Tag: Atlanta Dream

Valkyries Win on Pride Night, getting back-to-back Wins on the Atlanta Dream, 78-75

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Golden State Valkyries #3 Laeticia Amihere fighting her way in the paint against the Atlanta Dream’s defense at Chase Center in San Francisco, CA on Friday June 26th, 2026. (Photo Credits to Robert Edwards-Imagn Image)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Valkyries returned to action at their home this Friday night. Once again, the Golden State is hosting the Atlanta Dream as the team celebrated Pride Night in Ballhalla. Just two days ago, Golden State got its first win over Atlanta, 77-66. Friday night, Atlanta came into Chase Center wanting to run it back, and they got it. As the Golden State would take an early-season series on them 2-0, the Valkyries hang on and beat the Dream, 78-75.

In their last matchup on Wednesday evening in San Francisco, Valkyries Gabby Williams dropped 23 points on her 9-of-16 shooting. With a big contribution from her teammate Kayla Thornton, as she knocked down five three pointers and topped it off with her 17 points in their win. That win against Atlanta also snapped their four-game winning streak.

So, once again, with no changes to their starting lineup. Golden State sent out Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, Cecilia Zandalasini, Kiah Stokes, and Veronica Burton as their starting five. Golden State’s Cecilia, in the last game, also went 4-of-6 on shooting beyond the arc.

Hoping to bounce back in their last loss at Chase Center. The Atlanta Dream would send out Naz Hillmon, Angel Reese, Allisha Gray, Jordin Canada, and Rhyne Howard as their starting five. Coming off the bench and leading the Dream in scoring was Madina Okot with her 16 points, five rebounds, and one assist.

Valkyries Kiah Stokes would start the game off in Ballhalla with a 24-foot 3-point jumper and get the Valkyries’ first points of the night. Then, halfway through the first quarter, Kiah Stokes would throw a bad pass, leading Atlanta for a quick running layup, and tying the score, 10-10. Then in the final seconds of the first quarter, again Golden State would cause another turnover, and again leading to Atlanta scoring. Only this time, Dream’s Jordin Canada would make them pay with a 25-foot 3-point step back jump shot. Atlanta holds a 1-point lead, 21-20.

Two minutes into the second quarter, Golden State would get the first basket of the quarter with Kaitlyn Chen driving in for a layup. She would bring the Valkyries lead back by one point, 22-21. The Valkyries would also see more turnovers and shooting fouls called on them. So with that, Atlanta would take advantage and build some momentum, and even take the lead and push it to 6-points, 35-29.

Right before halftime, in the final minute and a half, Golden State’s Kiah Stokes would hit a big three point jumper. Getting the fans and her teammates back on their feet with full of excitement and hope. So at the end of the first half, Golden State is down to Atlanta in their home by just three points, 35-32.

At the start of the second half, Atlanta Dreams Angel Reese would make a quick, inside basket to start the third quarter. Followed right after in the next possession, with Kiah Stokes getting an inside bucket to go in for her own. Atlanta is getting in the paint and seeing some shots going in. Golden State was mentally struggling in their home court and trying to get their offensive momentum going.

Then, Valkyrie Tiffany Hayes fights off a defender for an and one, cutting the lead to two-points, 41-38. That basket would bring some life into Golden State because right after that possession. Golden State’s Kaitlyn Chen would make a 25-foot 3-point jumper and give them the lead, 42-41. In the final 19 seconds of the third, Atlanta’s Jordin Canada would knock down a 3-pointer while getting fouled for a four-point play, 55-49. However, Golden State quickly responded with a driving layup and bringing the lead within four points, 55-51.

So, entering the final quarter of the game, Golden State again would score the first basket of the quarter. Then, eventually, two minutes in, tying the game, 55-55, but it wouldn’t hold long as Atlanta’s Jordin Canada drove it in for the layup. Canada’s impact and style of play were crucial for Atlanta in this game. At the halfway point, Atlanta took the lead by two, due to Jordin Canada once again finding a way inside the paint to score, 63-61.

Entering the final two minutes of the game, both teams were exchanging buckets, back and forth, until Atlanta would challenge a ball possession and lose that challenge. Then, on the next possession, Gabby Williams would make a midrange jumper, giving Golden State the lead, 71-69. Just seconds later, Williams would get a steal on Atlanta’s Jordin Canada and go in for the layup with a minute remaining.

Then it was smooth sailing from there as Golden State would hang on and get the win against Atlanta as time winded down. The final score would be 78-75, as Gabby Williams would lead the Valkyries with her 16 points, four rebounds, and two assists. With big help from her teammate, Kiah Stokes, off of her 13 points and had four rebounds.

With one more game remaining in the month of June for Golden State. The Valkyries will remain in their home at Ballhalla and host the New York Liberty. The New York Liberty are coming off a loss in Seattle against the Storm, 99-88. In that loss, Liberty was led by Jonquel Jones with 26 points and eight rebounds. The game will be broadcast at 4:00 p.m. on ESPN.

Golden State Valkyries makes 15 Three Pointers in Win over Atlanta Dream, 77-66

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The Golden State Valkyries bench react after a play against the Atlanta Dream in the second quarter of a WNBA game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – On this last Wednesday evening of June, the Golden State Valkyries returned to Ballhalla for some action, hosting the Atlanta Dream. Atlanta came to the Bay riding a four-game win streak and has also gone 6-2 on the road this season. So Atlanta isn’t fazed when it comes to playing on other teams’ courts, but they haven’t played the Valkyries yet this season and found out why Golden State is dangerous at home. As the Valkyries would make 15 three-pointers in the win over the Atlanta Dream, 77-66.

In their last game, the Golden State Valkyries went on a quick road trip back to Las Vegas, where they faced off and lost to the Aces, 93-72. The Valkyries struggled offensively on the road. In the second quarter of that game, Golden State had only put up a low 13 points. Compared to Las Vegas in that quarter, where they had put up 27 points. So Golden State was ready to make this game a bounce back from last Sunday, and use their home court advantage on Atlanta.

The Valkyries sent out Veronica Burton, Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Kiah Stokes as their starting five for this one. In the last game, Cecilia Zandalasini led the Valkyries with her 12 points and three rebounds. This was also the first time these two teams saw each other for the season, so both of them were looking to take game 1 in this season series.

The Dream sent out Naz Hillmon, Angel Reese, Allisha Gray, Jordin Canada, and Rhyne Howard as their starting five. Atlanta, looking to make this their fifth straight win of the season, will rely on their inside scoring, which has brought it great success. In fact, Atlanta leads the WNBA in inside scoring, averaging 43.6 points in the paint. In Atlanta’s most recent game, Rhyne Howard led the team with her 20 points on 5-of-11 shooting from deep and bringing in seven rebounds in the Dream’s 94-87 win over the Toronto Tempo.

Atlanta Dream would get the game going here in Ballhalla from Rhyne Howard’s 12-foot shot. Then the Valkyries responded with a three-point jumper by Kayla Thornton. Halfway through the first, the game is tied, 11-1, but then Valkyries Gabby Williams would knock down a three-pointer to give Golden State the lead, 14-11.

Valkyries shooting would take over the first quarter. Golden State would go 4-of-8 from deep, lifting them to a 22-18 lead. In the Golden State’s last game on Sunday in Las Vegas, the team went a terrible 5-of-30, so already a huge improvement for the Valkyries. This momentum would get carried through the second quarter for the Valkyries.

With 4 minutes left in the first half, Golden State’s lead jumped to double digits over Atlanta by 14 points, 36-22. The Valkyries are just thriving in their home court, as they’re just feeling themselves and making almost all their shots. They’re shooting over 54% in all of their shooting categories so far in this game. At the end of the 1st half, Golden State’s lead over Atlanta was 17-points, 44-27.

Starting the second half, the Valkyries would score first by Veronica Burton attacking the rim for a quick layup. Then, two minutes into the third quarter, the lead jumped to 23 points by Cecilia Zandalasini, knocking down a corner three-pointer, the largest lead of the game. Ballhalla would turn into a splash party, as Golden State would make its 11th three-pointer of the night.

At the end of the third quarter, the score was now 63-40, with the Valkyries heading into the final quarter with full control of the game. So, going into the fourth and final quarter, Atlanta went on a 7-0 scoring run, and this second unit for the Dream got some rhythm going late in the game. That 24-point lead Golden State had cut to a 12-point lead over Atlanta.

A much-needed three-pointer goes in for Golden State as Cecilia Zandalasini would get one to fall. That shot would be their first field goal of the quarter, which took almost seven minutes in the fourth quarter. With three minutes remaining, the lead was 13 points, 69-56. Atlanta would get as close as a ten point lead, but Valkyries Kayla Thornton would hit a crucial three-pointer that ultimately sealed the game for Golden State.

Valkyries Gabby Williams led the team in this win with her 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Williams had shot over 56% in all her shooting categories this game. Along with help from Kayla Thornton’s 17 points on 5-of-10 from three pointers, and bringing in five rebounds. Although going into the fourth quarter, the Valkyries couldn’t get a shot to go in until almost halfway in, but showed Wednesday night how the Valkyries can always bounce back when they play at home.

The Valkyries will have two more games left in June, and both of those games will be played at home for Golden State. So they’ll be looking forward to winning the last two games of the month and walk into July on a three game winning streak. On Friday evening, at 7:00 p.m., the Valkyries will run it back for another game with the Atlanta Dream right back in here at Chase Center. The game will be broadcast live on ION.

Aces Battle Back From Ten-Point Deficit Beating Dream 74-72 For Eighth Straight Win

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Las Vegas Aces center A’Ja Wilson (22) led the way in scoring with 32 points over the Atlanta Dream at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Aug 19, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

This had to be one of the toughest battles the Las Vegas Aces (22-14) faced all season beating the second place Atlanta Dream (22-13) 74-72. The game was a collection of lead changes, ties and some very physical basketball.

This game was not decided until the clock ran out. A’Ja Wilson had another amazing game finishing with 32 points and 12 rebounds. Jackie Young also had a solid game with 16 points and seven rebounds. Chelsea Gray had seven rebounds, 11 assists and eight points. The Aces has now won eight games in a row.

Game recap: The Atlanta Dream took a 19-18 lead as the clock ran out on the first quarter in their matchup with the Las Vegas Aces. It had been a really close game in the quarter with this game very slow to evolve.

After the first three minutes of play only three points had been scored in a slow start for both teams. Mid-way through the quarter this game was tied at 7-7. It had been a very low scoring quarter with four ties and both teams trading leads.

The second quarter was another close one with the Aces coming out on top 23-21 taking a one-point lead, 41-40 into the half.

The Aces were able to pull a small lead in the third quarter 48-44 but the Dream tied up the game 48-48 at 6:11. The intensity continued to escalate as the quarter wore on and with 3:35 left in the quarter it was again tied at 52. As the quarter ended the battle had continued with the Aces now trailing by four points 57-61. They had their work cut out for them going into the fourth quarter.

The Dream continued to extend their lead in the fourth quarter going on a 11-0 run taking a ten-point lead 67-57. Las Vegas hunkered and pulled to within two points with a lot of time left on the clock 65-67.

WIth 4:44 left on the clock this game was once again tied at 67. There was yet another stoppage of play in the quarter something that had persisted throughout the second half of play. With 3:22 left in the fourth quarter this game took on a life of it’s own as the clock began to countdown.

As the seconds ticked away, this game turned into a battle of wills and it was the Las Vegas Aces that were winning. With under two minutes left in the game Las Vegas was hanging onto a 72-69 game but the battle was hardly over.

The Dream tied up the game with 1 1/2 minutes left in the game. It all came down to the final seconds and with 15.9 left on the clock, the Aces had a 74-72 lead in one crazy game. In an absolutely amazing battle the Las Vegas Aces realized their eighth win in a row 74-72.

This Aces has improved by leaps and bounds in their past eight games. They fought hard for this win led by the incomparable Wilson along with every one of her teammates.

Wilson finished with 32 points and 12 rebounds another double double for her something that has become commonplace for her. Young had 16 points and seven rebounds. Gray had 11 assists and seven rebounds. They have now won eight games in a row.

Game notes: After beating the Dallas Wings Sunday winning their seventh game in a row, the Aces picked up their their eighth win in a row beating the Atlanta Dream at Michelob ULTRA Arena Tuesday night. Wilson has been on a tear for awhile now and the Aces got more of the same Tuesday night.

Wilson has a terrific cast of support with Young and Gray. Bell had a great game on Sunday coming away with 18 points and 6 rebounds. The Aces is also getting a lot of help from Lloyd off the bench. They hit 18 three’s in that game.

The Dream who are in second place in the league and got upset against the Aces. This game was a huge test for Las Vegas who pulled it off. They were able to contain Allisha Gray who is always a scoring threat. The win Tuesday night was huge for Las Vegas. The Aces beat the Dream back on July 22, 87-72 and have one more game against the Dream in season play on Wed Aug 27 in Atlanta.

Thursday night the Aces will again take the floor at Michelob ULTRA Arena. They will face the Mercury looking for their ninth win in a row. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Aces Win Third In a Row Beating Atlanta 87-72

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The Las Vegas Fever Dana Evans (11) takes a jump shot against the Atlanta Dream’s defense and center Britney Griner (42) at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Jul 22, 2025 (Las Vegas Aces X photo)

By Rich Perez

LAS VEGAS–The Las Vegas Aces won their third in a row with a win over the Atlanta Dream at Michelob ULTRA Arena 87-72 on Tuesday night. Taking a look how it all happened, in the first quarter the Atlanta Dream (13-10) took a 27-20 lead but that would turn out to be the only quarter they won in this game.

It was the second quarter that the Las Vegas Aces (12-11) really began to cook winning the quarter by a landslide 25-12 and giving them a 45-39 lead at the half. They needed to take that momentum into the third quarter and keep the pressure on the Dream.

The Aces barely outscored the Dream in the third quarter 22-20 but extended their lead to 67-59. It was the fourth quarter when the Aces drove the win home outscoring Atlanta 20-13. The Dream made things uncomfortable for the Aces in the final quarter when they got within six points 68-62 with 7:48 left in the game.

It was then that the Aces went on a seven point run and they never looked back. They had won the second, third and fourth quarters for an 87-72 win and a 12-11 season record. With this win they moved into sixth place in the standings.

The Las Vegas Aces had solid play in the second half and when it got close in the third quarter they finished it off in the fourth quarter for the win. The starting roster was amazing with A’Ja Wilson scoring 24 points and 12 rebounds, another double double.

Jackie Young finished with 14 points as did bench player Dana Evans. Nalyssa Smith also had double digits with 11 points. This was an impressive win for Las Vegas garnering their third win in a row.

The Aces were close to spotless at the line hitting 19 of 21 a 90% success rate. The Dream had 19 turnovers that the Aces turned into 24 points a real turning point in this game. The Aces had 13 turnovers but those turnovers only cost them five points. The largest lead in the game for Las Vegas was 17 points as they came away with a most impressive win.

The Dream’s Alyisha Gray also finished with 24 points and 8 rebounds. Jordan Canada had double digits with 12 points but they just did not have the fire power to get past the surging Aces especially in the final quarter.

Game notes: The Aces won their third straight game now with wins against the Dallas Wings, Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream, the Las Vegas Aces improve to 12-11. They took on the tough Atlanta Dream (13-10) are second in the Eastern Conference in the standings while the Aces are fourth place in the Western Conference. The Aces over the past few games have really turned their season around and continued on that path in this game. The win Tuesday night was not only their third win in a row but a move up in the standings.

The Aces will now head out on the road to take on the Indiana Fever in another tough matchup this coming Thursday night. While the Fever are favored in this matchup the way Las Vegas handled the Dream tonight all bets could be off. The Fever’s Caitlin Clark remains on the Injured List, has missed 11 games and the All Star game. There is no timetable for her return.

They certainly have the fire power to win their fourth game in a row. With their win Tuesday night this is the first time this season that the Aces has won three games in a row.

They have a lot of momentum going into this upcoming game in their corner. The game Thursday night can be see on Prime Video with tipoff scheduled for 4:00 PM PT.

Aces Back On Winning Track Getting Past Dream 83-72

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Las Vegas Aces guard Tiffany Hayes (15) drives on the Atlanta Dream at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Fri Aug 30. 2024 (Las Vegas Aces photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Atlanta Dream got close numerous times throughout the game but the Las Vegas Aces hung tight winning the game 83-72. A’Ja Wilson had another stellar game with 15 rebounds and 26 points. Tiffany Hayes also had a terrific game with 10 rebounds and 20 points. Kelsey Plum chipped in 16 points.

Game recap: The Aces won both the first and the second quarters of this game. They led after the first ten minutes of play 22-18. The Dream played a very competitive second quarter although the Aces did win it 22-20.

Las Vegas led at halftime 44-38 and going into the second half of play this game was hardly decided. The Aces have in the past really turned it on in the second half, especially the fourth quarter although it did not go their way in their last game against the Wings. They were looking to close out this game in the second half.

Atlanta continued to fight hard in the third quarter and got as close as four points in the early minutes of the quarter. The Dream kept challenging throughout the quarter but the Aces stubbornly hung onto the lead and after three quarters had a 65-58 lead. A’Ja Wilson already had a double double with 13 rebounds and 20 points.

At 6:34 in the fourth quarter, the Aces had established a 73-64 lead. Atlanta called a time out when Las Vegas began to extend their lead and showed no signs of letting down. The Dream had a lot of work to do with little time left in the game. With 2:11 left in the game, the Aces were distancing themselves from the Dream leading 79-67. Las Vegas closed out this game winning by the score of 83-72.

The high for the Dream was Allisha Gray who finished with nine rebounds and 17 points. They had three players in double digits but they could not match A’Ja Wilson and company.

Game notes: After a disappointing loss to the Dallas Wings Tuesday night in a tight game 93-90, the Las Vegas Aces were looking to bounce back Friday night against the Dream. The Aces are currently fighting to move up in the standings; they are in fifth place right now. They are a half game behind the fourth place Seattle Storm. The Storm were defeated by the New York Liberty Friday night 98-85 allowing to the Aces to move within a half game on the Storm.

Sunday the Aces will take on the Mercury in Phoenix. The Mercury will be a tough game for the Aces. They come in with a 16-16 record and could really cause some problems for the Aces. The Aces are still not playing their best ball yet although they did play a better game Friday night. Tipoff for the game is scheduled for 1:00 PM.

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 Drop Second Game of the Season to Atlanta Dream 78-74

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The Las Vegas Aces battled but couldn’t get by the Atlanta Dream losing by four points at Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta on Fri May 31, 2024 (Las Vegas Aces X photo)

By Barbara Mason

After a terribly slow start, the Las Vegas Aces (4-1) paid the price losing to the Atlanta Dream (3-2) 78-74. They now have a 4-2 record. A’ja Wilson had the team high with 28 points and nine rebounds.

Game recap: The first quarter was a low-scoring affair. Las Vegas led after the first 12 minutes 11-10. Between the two teams there were 26 failed shot attempts; a slow start for both of them. Each team played with more energy in the second quarter after a rather stagnant start. The Aces won the second quarter 23-18 and led at the half 34-28. A’ja Wilson finished the half with 12 points and five rebounds while Jackie Young had 10 points and also had five rebounds.

The third quarter got underway as the Aces took the court in the second half where they have been most lethal not only this season but also in previous seasons. The Dream put up a real fight, however, in the third quarter winning it by the score of 25-19 and after three quarters this game was tied at 53. Atlanta was outscoring the Aces from downtown 46% to 26% through three quarters. The Aces would have to dig deep to get past Atlanta in this game.

The Dream kept pace with the Aces to start the fourth quarter. Las Vegas kept a slim lead as the fourth quarter played on as the Dream continued to keep the pressure on the Aces. With 5:39 left in the game Atlanta had taken a 65-62 lead as the Dream continued to drain three’s.

With 1:02 left on the clock Atlanta had a 73-70 lead and Las Vegas had met their match. Time was running out for Las Vegas trailing 74-70 with 26 ticks left on the clock. The Aces just could not overcome the slow start coupled with trouble from long dropping this game 78-74.

The Dream also had won the fourth quarter 25-21 and it was Atlanta that proved to be lethal in the second half of this game. This may well be a tough road for the Aces. Every team in the league is gunning for Las Vegas adding another element of pressure.

A’ja Wilson had a terrific game finishing with 28 points and nine rebounds. Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young each had double digits but it was just not enough to get past Atlanta.

Game notes: Friday evening the Aces traveled to Atlanta to take on the Dream. After their only loss this season, Las Vegas seems to be getting on track in their quest for a three-peat. There is still no definite timeline for the return of Chelsea Gray. She has maintained that she will not be sitting out the entire 2024 season.

The Aces were without Kiersten Bell who like Gray is also in a walking boot due to a right leg injury. Las Vegas without these two key players will be leaning on A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum to extend their winning streak. Head coach Becky Hammon remains confident that the team has enough to clock another road win but against the Dream they fell short by four points and lost their second game of the season.

Las Vegas will not take the court again until June 5th next Wednesday as they travel to Dallas to take on the Wings. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 5:00 PM.

Aces Win Fourth Game of the Season Beating Minnesota 80-66

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The Las Vegas Aces Kelsey Plum scored 19 points and for Kelsey Plum had 10 points in their win over the Minnesota Lynx at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Wed May 29, 2024 (Las Vegas Aces X photos)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (4-1) continued their march toward a third championship Wednesday night led by A’ja Wilson as they took on the Minnesota Lynx (4-2) in Minnesota. They dominated the Lynx winning the game 80-66. The incomparable Wilson finished with 29 points and 15 rebounds . Jackie Young chipped in 19 points and 10 assists cruising to their fourth win of the season.

Wednesday night, the Aces traveled to Minnesota to take on the Lynx at Target Center. The Aces go around with a bullseye dead center on their backs these days. Every team out there is looking to unseat the two-time defending champs.

Teams may be trying to unseat the champs but trying and achieving are two completely different things. These ladies are tough as nails and other than the one loss this season they have been unstoppable and they are still looking forward to the return of Chelsea Gray which will make them even tougher. Aces management is in no hurry to bring Gray back. They are exercising extreme caution in her return as she continues to rehab.

Las Vegas won the opening quarter 18-16 in a close game but extended their lead by the half. They won the second quarter 25-18 and led going into the locker room 43-34. They would take the nine-point lead into the third quarter.

The Lynx were able to win the third quarter 22-19 but fell short in the fourth quarter. Time and time again the Aces have shut down teams in the fourth quarter and this game was no exception. They went on a 20-5 run in the second half which spelled the difference in this game. Las Vegas won the fourth quarter 18-10 finishing off Minnesota.

A’ja Wilson finished this game in style with 29 points, and 15 rebounds. This was Wilson’s fifth straight game with 20 or more points and at least 10 rebounds. Jackie Young also had an amazing game finishing with 19 points and 10 assists. Kelsey Plum chipped in 10 points and sixth assists.

Napheesa Collier shot the high for Minnesota with 18 points and 13 rebounds.

The Aces will not take the court until Friday night when they take on the Dream in Atlanta. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 4:30 PM. Las Vegas will be looking for their fifth win of the season in their quest for a third title.

Aces Win First Round of Playoffs Eliminating Chicago Sky 92-70

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A’ja Wilson (22) forward of the Las Vegas Aces snuffs a shot attempt by the Chicago Sky’s center Elizabeth Williams (right) during first half action in game 2 of the NBA Playoffs at Michelob ULTRA Arena on Sun Sep 17, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces took control from the opening quarter and never let down winning with dominating play over the Chicago Sky. Chicago did rally in the fourth quarter pulling to within nine points but Las Vegas surged and finished off this game 92-70 on Sunday in game 2.

Aces game recap: The Las Vegas Aces (34-6) took on the Chicago Sky (18-22) Sunday afternoon at Michelob ULTRA Arena in game two of the first round of this year’s playoffs. The Aces won the first game of the series last Wednesday night 87-69.

Las Vegas wasted no time getting off to a nice start winning the opening quarter 23-14. They would continue to pile on the points as this game wore on. They won the second quarter 21-15 and led at the half 44-29 leading by 15 points. They would have to play at the same pace in the second half where they have been known to dominate this season.

Las Vegas kept pushing in the third quarter winning the quarter 25-16 and leading after three 69-45. They seemed to have this game in total control. The Sky had other plans however making a move in the fourth quarter cutting a 28 point lead down to 11 points with 6:41 left in the game.

The Sky were making an incredible charge and the Aces needed to pull out all the stops to slow Chicago down. When this game got too close for comfort Las Vegas tightened it’s reins pushing their lead to 20 points 82-62 with under five minutes left on the clock.

With 3:32 left in the game A’Ja Wilson took a shot in the right eye and had to take the bench. Wilson appeared to be ok but would not take the court for the rest of the game. With 2:27 left in the game Las Vegas had a 90-66 lead and with 38 points and 16 rebounds Wilson had another double-double. The bench players got a chance to finish off this game.

This was an outstanding game for the Aces winning the first three quarters. The Sky did win the fourth quarter 25-23 but this was far too little too late. A’Ja Wilson outdid herself finishing with another double-double and thankfully, her eye injury was not serious and she was no worse for wear.

Wilson’s supporting cast had a fairly quiet game. Jackie Young finished with 15 points and Kelsey Plum had 10 points. Young, Plum and Chelsea Gray will all have to step up as Las Vegas goes into the semi-final round of the playoffs.

While they did not have a banner game, many of the points the Aces did score came at critical junctures to finish off this win. What was also critically important was the defensive effort from the Aces forcing 18 Sky turnovers.

The energy that the Aces came into this game with was contagious as they rolled through most of this game. When the Sky rallied the Aces shut it down in record time to move into the next round of the playoffs.

Las Vegas now waits to see who they will play in the semi-final round. They will play the winner of the Dallas Wings vs Atlanta Dream series. Dallas leads that series 1-0. If that series is tied Game 3 will be played next Friday. This coming week the Aces will find out who their semi-final opponent will be with that first game being played next Sunday at 2:00 PM in Las Vegas.

A’Ja Wilson’s 50+ Points Dominates the Dream 112-100

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The Las Vegas Aces A’ja Wilson (22) outscores everyone defeating the Atlanta Dream in WNBA action at the Gateway Center at College Park GA (@LVAces photo)

A’Ja Wilson’s 50+ Points Dominates the Dream 112-100

By Barbara Mason

Tuesday evening the Las Vegas Aces (29-4) traveled to Atlanta to take on the Dream (16-17) and the Aces A’Ja Wilson led with an amazing 50 point to defeat the Dream 112-110.

Tuesday game wrap: It was a hard-fought battle in the opening quarter with the Dream winning the first quarter by the slimmest of margins 34-33.

The battle continued into halftime with the Aces this time leading by the slimmest of margins 56-55. A’Ja Wilson was having a terrific first half with 22 points as was Kelsey Plum with 14 points. Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young both had an unusually quiet first half.

The Aces turned this game around as they went into the third quarter. They won the third quarter 26-13 leading 82-68 going into the fourth quarter. Both Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young started hitting shots and the Aces had all the momentum going on in this game.

Las Vegas really poured it on in the fourth quarter. Wilson continued to completely dominate this game finishing with 53 points. It was simply another amazing game from Las Vegas. We have seen these second half dominations and they are not done with a few more games left in the season.

Las Vegas only had nine turnovers, so great ball protection. The two teams were close when it came to points from the floor; the Aces had 50.7% and the Dream came in with 49.3%. When you look at the stats these two teams seemed, by the numbers, to be pretty evenly matched. It was the play by A’Ja Wilson that put this game on ice.

Aces post game notes: They dropped their last game last Saturday losing to the Los Angeles Sparks 78-72 in a crazy low scoring game. The Dream continued their losing streak extending it to 14 straight games to the Aces. Las Vegas bounced back with a win. The Aces embarked on a four game road trip that begun in Atlanta Tuesday.

Thursday evening the Aces will meet the Chicago Sky, still playing on the road. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 PM.