Tag: Las Vegas Aces

Liberty Continues Las Vegas Domination 82-63

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Image from Las Vegas Aces Twitter

Liberty Continues Las Vegas Domination 82-63

By Barbara Mason

Nine days ago the New York Liberty (24-6) put the hurt on the Las Vegas Aces (27-3) 99-61. Tonight the Aces played the Liberty in Las Vegas in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup and dropped another game to New York by 19 points at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas 82-63 on Tuesday night. The Aces loose their second straight game to the Liberty after the beating they took at the hands of New York on Sun Aug 6th.

Tuesday game recap: Neither team scored in the opening 3 1/2 minutes. It was a low scoring quarter for both teams. The Liberty led by as much as 9 points and after the first quarter New York had a 17-11 lead.

The Liberty had a great game plan in their last meeting and the question would be, can they repeat. They did keep the highest scoring team in the WNBA to a mere 11 points in the opening quarter of this game.

The Aces had an 11-0 run to end the second quarter. In their last meeting Las Vegas trailed the Liberty 49-44 at the half. The halftime score in this game was in favor of the Aces 34-32. They won the second quarter 23-15 turning the tables on New York. We knew this was a rivalry and it would be a dog fight to the end.

The Liberty won the third quarter 24-14 and the Aces were in trouble falling further and further behind. They trailed after three quarters 56-48.

With each possession in the fourth quarter, Las Vegas continued to struggle and the Liberty had taken a 72-57 lead with under five minutes left in the game. With three minutes left in the game, A’Ja Wilson had not scored a single point in the final quarter. Once again, New York came into the evening with a great game plan especially in the second half putting this game away.

The Liberty put the stops on A’Ja Wilson who only scored nine points in the game. The Aces only shot 33% from the floor and 19% from beyond the arc. The Liberty had 49 rebounds to the Aces 28. Las Vegas will have some work to do figuring out New York going forward. With the season winding down the Aces have some serious work to do.

Thursday night the Aces will face the Liberty again in Las Vegas looking to figure out New York. In the past two games against New York, it was the Liberty that controlled the flow of the game The Aces will really need to win this next game Thursday night not only for their season record but for the all- important mental aspect of the game.

Aces home domination continues, beat Dream, 86-65

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Las Vegas Aces players Cayla George (13), Kiah Stokes (41) and Kierstan Bell (1) celebrate after a 98-81 victory over New York Liberty during the second half of a WNBA basketball game at the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay Thursday, June 29, 2023. (photo credit: Steve Marcus)

By Shawn McCullough

The Aces won their 20th straight home game with an 86-65 victory over the Atlanta Dream at Michelob Ultra Arena.

“It was a grind it out game for us,” said head coach Becky Hammon. “It wasn’t pretty, but no game is easy in the WNBA.”

A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 21 points, while also pulling down nine rebounds.

“We were really playing out of our defense,” said Wilson. “We fuel on that.” 

Jackie Young added 17 points, while Cayla George came off the bench and scored 11.

“When people talk about us, they don’t understand that our role players are there to help us,” said Wilson.

The Aces will next play for the Commissioners Cup on Tuesday against the New York Liberty at Michelob Ultra Arena.

“It will be a good matchup overall,” said Wilson. “It will be fun, it brings the best out of everybody.”

“We are going to have to execute our game plan,” said Hammon. “We will have a better lock-in factor.”

With the win, the Aces improved to 26-3 on the season.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot just 41.6% from the field.
Las Vegas went seven for 23 from three-point range.
The Dream turned the ball over 16 times.

Game Starters:

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

Aces Injury Report:

Alysha Clark, Out – Back
Candace Parker, Out – Foot

Aces Push Past Mystics 113-89; A’ja blows it wide open with 40 points

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Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson led with 40 points in the Aces win over the Washington Mystics at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Fri Aug 11, 2023 (@WBBWorldWide photo)

Aces Push Past Mystics 113-89

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Aces took on the Washington Mystics (13-15) at Michelob ULTRA Arena and won their second game in a row 113-89 at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Vegas. Las Vegas led after the first quarter 30-21. The Aces ran into a bit of trouble in the second quarter. In the final minutes the Mystics had pulled to within two points and the Las Vegas lead had all but disappeared.

The Aces capped off the quarter with a nice run leading at the half 57-48. With the season winding down, these teams know each other all to well and barring injury every game going forward will be a serious challenge.

The Aces A’Ja Wilson continued her domination. After scoring 28 points last Tuesday against the Wings, she had already shot for 24 points and seven rebounds at the half. With an entire half of basketball left in the game, she was just getting warmed up.

While the first half that the Aces saw from Wilson was, brilliant , they cannot say enough about the amazing teammates that surround her. They enable her to do what she does so well. It takes a tribe and we see this in every game that Las Vegas has played this season

The Mystics started the third quarter with a three and the Aces answered with a three of their own and the battle was on. The Aces saw amazing ball movement from both teams in a very physical third quarter. The Mystics tied up this game at 68 with under four minutes left in the quarter. The Aces forged back and led 88-74 to end the quarter.

The Aces polished off the Mystics in the fourth quarter winning the game. It you thought A’Ja Wilson had a great game last Tuesday against Dallas, she was just warming up. She finished this game with 40 points and 12 rebounds, a career high. Kelsey Plum had her first double double of the season with 19 points and 10 assists

Aces post game notes: It has been less than a week since the Las Vegas Aces (25-3) got blown off the court in New York 99-61 on Sun Aug 6. The Liberty contained them offensively and defensively. They kept them out of the paint while driving through their defense with an electric offensive display. Just the fact that Ace A’Ja Wilson came away with only nine points was a shocker.

Las Vegas knew how important the next game in Dallas would be not wanting to drop another game especially in this fashion. As expected the Aces found their form dominating the Wings in the first three quarters that sealed the win 104-84 on Tue Aug 8th. Las Vegas was back.

With only 11 games left in the regular season every game is critical with the top three teams battling for home court advantage. The Aces cannot afford another loss the likes of which they saw in New York.

Las Vegas will next take on the Atlanta Dream on Sunday with tipoff scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Aces rebound from loss, beat Wings, 104-84

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Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) drives against Dallas Wings’ Crystal Dangerfield during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, August 8, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

By Shawn McCullough

After just their third loss of the season on Sunday, the Aces rebounded with a blowout win over the Wings in Dallas, 104-84.

“The focus and energy was there in a bounce back game for us,” said head coach Becky Hammon. “Not surprised at the way that they came out tonight.  They came out and took care of business.”

A’ja Wilson dominated with 28 points and 14 rebounds, her 71st career double-double.

“She was just really, really focused on both ends,” said Hammon.

Guard Kelsey Plum scored 20 points including four three pointers, while Jackie Young added 18.

“Just getting defensive stops and getting easy buckets in transition,” said Young about the win.

“This is one of the smartest teams and they work hard,” said Hammons about the Aces.

With the win, the Aces improved to 25-3 on the season heading into their next game at home on Friday against the Washington Mystics.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 50.0% from the field.
Las Vegas went 10 for 32 from three-point range.
The Aces never trailed in the game and their biggest lead in the game was 41 points.

Game Starters:

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

Aces Injury Report:

Riquna Williams, Not with team
Candace Parker, Foot

Aces Smoked by Liberty, 99-61

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Aug 6, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) celebrates after the Las Vegas Aces call time out in the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports / © Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

By Shawn McCullough

The Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu scored 31 points, including six three pointers, to lead New York to a 99-61 blowout of the Aces at Barclays Center.

“That’s a good ole fashioned ass whooping”, said head coach Becky Hammon.

The Aces trailed by just five points at halftime, but the Liberty outscored Las Vegas 50-17 in the second half.

“They jumped on us pretty good in the second half,” said Hammon. “It was very disappointing.”

Jackie Young led the Aces with 16 points, while Chelsea Gray added 15.

“They dictated it from the jump,” said Gray. “We were trying to play catch up the whole game.”

Forward A’ja Wilson struggled, going just two for 14 from the field.

“For me to be two for 14, I hope that never happens again,” said Wilson.

The Aces were dominated on the boards by the Liberty, 48-24.

“Our rebounding needs to be better,” said Gray. “Guards need to help on the boards too.”

The loss is just the Aces’ third of the season, dropping them to 24-3 on the season heading into their next game in Dallas on Tuesday against the Wings.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot just 32.9% from the field.
Las Vegas went just six for 23 from three-point range.
Kelsey Plum was just four for 16 from the field.

Game Starters:

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

Aces Injury Report:

Riquna Williams, Not with team
Candace Parker, Foot

Las Vegas Aces report: Riquna Williams restricted to Las Vegas over domestic violence charges

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Las Vegas Aces WNBA basketball player Riquna Williams waits to appear in Las Vegas Justice Court Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023. Williams faces felony domestic strangulation, battery and other charges in an alleged attack on her wife. (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

Riquna Williams who has been barred from playing with the Las Vegas Aces has been ordered by a Las Vegas judge and justice of the peace Amy Mitchell Williams (no relation) to stay within Clark County and has to wear a GPS device.

Judge Williams and prosecutor John Torre and Williams attorney Brandon Albright in court Wednesday. Williams intends to plead not guilty to the charges of domestic violence according to Albright. Judge Williams told Williams that she cannot leave Clark County and is banned from using alcohol and has to report to detention officials via telephonic check ins. Williams is also not allowed to contact her wife of four years under no circumstances.

Albright spoke with reporters outside the courthouse saying that Williams is, “doing what she can to show the court she’s doing everything right.” Williams was part of the Aces WNBA championship season last year and averaged 6.7 points. Williams who is suffering a back injury could not have played this season besides being already barred from the team.

Amongst the charges against Williams five felony counts of domestic battery by strangulation, domestic violence, coercion by force and assault with a weapon. Williams also faces four domestic violence battery misdemeanor charges. Judge Williams noted that Williams’ wife had moved out of state.

Jerry Feitelberg is a beat writer for the Golden State Warriors at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Aces Blister Atlanta 93-72; Clinch playoff birth with win in Vegas

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All for one and one for all as the Las Vegas Aces celebrate their win over the Atlanta Dream and move into the post season clinching at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Aug 1, 2023 (@LVAces photo)

Aces Blister Atlanta 93-72

By Barbara Mason

Tuesday evening the Las Vegas Aces (24-2) took on the Atlanta Dream (14-12) at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Las Vegas has been having another “dream” season. There are only 15 games left in the regular season and the Aces have their sights set on another post season run that will hopefully end with a second title. That dream continued with the Aces 93-72, 21 point win over the Dream.

The Dream challenged Las Vegas in the first quarter. Atlanta led for the first three minutes of the game coming out strong in the opening minutes. The Aces turned the slow start around tying up the game 8-8 at 7:08. The two teams remained close for the remainder of the quarter. Las Vegas took a five point lead in the final minute of play and led after one quarter 25-22.

The Aces began to pull a bit of a lead winning the second quarter 29-21 and leading at the half 54-43. Las Vegas has been a second half team all season. The second half is when they typically pull out all the stops and they would need that against this feisty Atlanta team that refused to back down.

The Dream won the third quarter 16-15 but still trailed 69-59. Atlanta kept plugging away and a minute into the fourth quarter, the Aces lead had been cut to seven points 69-62. Las Vegas turned that around in record time taking a 75-62 lead.

As the fourth quarter wore on, the Aces got this game under control leading 80-62 with four minutes left in the game. The Dream called a timeout when this game began to go south but there was no stopping Las Vegas. This game had turned into a real nightmare for the Dream. The final was 93-72.

Las Vegas powered their way through the fourth quarter. Jackie Young finished the game with 24 points and A’Ja Wilson had 20 points and 11 rebounds. The high for the Dream was Cheyenne Parker with 19 points.

The Aces will take on a tough team in the New York Liberty next Sunday. Tipoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM.

Aces continue to roll, beat Wings, 104-91

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Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson (22) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Las Vegas. (Sports Radio Service/Shawn McCullough)


By Shawn McCullough

LAS VEGAS–The Aces fought off a 15-0 run early in the fourth quarter to beat the Dallas Wings, 104-91, at Michelob Ultra Arena.

“Tough game,” said head coach Becky Hammon. “It was a tough, physical game and down the stretch we got stops when we needed.”

Kelsey Plum led the Aces with 28 points, including four three-pointers, while Chelsea Gray added 27 and eight assists.

“We needed to get stop and execute on the offensive end,” said Gray of the fourth quarter.

The Aces were out-sized by the Wings, being out-rebounded 41-30.

“They [the Wings] are huge, they hurt us on the glass,” said Hammon.  “They got a legit big four.”

A’ja Wilson scored 22 points while also blocking six Wings shots.

“Just trying to be the anchor of the defense,” said Wilson. “I want to be consistent for my teammates and be there to alter shots.”

With the win, the Aces improved to a WNBA best 23-2 on the season heading into their next game at home on Tuesday against the Atlanta Dream.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 50.0% from the field.
Las Vegas went 13 for 25 from three-point range.
The Aces never trailed in the game.

Game Starters:

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

Aces Injury Report:

Riquna Williams, Out, Lower Back
Candace Parker, Not with team

Aces win sixth straight, beat Sky, 107-95

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Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson, right, and guard Chelsea Gray celebrate their 107-95 victory over the Chicago Sky in a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)


By Shawn McCullough

The Aces continue their dominance over the WNBA with a 107-95 win over the Sky in Chicago.

Guard Kelsey Plum led the Aces with 27 points, hitting 10 of 20 shots from the field.

WNBA Western Conference Player of the Week A’ja Wilson dropped 24 points, pulled down four rebounds and blocked four shots.

The Aces got 22 points from guard Chelsea Gray, who also dished out nine assists, while center Kiah Stokes pulled down 17 rebounds.

Aces forward/center Candace Parker had successful foot surgery to repair a fractured bone and will be out indefinitely.

With the win, the Aces improved to 22-2 on the season heading into their next game at home on Sunday against the Dallas Wings.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 50.0% from the field.
Las Vegas went seven for 22 from three-point range.
The Aces scored over 100 points for the fifth time this season.

Game Starters:

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

Aces Injury Report:

Riquna Williams, Out, Lower Back
Candace Parker, Out, Foot Surgery

Aces Take Down Lynx 98-81

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A’ja Wilson (22) of the Las Vegas Aces sent a message loud and clear to the Minnesota Lynx with a double double in the Aces win over the Lynx at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Sat Jul 22, 2023 (AP News photo)

Aces Take Down Lynx 98-81

By Barbara Mason

Saturday afternoon the Las Vegas Aces (21-2) continued to bulldoze their way through the 2023 season. This time the Aces were taking on the Lynx (10-13) in Minnesota and bulldoze they did defeating the Lynx 98-81.

The Aces got a dynamite start in the first quarter leading 11-0 at 6:27. Las Vegas had taken full advantage of the Lynx slow start. Minnesota turned things around as the quarter wore on going on a 7-0 run. After the first ten minutes the Aces had a 23-18 lead. The Lynx had gotten on track and the Aces had to amp it up going into the second quarter.

Las Vegas did indeed amp it up in the second quarter extending their lead to 48-30. Leading by eighteen points the Aces had really begun to flex their muscle going into halftime.

A’Ja Wilson finished the first half with 19 points and seven rebounds. Jackie Young had 13 points to finish the first half. With an entire half of basketball left to play, there would be a lot more coming from these two. Kelsey Plum had not gotten going in the first half and was looking to in the second half of this game.

The third quarter was all Aces. They took a nice lead 78-55 and they hung onto that lead going into the fourth quarter. The reigning MVP A’ja Wilson had her 15th double double of the season.

The slow start for Kelsey Plum in the first half got a jump start in the second half. She really got going finishing with 16 points after having only three points at the half. Wilson finished with 35 points and 14 rebounds.

The Lynx’s Diamond Miller had 17 points in this game followed by Naphessa Collier with 16.

I am certain that head coaches around the league are scratching their heads trying to put together a game plan that can beat Las Vegas. They have lost two games this season but came right back in the next game. They learn from their mistakes, they have incredible depth, they can shoot from anywhere on the court and they are a determined bunch.

They will next take on the Chicago Sky next Tuesday. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM.