Tag: Aces

Photo credit: Phelan M. Ebenhack (Associated Press)

By Shawn McCullough

The improbable WNBA season began for the Aces, but not as they had hoped.

After the Aces led for most of the game, the Chicago Sky rallied back with an 11-0 run to finish the game to beat the Aces, 88-86, at the IMG Bubble in Bradenton, FL.

“We have a lot of potential, but we just let it slip in the last two minutes, we had the game,” said forward Angel McCoughtry.

McCoughtry scored 25 points and pulled down eight rebounds in her first game with the Aces after signing with Las Vegas back in February.

Aces All-Star forward A’ja Wilson added 22 points with 11 rebounds, combining with McCoughtry to score 47 of the Aces 86 points.

“We need scoring and they [McCoughtry and Wilson] are the two people who can provide the scoring,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer.  “Those are the two horses.”

The Aces finished the game 0 for 5 from 3-point range, while the Sky went 9 for 27 from beyond the arc.

“We had control of the game throughout and just didn’t make the right plays,” said Laimbeer.  “But our team played better than I thought that we would play and I thought that overall it was a good showing for us.”

With the loss, the Aces fall to 0-1 to start a 22 game schedule in which Las Vegas will play each of the other 11 WNBA teams twice.

The entire WNBA is playing all games in Bradenton, FL in the IMG Bubble to protect players, staff, referees and media from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“You are so locked in, it really didn’t feel any different honestly,” said forward Dearica Hamby about playing without fans.  “It still felt like a real game.”

The Aces will next play on Wednesday against Angel McCoughtry’s former team, the Atlanta Dream.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com
Game Notes:

• The Aces shot 46.8% from the field.
• Las Vegas out-rebounded Chicago 42-33.
• The Aces turned the ball over 17 times.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 35 Angel McCoughtry
C – 4 Carolyn Swords
G – 15 Lindsey Allen
G – 21 Kayla McBride

Photo credit: AP Photo/John Locher

By Shawn McCullough

The dream of a WNBA championship for the Las Vegas Aces faded away on Tuesday night.

The Washington Mystics won the best of five series, three games to one, with a 94-90 victory over the Aces at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

“At this point, obviously, we’d like to win our home games and move on to game five and throw it up and see who wins, but it didn’t happen,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “I told our players to hold their heads high.  I think that this was not a brutal loss.   We got beat by a basketball team that out-executed us and they played very well.”

Liz Cambage led the Aces with 25 points and 12 rebounds, while Dearica Hamby came off the bench and added 18.

“It was a very interesting season, but definitely my favorite season that I have ever had in the WNBA,” said Cambage.

The Aces will head into the 2020 season with five unrestricted free agents: Liz Cambage, Tamera Young, Sugar Rodgers, Carolyn Swords, Jaime Nared.

“Going forward, we are all excited about this situation,” said Laimbeer about their team for next season. “We will make some changes, obviously every team does.  We know some pieces that we need.”

“I love this team, I love my teammates, I love this city,” said Cambage. “This is hands down the best organization that I have ever been a part of and hopefully they will have me back for next season because I don’t want to be anywhere else.”

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Series Results:

Game 1 – Mystics 97, Aces 95
Game 2 – Mystics 103, Aces 91
Game 3 – Aces 92, Mystics 75
Game 4 – Mystics 94, Aces 90

Game Notes:

• A’ja Wilson scored just four points in 26 minutes, going 1 for 4 from the field.
• The Mystics will return to the WNBA Finals in back to back seasons.
• The Aces out-rebounded the Mystics 39-29.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 21 Kayla McBride
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
G – 10 Kelsey Plum

Photo credit: Nick Wass (Associated Press)

By Shawn McCullough

The Aces went down two games to none in the best of five playoff series after a 103-91 loss to the Mystics in Washington, D.C.

“Washington did what they are supposed to do, win their home games,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “Now it’s our turn to go back to Las Vegas and now it’s our turn to go back to our home court and then come back here [Washington, D.C.] and go at it again.”

The Aces trailed at halftime 50-49, but the Mystics pulled away in the third quarter outscoring the Aces 30-20.

Liz Cambage recorded back to back double-doubles, scoring 23 points and pulling down 10 rebounds.

“We aren’t done, we are just getting started,” said Cambage. “This is serious for a reason.  We get to go home and go back to the house and play in front of our fans who lift us up every game.”

Kelsey Plum added 19, going 9 for 15 from the field.

“They [Mystics] capitalize on every mistake that you make and they are such a good team in terms of how they execute,” said Plum.

The two teams will next play game 3 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on Sunday.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Playoff Schedule:

Game 1 – Mystics 97, Aces 95
Game 2 – Mystics 103, Aces 91
Game 3 – Sunday, September 22 – Mystics at Aces
Game 4 – Tuesday, September 24 – Mystics at Aces (if needed)
Game 5 – Thursday, September 26 – Aces at Mystics (if needed)

Game Notes:

• The Mystics shot 52.1% from the field, while the Aces shot 49.3%
• Las Vegas out-rebounded Washington again 35-28.
• The Aces turned the ball over 12 times to the Mystics six.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 21 Kayla McBride
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
G – 10 Kelsey Plum

Photo credit: Nick Wass (Associated Press)

By Shawn McCullough

Coming off a dramatic win in the second round of the playoffs, the Aces fell to the #1 seed Mystics 97-95 in Washington, D.C.

The Aces rallied back in the 4^th quarter with a 14-3 run, but Kelsey Plum missed a jumper at the buzzer which would have tied the game.

A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 23 points, while Liz Cambage registered a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds.

Kayla McBride also scored 19 points while going 3 for 5 from 3-point range.

The two teams will play the second game of the five game series on Thursday in Washington, D.C. before returning back to Las Vegas for Game 3.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Playoff Schedule:

Game 1 – Mystics 97, Aces 95
Game 2 – Thursday, September 19 – Aces at Mystics
Game 3 – Sunday, September 22 – Mystics at Aces
Game 4 – Tuesday, September 24 – Mystics at Aces (if needed)
Game 5 – Thursday, September 26 – Aces at Mystics (if needed)

Game Notes:

• The Aces shot 50% from the field, while holding the Mystics to 44.7%
• Las Vegas out-rebounded Washington 42-30.
• The Aces turned the ball over 13 times to the Mystics four.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
G – 21 Kayla McBride
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
F – 1 Tamera Young

Photo credit: L.E. Baskow (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

By Shawn McCullough

The Aces first playoff game since 2014 did not disappoint.

Down 92-90, Dearica Hamby hit a running 3-pointer from 35 feet with 4.8 seconds left to give the Aces the 93-92 win over the Chicago Sky in the second round of the WNBA Playoffs at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

With the Aces down by two and soon looking to foul, Hamby picked off a pass by guard Courtney Vandersloot at mid-count, took one dribble and drilled the 35 footer.  The Sky later inbounded the ball, but forward Astou Ndour missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

“I honestly panicked,” said Hamby on the game winning shot. “I got the steal and I kind of knew that time was running down, but I honestly completely blanked out that there was five extra seconds on the clock.  It just went in.  The basketball gods are obviously on our side.”

“I’m glad Hamby executed the play I drew up,” head coach Bill Laimbeer said jokingly.  “It was like ‘oh, no, no, don’t do that and then WHAM…. Great shot!'”

Liz Cambage led the Aces with 23 points while A’ja Wilson added a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

“When Dearica made that shot, that was our x factor,” said Wilson. “I’m not surprised at all. Dearica pushed for this, she deserves this and that’s something I never really seen before and that’s crazy.”

With the win, the Aces advanced to the WNBA Semifinals to play a best of five game series against the number one seed Washington Mystics.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Aces WNBA Semifinals Schedule:

Game 1 – Tuesday, September 17 – Aces at Mystics
Game 2 – Thursday, September 19 – Aces at Mystics
Game 3 – Sunday, September 22 – Mystics at Aces
Game 4 – Tuesday, September 24 – Mystics at Aces (if needed)
Game 5 – Thursday, September 26 – Aces at Mystics (if needed)

Game Notes:

• Kelsey Plum scored 15 points, including going 3 for 5 from 3-point range.
• Las Vegas out-rebounded Chicago 44-36.
• The Aces shot 45.1% from the field.
• There were 20 lead changes in the game.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
G – 21 Kayla McBride
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
F – 1 Tamera Young

Photo credit: Associated Press (AP)

By Shawn McCullough

The Aces will get some well needed rest before their first WNBA playoff game.

Las Vegas clinches a first round bye with a 98-89 win over the Mercury in Phoenix.

“The season kind of went how I expected it to,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “A lot of ups and downs, trying to understand each other and learn how to win. We had our moments we looked very good, and moments where we looked really bad. All in all, to take the fourth seed and have a bye in the first round and a home game. We will take it.

The Aces were led by Liz Cambage with 21 points and nine rebounds.

“It has been a bit inconsistent, but if we can keep this energy and consistency heading into playoffs, I think we can go really far,” said Cambage. “Got our eyes on the prize but just have to take it each game as they come.”

Forward A’ja Wilson added 20 points going 6 for 6 from the field and 8 for 8 from the free throw line.

“I think we are just where we need to be, but we still have a lot more growth to get together,” said Wilson. “I think this is great momentum heading into playoffs.

With the win, the Aces finished the regular season at 21-13 and 4^th in the WNBA standings.

Las Vegas will have a bye in the first round and will play the highest seed coming out of the first round.  The game will be played on Sunday, September 15^th at 2 pm Pacific at the Thomas and Mack Center.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

• The Aces out-rebounded the Mercury 36 to 26.
• Las Vegas shot 50% from the field (37-74).
• The lead change 15 times with 19 times tied in the game.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
G – 21 Kayla McBride
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
F – 1 Tamera Young

Photo credit: Las Vegas Aces

By Shawn McCullough

You want momentum heading into playoffs.  The Aces just don’t have it right now.

The Aces lost to the worst team in the WNBA, the Atlanta Dream, 78-74 in Atlanta and have now lost four of their last five games.

“We lost the game from start to finish,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “I don’t think we showed up to play a basketball game to win, I think we showed up to play. We thought it was going to be easy, it’s not.”

A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 19 points and eight rebounds, while Liz Cambage added 15.

“I think we just really need to come together, I’ll own up to that,” said Wilson. “I didn’t show the leadership that I could have to help bring our teammates up and help them get through the curves like they have been for me, so I take full ownership in that. We’ve got to get back to the drawing board and hopefully pull out wins.”

With the loss, the Aces fell to 20-13 on the season and remain in 4^th place in the WNBA standings.

The Aces will play their final regular season game on Sunday in Phoenix against the Mercury before heading into the playoffs.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

• The Dream out-rebounded the Aces 47 to 35.
• Las Vegas went 1 for 15 from 3-point range.
• The Aces shot just 38.7% from the field.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
G – 21 Kayla McBride
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
F – 1 Tamera Young

Photo credit: Shawn McCullough/Sports Radio Service

By Shawn McCullough

The Aces found their winning ways in a 92-86 win over the Los Angeles Sparks at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

The Aces were led by forward A’ja Wilson who scored 24 points and pulled down 12 rebounds.

“I have to give it to my teammates,” said Wilson. “They really put me in the best situations to create those shots and to get to the free throw line. And that’s what it’s all about it. Just finding the flow in our offense and getting the things done.”

Kelsey Plum came off the bench and scored 20 points while going 7 for 10 from the field including five 3-pointers.

“For me, it’s just continue to stay aggressive,” said Plum. “I’m just so grateful that I have teammates who always believe in me and encourage me.”

With the win, the Aces improved to 20-12 on the season and moved into 3^rd place in the WNBA standings.

With just two games remaining in the regular season, the Aces will finish on the road in Atlanta against the Dream on Thursday and in Phoenix against the Mercury on Sunday.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

• Dearica Hamby had a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
• The Aces out-rebounded the Sparks 48-27.
• The Aces shot 47.7% from the field.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
G – 21 Kayla McBride
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
F – 1 Tamera Young

Photo credit: Robert Scheer

By Shawn McCullough

The Aces once again dug themselves a hole early and couldn’t get out.

Las Vegas fell down 29-15 after the first quarter and lost to the Fever in Indiana 86-71.

“Well we’re searching,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “We know we got off to bad starts. Today was no exception. Right now we’re not a very good basketball team. We know that.”

A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 18 points, while Liz Cambage added 15.

“We just have to go back home and regroup, honestly. That’s pretty much it,” said Wilson. “Bring a little bit more energy and come together. But I think the biggest thing, it’s on us.”

Laimbeer decided to change the starting lineup with Tamera Young replacing Kelsey Plum, but Plum came off the bench and scored 17 points, including going 5 for 9 from 3-point range.

“Whatever I can do for my team, that’s what I’m going to do,” said Plum. “And that’s what I’m going to continue to do, regardless if I’m starting or not.”

With the loss, the Aces fell to 19-12 on the season and are in 4^th place in the WNBA standings.

With just three games remaining in the regular season, the Aces next return home to play the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

• The Aces never led in the game
• The Aces shot just 33.8% from the field
• Indiana out-rebounded Las Vegas 44-37
• Kayla McBride went 0 for 3 from the field and played just 11 minutes and 14 seconds

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
G – 21 Kayla McBride
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
F – 1 Tamera Young

By Shawn McCullough

The old basketball adage says, “You have to play four quarters”.

The Aces learned that to be true for the second straight game as they fell to the Lynx 98-77 in Minnesota.

The Aces trailed at halftime 45-43, but got outscored in the third quarter 28-15.

“They played harder than us. They wanted it more than us,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer.  “We are a very tired basketball team right now but the league doesn’t stop. We need a little bit of rest but unfortunately we are still on the road and we have more games we have to fight in.”

Rookie guard Jackie Young led the Aces with 14 points, while Liz Cambage added 12.

“They were hitting shots. Everything. They just played harder than we did,” said guard Sugar Rodgers.

With the loss, the Aces fell to 19-11 on the season and fell to 4^th place in the WNBA standings.

The Aces will next play the Fever on Tuesday in Indiana.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

• The Lynx shot 58.8% from the field, while the Aces were held to 42%
• The Aces turned the ball over 15 times
• Kayla McBride went 0 for 4 from 3-point range
• The lead changed only twice in the game

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 21 Kayla McBride
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
G – 10 Kelsey Plum