA 117-109

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Team WNBA Arike Ogunbowale (left) drives on Team USA’s Kelsey Plum (5) at the 2024 WNBA All Star Game in Phoenix on Sat Jul 20, 2024 (AP News)

By Barbara Mason

In one of the best WNBA All-Star games of all-time a sell-out crowd of 16,407 witnessed Team WNBA beat Team USA 117-109 in a tight contest Saturday night. Most valuable player the Dallas Wings Arike Ogunbowale led Team WNBA to the win finishing with 34 points.

This was the most points scored in any all-star game earning Ogunbowale a second MVP nod. She was completely contained in the first half but turned it all around in the second half of play hitting eight of 13 three-pointers, giving Team WNBA as much as a 20 point lead in the final 20 minutes of this game.

This game was close in the first half of play with the opening quarter especially close with Team WNBA leading 24-23 after the first ten minutes. At the half, Team USA had a 54-52 lead winning the second quarter 31-28.

Team WNBA really turned this game around in the third quarter winning the quarter 36-25 and taking an 88-79 lead into the fourth quarter. Team USA fought back in the fourth quarter winning the quarter by the narrowest of margins 30-29. The domination in the third quarter by Team WNBA was the deciding factor in the 117-109 final score.

U.S. women’s national team Head Coach Cheryl Reeve had predicted that Team USA faced a huge challenge in this exhibition match taking on Team WNBA and she had it right although Team USA really did put up a fight.

Records were broken in this game with such incredible talent on the floor. Caitlin Clark set a rookie record with ten assists and Angel Reese became the first rookie with a double-double scoring 12 points with 11 rebounds. Allisha Gray who had won the 3-point shooting contest on Friday night chipped in 16 points for TEAM WNBA.

This All-Star game brought out numerous celebrities who enjoyed the evenings festivities from actor Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso star), Aubrey Plaza, Sue Bird, World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe, rapper Ty Dolla Sign, the Cardinals’ Marvin Harrison Jr., Kyler Murray, Shannon Sharpe and the list goes on and on. It was an evening to remember for the players and the fans alike.

From the very first shot made in this game when Diana Taurasi nailed a 3-pointer to the 3-pointer scored by Sabrina Ionescu with ten ticks left on the clock in the fourth quarter this game was amazing. Ogunbowale hit a couple of free throws to finish off this game.

This event had it all; it was so entertaining, full of high energy and fans expressed on many levels how much more fun this game was than the NBA All-Star game. This event seems to get better and better with every year. Saturday night at Footprint Center was the happening place to be.

The Las Vegas Aces were very well represented as expected in this game. A’Ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray all had some great moments in the game.

Now that this game is in the books, players and fans leave Phoenix with memories that will last a lifetime with the promise of more memories to be made in the coming years. It was certainly something special. Team USA now prepares for the 2024 Olympic Games that gets underway from July 26th to August 11.

What a memorable summer for all of these ladies. Once the Olympic Games are in the books, team USA will head back to finish off the regular season with all eyes focused on the WNBA playoffs to finish off an incredible 2024 season.

In one of the best

WNBA

Aces Slow Start Spearheads Loss to Chicago Sky 93-85

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The Chicago Sky’s forward Michaela Onyenwere (12) defends against the Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Jul 16, 2024 (Las Vegas Aces photo)

By Barbara Mason

Las Vegas Aces (16-7) struggled through the first quarter trailing by 19 points after the first 12 minutes. They continued to challenge throughout the game getting close but never led once. It was a real battle in the fourth quarter with the Aces getting as close as a single point but they were unable to get on top.

The Chicago Sky (9-14) won the game 93-85. A’Ja Wilson fought through this game finishing with a double double, 28 points and 14 rebounds but the Aces came up just short despite her effort.

Game recap: The first quarter of this game was all Sky. They came out hard and fast and when the clock wound down on the first 12 minutes of this game, Chicago had taken a 25-12 lead and the Aces had some work to do in the second quarter.

The Sky had so far controlled the pace of this game and Las Vegas had to do a better job containing Chennedy Carter who already had scored 14 points. Chicago owned the shots from the field, from downtown and was out-rebounding the Aces 14 to 9.

Poor shooting was killing Las Vegas through the first half of the second quarter. With 4:50 left in the half, the Sky had taken a 40-21 lead. The Aces could not buy a long ball and Chicago was shooting at 44.4 % from downtown while Las Vegas was struggling only hitting 14.3 %.

They were getting shellacked. The Aces have not struggled like this at home all season. As the half came to an end, the Aces turned this game completely around after trailing by as much as 19.

Chicago continued to lead at the half but their lead had been cut to 44-37 as the Aces pushed back with ferocity. Las Vegas had a horrible start to this game but they were back on track going into the second half.

The Sky pushed their lead back to ten points 60-50 six minutes into the third quarter. Kelsey Plum continued to struggle only hitting two points for the entire game. The Sky had established a 12 point lead for much of the quarter and after three quarters, they continued to lead 69-63 and the Aces had one quarter left in this game to right the ship. Known for turning games around in the fourth quarter, they would have to show up in this one if they had any chance to win the game.

Las Vegas did indeed challenge in the fourth quarter trailing by a single point 73-72 with over seven minutes left in the game. Tiffany Hayes was having a great game off the bench hitting 14 points through three quarters and A’Ja Wilson already had another double double with 28 points and 10 rebounds.

With 7:15 left on the clock, the Sky were forced to take a full timeout and attempt to re-group as the Aces continued to forge a comeback. With 4:54 left in the game it continued to be a one-point game 75-74 with the Sky leading.

At 3:52, Las Vegas had at long last tied up this game at 77. The Aces had been unable to take the lead throughout the game as the Sky punched back taking an 88-81 lead with 1:32 left in the game and the Aces were running out of time.

Chicago had proven to be a most worthy opponent beating the defending champions 93-85. This was the Sky’s first win over Las Vegas in two years and they did in style.

The Aces were challenged the entire game by Chennedy Carter unable to contain herself and she finished with the game high 34 points. She led the way in this Chicago win. The slow start for Las Vegas was the determining factor and they never really recovered.

Game notes: Tuesday night the Aces took on the Sky at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Las Vegas ended their winning streak at four with the loss to the Sky. With the loss they fall a half game back behind first place Seattle in the Western Conference .

The Sky have come a long way since earlier in the season when they struggled with a .500 record at 6-6 record. The Sky have struggled at times this season but this not a team that you can take at all lightly as the Aces found out. They gave the Aces a run for their money despite being on the road.

A’Ja Wilson finished this game with a double double, 28 points and 14 rebounds. Jackie Young had 17 points but Kelsey Plum struggled through the game with only two points at the half and eight points for the game. Tiffany Hayes had a nice game off the bench with 19 points.

The Aces will continue their season on Saturday August 17 taking on the New York Liberty with tipoff scheduled for 1:00 PM.

Aces Win Fourth In a Row Beating Mystics 89-77

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The Las Vegas Aces Chelsea Gray (12) dribbles on the Washington Mystics Di Di Richards (12) at Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington DC on Sun Jul 14, 2024 (Las Vegas Aces photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (16-7) won their fourth game in a row against the Washington Mystics (6-18) 89-77. The Aces continue to sit in second place in the Western Conference and fourth place overall.

They are nipping on the heels of the Minnesota Lynx who are in first place in the Western Conference. A Lynx loss Sunday against the Fever would drop them into second place in the division by 1/2 game and the Aces would step into first place. A’Ja Wilson had another double double with 17 rebounds and 28 points. She continues to amaze.

Game recap: The Mystics came out with great energy in the opening quarter while the Aces not so much. Washington took the lead 31-20 after the first ten minutes of play. No lead is one that the Aces cannot overcome and they went on to win the second quarter 20-12 but they did trail at the half 43-40. It is no secret that the Aces can be lethal in the second half of games and the Mystic lead was a mere three points, a single shot.

Washington continued to hang around and when the third quarter came to an end they only trailed by the score of 65-62. Las Vegas had won the third quarter 25-19. The Aces sealed this win in the fourth quarter winning the quarter 24-15 and the game 89-77.

The Mystic put up a fight but could not handle the offense of Las Vegas. Washington was hot from downtown shooting 57% hitting 12 of 21 but from the field, the Aces won the battle. The Aces had their fourth win a row.

A’Ja Wilson had another double double with 17 rebounds and 28 points. Kelsey Plum had 22 points and Tiffany Hayes had a great game off the bench with 17 points. Those 17 points tied her season best and her 5 rebounds were a season high for her.

Jackie Young was quiet in this game after scoring 19 points in their last game Friday night against the Dream. The Aces sure have turned their season around after starting it with a 6-6 record. They have now won their last 10 of 11 games. Las Vegas has swept this seasons’ series with the Mystics winning all three games by double digits.

The Mystics Ariel Atkins had a terrific game scoring 36 points. She was the only Washington player in double figures and this tied her career high. She hit 6 3-pointers in the game.

Game notes: Sunday afternoon, the Aces defeated the Mystics at Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington DC. Las Vegas is coming off a dominating win over the Dream last Friday night 84-70 and they picked up their fourth win in a row.

The Mystics had a big win against the Indiana Fever Wednesday night 84-79. They are currently eyeing first place in the Western Conference and third place overall. The Lynx are currently in first place one game ahead of the Aces and at the time of this post were tied at the half with the Fever.

The Las Vegas Aces have one more game before the break and will not be back in league action until August 17 when they take on the Liberty in a clash between two elite teams. Las Vegas will take on the Sky next Tuesday night at home in their last game before season action takes a break. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 PM. This game can be viewed on Prime Video.

Aces Beat Storm In Thrilling Finish 84-79

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Las Vegas Aces Kelsey Plum (10) drives on the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge in Seattle on Wed Jul 10, 2024 (photo by the Las Vegas Aces)

By Barbara Mason

The Seattle Storm (14-8) came into their matchup with the Las Vegas Aces (14-7) Wednesday winning both the first and second quarters and leading at the half 36-30. A six-point lead by either of these teams is a drop in the bucket and precarious at best.

The Aces who most of the time prevail in the second half lived up to their reputation winning the third quarter 30-19 and taking the lead 60-55. The fourth quarter was dead even with both teams scoring 24 points and the Aces held tight winning their second game in a row 84-79.

Wednesday afternoon, the Aces met up north to take on the Storm in a battle of two of the leagues’ heavyweights. The matchup between A’Ja Wilson and Jewell Loyd had all the makings of a real clash and this game proved to be a fight to the end with Wilson with 24 points and Lloyd with 28 points.

The Aces were coming off a win over the Dallas Wings 104-85 and the Seattle Storm were also coming off a win against the Chicago Sky 84-71 in convincing wins for both teams. The two teams have their eyes on first place in the Western Conference and the Minnesota Lynx who occupy that position.

Game recap: The Seattle Storm came on strong in the first half of this game winning both the first and the second quarters and leading at the half 36-30. They would have their work cut out for them in the second half where the Las Vegas Aces typically go to town and this game was no different.

The Aces had an excellent third quarter which made all the difference in this game winning it 30-19 and taking a 60-55 lead into the fourth quarter. As the fourth quarter wore on those five points would be the deal breaker for the Storm.

The fourth quarter was a wild affair. The Storm pulled to within one point in the early minutes of the quarter but the Aces always had the answer. At 3:31 the Aces had a 76-67 lead and with 45 seconds left in the game, the Aces were hanging on with a 82-79 lead. A’Ja Wilson was fouled with 2.1 on the clock making both free throws for the final score of 84-79. It was a battle from start to finish with the Aces prevailing.

In another outstanding game for A’Ja Wilson, she had her first career 20-20 game being only the second player in Aces history to achieve that mark. She finished with 24 points and 20 rebounds and had a lot of help from Jackie Young who had 27 points and five rebounds.

Kelsey Plum and Chelsea Gray both had double digits. Kiah Stokes had seven rebounds continuing her stellar defensive effort. The milestone from Wilson was the 21st 20-20 game in WNBA history.

This was a real team effort with every player stepping up and hitting shots at critical moments. The Aces are now 8-1 since the return of Chelsea Gray. The Storm rallied throughout the fourth quarter but came up short every time.

Seattle did have a great opportunity to tie up this game in their final possession with Nneka Ogwumike missing an open three-pointer and that was pretty much the game.

The Storm had a great game from Jewell Loyd who scored 28 points and Ezi Magbegor had 10 points and 10 rebounds for Seattle. Skylar Diggins-Smith also had a nice game scoring 16 points with 4 rebounds.

This game could not have been closer. The Aces won the battle in the paint as well as the battle from downtown. Seattle had more turnovers than the Aces with 13 and the rebounds between the two teams were also close. 12,500 fans were in attendance at Climate Pledge Arena for this game.

The Aces will be back on the court next Friday night in Atlanta taking on the Dream. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 4:30 PM.

Aces top Wings, 104-85

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The Aces logo during pre-game of a WNBA basketball game on Sunday, July 7, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Sports Radio Service/Shawn McCullough)

By Shawn McCullough

LAS VEGAS–The Aces bounced back from a tough loss in Los Angeles on Friday with a 104-85 win over the Dallas Wings at Michelob Ultra Arena.

“That’s [Dallas] a good offensive team,” said head coach Becky Hammon. “It was just about taking care of us.  We are just trying to win basketball games.”

The Aces were led by A’ja Wilson with a double-double, scoring 28 points and pulling down 10 rebounds.

“Coming off that loss in L.A., it hurt,” said Wilson. “To bounce back and to have games like this, you need that ‘pick me up’.”

Wilson became the leader in most points in franchise history, surpassing Sophia Young-Malcolm at 4,300 points.

“It means a lot and it’s very special,” said Wilson. “To get it at home is truly special.”

“It’s a pleasure to be around her,” said Hammon of Wilson. “She is the best basketball player in the world along with being the best person in the world.”

Kelsey Plum dropped 23 points, going three for nine from three-point range, while Jackie Young added 18.

With the win, Las Vegas improved to 13-7 on the season.

The Aces will head out on a three-game road trip starting in Seattle on Wednesday against the Storm.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 45.7% from the field.
Las Vegas went 14 for 36 from three-point range.
The Aces outrebounded the Wings, 40-37.

Game Starters:

C – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 7 Alysha Clark
F – 12 Chelsea Gray
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 0 Jackie Young

Aces Injury Report:

None

Aces Drop a Thriller to Sparks 97-93 In Overtime Ending a Six Game Winning Streak

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Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson, left, and Las Vegas Aces guard Kate Martin collide during the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Friday, July 5, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (12-7) six game winning streak came to an end Friday night losing to the Los Angeles Sparks (5-15) 97-93 at Crypto.com Arena. The Sparks led for most of the game and Las Vegas just fell apart in overtime. The fourth quarter was a crazy ten minutes of basketball with the Sparks hanging onto this game.

Los Angeles came up with some great defense throughout the game and Las Vegas trailed for too much of the game. Dearica Hamby had a terrific game for the Sparks in the win. A’ja Wilson finished with 35 points and 12 rebounds unable to push the Aces over the top.

Game recap: There is nothing a struggling team enjoys more than playing spoiler and the Aces would have their hands full with the Sparks. This game was a close one after the first ten minutes of play with the Aces leading by a basket 24-21.

Los Angeles came into the game with a lot of energy playing in front of their home crowd. Mid-way through the second quarter this game was tied at seven in a low scoring defensive quarter. When the dust had settled on the first half of this game the Sparks had not only won the quarter 25-12 but had also taken the lead 46-36. The turnovers were troublesome with the Aces committing six to the Sparks one turnover. Las Vegas had a lot of work to do in the second half.

The Sparks continued to extend their lead and with 7:50 left in the third had taken a 15 point lead 53-38. Los Angles was playing with a lot of confidence keeping the defending champs contained and with 6:07 left in the quarter the starters came back on the floor looking to make this game manageable going into the final quarter. Las Vegas was fighting to climb back into this game. After three quarters Los Angeles continued to hang onto the lead 70-60.

As of late Las Vegas has been a fourth quarter team and with under six minutes left in the game the Aces trailed by a couple of points 74-72. Las Vegas came alive with 5:25 left to play taking a one point lead 75-74.

This was still anyone’s game and the Aces would have to dig deep to come out with a win. With under two minutes left in the game it was all knotted up at 81. The Sparks got a technical and Kelsey Plum made the free throw and it was Aces ball.

With 56 ticks left on the clock the Aces had a one-point lead 82-81, the ball in the Sparks possession. This game went down to the wire. With 16.8 left to play the game was again tied up at 82 as Las Vegas took a time out.

In a beautifully designed play, Chelsea Gray passed the ball to A’ja Wilson who scored under the basket taking the lead 84-82 but with 3.1 this game was hardly over. The Sparks tied up the game and Kelsey Plum took the last shot in regulation a wide open shot for the win missing and this game went into overtime.

With one minutes left in overtime the Aces trailed 92-90. Las Vegas came up just short in the 98-93 loss breaking their six-game winning streak. It was a major disappointment for the Aces. They struggled through the second quarter giving the Sparks a 46-36 lead at the half and despite how close this game was, Los Angeles hung in until the bitter end and walked away with the win.

Game notes: Friday night the Aces lost at Crypto.com Arena to the Los Angeles Sparks who won only their fifth game this season. The Aces dropped their seventh game for the season snapping a six game win streak.

The Aces had been on a roll for quite awhile and showed no signs of backing down. Kelsey Plum has had a couple of terrific games in their wins against the Mystics Thursday night and against the Fever last Tuesday against the Sparks Plum was second in scoring with 21 points.

A’ja Wilson led the Aces in scoring with 35 points but couldn’t do it all in the loss. Wilson continues to play a key role as does Jackie Young who had 18 points and seven rebounds and Kiah Stokes scored two points and had eight rebounds and has been a defensive wonder.

Chelsea Gray had gotten onboard with three points, three rebounds and six assists. The Aces were firing on all cylinders offensively and defensively before Friday night’s loss to the lowly Sparks.

Sunday afternoon the Aces will take on the Dallas Wings in Las Vegas. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 12:30 as Las Vegas will be looking to get back on the winning track.

Aces win 6th straight, top Mystics, 98-77

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Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) during pre-game of a WNBA basketball game on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Sports Radio Service/Shawn McCullough)


By Shawn McCullough

LAS VEGAS–The Aces continue to roll, winning their sixth straight game with a 98-77 win over the Washington Mystics at Michelob Ultra Arena.

Las Vegas was led by guard Kelsey Plum, who dropped 29 points, shooting 10 from 13 from the field.

Plum hit six of nine shots from beyond the arc.

Guard Jackie Young registered a double-double, scoring 20 points while dishing out 10 assists, while A’ja Wilson added 18.

The Aces used their entire bench, with 11 players logging at least seven minutes played.

With the win, Las Vegas improved to 12-6 on the season and sits 5th overall in the WNBA standings.

The Aces will next play in Los Angeles tomorrow against the Sparks.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot a whopping 59.4% from the field.
Las Vegas went 11 for 23 from three-point range.
The Aces outrebounded the Mystics, 36-28.

Game Starters:

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

Aces Injury Report:

None

Las Vegas Aces Top Indiana Fever – Winning Their Fifth In a Row 88-69

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Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) drives in front of the Indiana Fever’s guard Caitlin Clark (22) in the first half at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Jul 2, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

It was a game that fans were really looking forward to as the Las Vegas Aces (10-6) took on Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever (8-12). Over 20,000 fans attended this game many of them Caitlin Clark fans.

The game was fairly close going into the fourth quarter but that is when they put the Fever away, the final score 88-69. Kelsey Plum had an epic game with 34 points, five assists and six rebounds. A’ja Wilson had 28 points and nine rebounds holding Clark to 13 points.

The Aces have been through the grinder this season. They had a great start that soured as the season wore on. They had a number of losses in a row something you don’t commonly see from this team.

They were missing Chelsea Gray, a core part of their starting roster, and then it all began to turn around. Chelsea Gray returned after missing play since last year’s playoffs. The Aces began to string wins together and tonight the Aces took on Caitlin Clark and the Fever.

Clark has drastically changed the complexion of the Indiana Fever and stadiums are packed as fans from around the country flock to catch a glimpse of this rookie superstar Tuesday night’s game was the WNBA’s fifth largest crowd in history. She has not disappointed scoring four points and providing some valuable defense for the Aces. The Aces held Clark to just 13 points.

Game recap: As expected the stands were packed with hundreds of Caitlin Clark fans. The Aces sell out regularly so the arena was rocking. Las Vegas took the early lead in a close quarter with the Aces coming out on top 26-24. Las Vegas led at the half 46-37 after winning the second quarter 20-13. A’ja Wilson had another epic half and right alongside her Kelsey Plum was off the charts.

The Fever rallied to some extent in the third quarter coming out on top winning the quarter 22-19 but still trailed 65-59. Las Vegas really began to dial it in extending their lead to double digits in the blink of an eye.

Going into the fourth quarter the Fever were still within striking distance but as the quarter wore on, the Aces began to distance themselves from Indiana. Las Vegas put on a great show leading by 19 points for much of the final quarter. The Aces crushed the Fever 23-10 in the fourth quarter winning the game 88-69 in a dominant finish in this game.

This was the Aces fifth win in a row. Kelsey Plum finished with 34 points, A’ja Wilson with 28 and Jackie Young scoring 15 points. Kiah Stokes was on fire defensively with 12 rebounds.

Thursday night, the Aces will take on the Washington Mystics at Michelob ULTRA Arena looking for win number six. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Las Vegas is looking to provide some more fireworks in this matchup on the Fourth of July.

Jackie Young Spurs Aces to Fourth Straight Victory 88-77 Over Mystics

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Washington Mystics forward Aaliyah Edwards (24) greets the Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson (22) at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington DC on Sat Jun 29, 2024 (photo by Las Vegas X)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (10-6) won their fourth straight game beating the Washington Mystics (4-15) 88-77. Jackie Young had the game high with 26 points and the newly returned Chelsea Gray had her best game since her recovery with 22 points. A’ja Wilson had 11 points with 9 rebounds. After struggling for a bit, these ladies have turned things around in a big way and in record time.

Game recap: The Mystics had a great opening quarter leading after the first twelve minutes 28-20. The second quarter was a close one with the Aces barely winning the quarter 26-24. At the half, the Aces trailed 52-46.

Las Vegas went on to win the third quarter 21-17 but continued to trail with the Mystics leading 69-67 in a very close game. The Aces closed out this contest in the fourth quarter crushing the Mystics 21-8 in the quarter and winning the game 88-77 for their fourth win in a row.

Not only Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray sealed the win, but they also had help from Tiffany Hayes off the bench with 17 points and 4 rebounds. A’ja Wilson chipped in eleven points with 9 rebounds which did end her streak of scoring at least 20 points per game this season.

With so much depth on the roster right now both Wilson and Kelsey Plum can have quiet games without hurting the team. When one team member has a slow night there is always reinforcement. That’s what this team is all about; lifting each other up.

The Mystics Stefanie Dolson finished with 23 points and seven rebounds putting her team in position to win but the fourth quarter surge by the Aces was too much for Washington to handle. The Aces opened the fourth quarter with a couple of baskets which gave Las Vegas the lead and the rest is history.

Game notes: Saturday afternoon the Aces were on the road taking on the Mystics. Since the return of Chelsea Gray a month ago, the Aces are now firing on all cylinders after struggling for a few weeks. They are holding down third place in the Western Conference and can once again be considered contenders for a third title. The Mystics have had struggles all season winning only 4 games so far this season and lost their 15th game of the season today and were challenged by Las Vegas.

The Aces will now travel home to take on Caitlan Clark and the Indiana Fever Tuesday night at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 6:30 PM.

Aces Win Third Game In a Row Beating Chicago Sky 95-83

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Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) and guard Tiffany Hayes (15) celebrate after scoring during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Minnesota Lynx at Michelob ULTRA Arena on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. The Aces defeated the Chicago Sky on Thu Jun 27, 2024 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. (Ellen Schmidt/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

By Barbara Mason

Ever since the return of Chelsea Gray, the Las Vegas Aces (9-6) have won three games in a row including Thursday night’s win over the Chicago Sky (6-10) 95-83.. They have a nicely balanced offense now. A’ja Wilson had another huge game with 31 points and Jackie Young finished with 22 points. Kelsey Plum had a 21 point game. Wilson had 15 points in the opening quarter, Young had 12 points in the third quarter and Plum had 17 in the fourth quarter as they took turns standing out in an impressive win.

Game recap: The Sky came out fast winning the first quarter 25-21. A’ja Wilson had an outstanding first quarter with 15 points keeping her team close in the first 12 minutes waiting for the rest of the team to catch up. The Aces did indeed catch up coming right back punishing Chicago in the second quarter 25-14. At the half Las Vegas had a 46-39 lead.

The Aces extended their lead in the third quarter leading 72-63 with a single quarter left in the game. Las Vegas continued to pile on the points and at 7:40 left in the game had a 82-65 lead, their largest lead of the game.

Chicago continued to fight back but they were running out of clock with under six minutes left to play. Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum and Chelsea Gray joined Wilson in a solid second half. Jackie Young had 12 points in the third quarter as the Las Vegas starters showed up big time in the final two quarters.

The Sky cut into the Aces lead with 4:22 left in the game. What had once been a 17 point lead was now an 88-78 Las Vegas advantage. The Aces had to tighten up offensively and Kelsey Plum was the answer with 16 points in the final quarter with under three minutes left in the game. The Sky fought hard but came up short after a nice rally and Las Vegas had won their third game in a row 95-83 snapping Chicago’s two game win streak.

All night long it was a battle between the Aces A’ja Wilson and the Sky’s Angel Reese. Reese finished with a double double, 18 points and 11 rebounds. In the end it was Wilson who won the challenge.

Game notes: Thursday night, the Aces took on the Sky at Wintrust Arena in Chicago and picked up their third straight win. Since the return of Chelsea Gray this team has been firing on all cylinders, with a balanced offense and defense having won three straight games. They got their third win in a row in Thursday night and the Aces are currently holding down fifth place in the overall standings and third place in the Western Conference.

Saturday afternoon, the Aces will take on the 4-13 Washington Mystics at Entertainment & Sports Arena looking to add to their string of wins. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 11:00 AM.