Tag: Las Vegas Aces

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.

Aces Beat First Place Connecticut 85-74

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Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) shoots against Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas (25) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, June 21, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (8-6) have some great momentum to build upon after beating the Connecticut (13-2) 85-74 in a terrific win. They’re rebounding was 42 to the Suns 29. While their three’s were not falling, their work in the paint and defensively was spotless. A’ja Wilson had the high with a double double, 26 points and 16 rebounds. Kelsey Plum had 18 points as the Ace’s stubbornly hung onto the lead through all four quarters of the game.

Game recap: A close game was expected but the slow start for both teams was not expected. After the first 3 1/2 minutes of play Brionna Jones had scored all six of the Sun’s points giving her team the early lead 6-2.

The Aces took a time out when this game teetered a bit and Head coach Becky Hammon did not want this game to get out hand. Kelsey Plum hit a three to get within one point but the Sun pushed their lead back out 10-7.

The Aces shots were just not falling so far in the quarter. At 1:49 left in the first 12 minutes the Aces had tied the game at 14 as they had warmed up and their shots began to fall. The crowd erupted when with under a minute, Las Vegas took a four-point lead, their first of the game, 20-16. They had won the first quarter 20-16.

The Ace’s Alysha Clark had the hot hand going into the second quarter going 2 for 2 from downtown. She had scored eight points in the game and had given her team a 25-18 lead in the early minutes of the quarter.

Clark was not the only one with a hot hand, Kelsey Plum hit her third three of the game mid-way through the quarter giving Las Vegas a 33-23 lead. The Aces had to keep their foot on the pedal; a ten-point lead against a team with the talent of the Sun was not enough to relax in any shape or form.

They had to continue playing hard although they had their largest lead of the game 37-25 at the four minute mark. Continuing to extend their lead was now their game plan. It was now the Sun’s shots that were not falling as Las Vegas had taken a 45-25 lead with two minutes left on the clock.

The Aces went on a 17-5 run in the final minute as Connecticut struggled in the paint as well as from long. At the half, the Aces led 45-28 having won the second quarter by a bunch 25-12. The Las Vegas Aces’ defense had stymied the Sun’s offense rendering them ineffective. They were all over them in the first half.

The Connecticut Sun did not take kindly to the Aces running roughshod all over them in the first half and erased the Las Vegas 17 point lead pulling to within seven points in the later minutes of the quarter 47-54.

The Aces pushed back taking a 63-50 lead after three quarters. Jackie Young had been strangely quiet with only six points in the game. Her team would need all hands on deck to finish off the Sun.

With seven minutes left in the game, the Aces had taken a 70-54 lead and there was not much that was not working for Las Vegas. The Aces were fighting to protect their 72-54 lead continuing to excel both offensively and defensively with a lot of time on the clock before this one was over.

This team was really looking like they were turning things around and with the Sun running out of time trailing 81-63 the Aces were on the brink of hanging onto the fifth spot in the overall standings.

With two seconds left in the game, the starters for Las Vegas were sitting out the final minutes as their bench brought this game home 85-74. The Aces were back and looking like the championship team we are used to seeing.

The Aces will have some time off going forward giving Chelsea Gray even more time to work back into the system. They will then be looking to extend their winning streak to three.

Game notes: Friday night a sell-out crowd filled the Michelob ULTRA Arena saw the Aces win against the highly touted Suns. With only a single loss this season they presented the Suns with a mighty challenge and ended up handing them their second loss. With the return of Chelsea Gray the Aces has been energized by her court presence and she did look good in their last game against the Storm despite playing limited minutes and finishing with 4 rebounds and 7 assists so a great effort for Gray. Gray on Friday night had four points and two rebounds.

Next up for Las Vegas will not be for a lengthy five day break taking on the 5-9 Chicago Sky Thursday night with tipoff scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Aces Celebrate Return of Chelsea Gray With Win Over Storm 94-83

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Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) returned against the Seattle Storm at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Wed Jun 19, 2024 (AP News file photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (7-6) got back on the winning track beating the Seattle Storm (9-6) Wednesday night 94-83. The Storm had a lot of trouble handling the Las Vegas defense. Jackie Young had a monster game finishing with 32 points.

It was a great win for the team but the highlight of the evening was the long awaited return of Chelsea Gray. She did play limited minutes as expected but did finish with four rebounds and seven assists making an instant impact. As she works back into the system, she will continue to lift up her team.

Gray was very obviously working out for some time, as much as her injury would allow anyway and the Vegas fans showed their appreciation blowing up the sound meter. Her return has been so anticipated and now it has finally materialized.

Game recap: The Aces went right to work winning the opening quarter 29-16. Unlike their first matchup with the Storm, Las Vegas had solid control of this game in the first 12 minutes of play.

The Storm battled back but lost the second quarter by a basket 18-16. At the half the Aces had a 47-32 lead. Jackie Young had a terrific first half scoring 19 points. The Aces needed A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum to get going with both of them having a quiet couple of quarters. As expected Chelsea Gray had played limited minutes in the first half.

The Storm rallied to open the third quarter scoring the first four points of the quarter cutting the Aces lead but that would be all that the Aces would allow. Las Vegas turned it back on taking a 17 point lead 57-40 with 5:25 left on the clock.

The Aces were on a roll and refused to back down. When it looked like the Aces had it all going, the Storm mounted a comeback. After trailing by as much as 19 points they won the third quarter 22-19.

After three quarters, the Aces continued to lead but it had been cut to 66-54, a 12 point lead. The Storm had struggled against the Aces defense all game and with under four minute left in the game Seattle was running out of time if they wanted to turn this game.

The Aces had pushed their lead back out to a 20 point lead 84-64. The Storm continued to battle cutting the Aces lead from 20 points to thirteen 86-73 prompting Head Coach Becky Hammon to take their third timeout in the quarter. Seattle made it a little uncomfortable for the Aces at times but Las Vegas held fast to win the game 94-83.

Jackie Young had a terrific game finishing with 32 points. A’ja Wilson really turned it on in the second half shooting for 27 points and nine rebounds. Tiffany Hayes who started this game finished with 11 points and five rebounds. Kelsey Plum had double digits with 11 points after only having three at the half. She had eight assists. The Aces had outscored the Storm in the paint and from downtown. Both teams had 15 turnovers.

Game notes: The Las Vegas crowd went nuts erupting into cheers with a standing ovation celebrating the return of Chelsea Gray. The thunderous shrieks bounced off the walls of Michelob ULTRA Arena and the game had not even begun. This was Chelsea Gray’s first appearance this season. The Aces had been missing her all season and they have struggled in her absence.

Gray completes this team as she got four rebounds and seven assists. The Aces beat the Seattle Storm by 11 in Vegas and with Gray on the squad they begin their climb back into dominance. Her leadership and impeccable passing and timing was spot on from the get go.

Friday night, the Aces will be back in action in Vegas taking on the 13-1 Connecticut Sun. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Defending Champion Aces Fall to New York Liberty 90-82

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It was all an uphill battle for A’ja Wilson (22) and the Las Vegas Aces against the New York Liberty at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sat Jun 15, 2024 (Getty)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (6-6) remained close in their matchup with the New York Liberty (12-2) through the first half. of this game. The Liberty went on a 14-0 run in the middle of the third quarter which turned this game sideways for the Aces. Las Vegas came up short in this one losing 90-82. There was good news for Las Vegas however.

They will really power up when Chelsea Gray returns from her injury. They did not have their best offensive effort in the later minutes of the third quarter and a different outcome is a distinct possibility in their August 17 matchup and even more plausible in September when they meet up on the 8th.

The Liberty came out strong taking a 28-20 lead after the first ten minutes of play. The way that the Aces have struggled this season the quick start from New York was concerning. Las Vegas countered however, winning the second quarter 23-17 but did trail at the half 45-43. They had a much improved quarter.

Game recap: Going into the third quarter, the Las Vegas Aces trailed but we’re very much in this game. New York however, mounted a 14-0 run in the middle of the third quarter building a seven-point lead 67-60. It would all come down to who could ride this one out in the fourth quarter.

Early in the fourth quarter Kelsey Plum was hooked in an obvious foul which left her down on the court. The Liberty recovered the ball on the no call and drove down court to sink a three taking a ten-point lead 70-60. With Plum down on the other end of the court the Aces were trying to defend with a 4-5 situation. Through three quarters the Liberty were outplaying the Aces from inside and outside. The game had taken an ugly turn for the Aces.

With just under six minutes left in the game Jackie Young had committed her fifth personal. With every Las Vegas bucket, New York answered and the Aces were running out of time with under four minutes left in the game.

With so little time left on the clock, the Aces were faced with having to play a perfect game and try to overlook some of the calls in the second half which were questionable. They did not even come close to a near perfect game in fact, it was the Liberty who rose to the occasion. With under two minutes left on the clock and the Liberty in control leading 88-74 it was all but a done deal. The final was 90-82 in favor of the Liberty, their eighth win in a row.

Kelsey Plum was the high score for the Aces with 22 points and A’ja Wilson right behind with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Kiah Stokes had a terrific game with 12 rebounds. Alysha Clark chipped in 13 points in the loss. Chelsea Gray did not play which was a coach’s decision but with her listed on the player roster her return could be eminent.

The high score for the Liberty was Jonquel Jones with 34 points and 8 rebounds. The 6’6″ forward had an amazing game spurring her team on to the win.

Despite the loss, there is optimism for Las Vegas. The return of Chelsea Gray could very well change things drastically for the team. While there is room for improvement on the defensive side of the ball, the shortcomings are very fixable. They did not have their best offensive effort today so that will no doubt improve. There is a bright light at the end of the tunnel for the Las Vegas Aces.

Game notes: Saturday afternoon the matchup that everyone had been anticipating took place at Michelob ULTRA Arena between the defending champion Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty. This was a clash between the two super teams of 2023.

The question that looms right now, are both of these teams super this season. The Liberty have had a great start this season with a record of 12-2. They are rolling. As far as the Las Vegas Aces, they don’t appear to be what one could consider super right now. They have struggled this season with a 6-6 record, they are still missing Chelsea Gray, their defense has some cracks and they are considered the underdogs in this game.

After a brief illness Jackie Young was back and appeared to be in great form scoring 34 points in their last game, a win over Phoenix. Neither of these teams are at the top of the standings right now. With the incredible success that the Las Vegas Aces have enjoyed for the past five seasons teams around the league are focusing on ways to build, ways to take them down and six teams have indeed beaten Las Vegas so far this season.

It would appear that despite the great New York start the super team era could very well have reached the end of its rope. This year’s champion is a crapshoot at this point in the season. There are so many vying teams right now with the Lynx, the Storm, the Sun and the Liberty all viable.

Las Vegas will be back on the court Wednesday night on their home court taking on the Seattle Storm. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Aces Break Losing Streak Beating Phoenix Mercury 103-99

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The Las Vegas Aces A’ja Wilson led the Aces in scoring with 32 points against the Phoenix Mercury on Thu Jun 13, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix (AP photo from Tue May 21, 2024)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (6-5) had a molasses slow start in this game but went on to win the second and the all-important fourth quarter winning their matchup with the Phoenix Mercury (6-7) 103-99. A’ja Wilson had another double double with 32 points and 15 rebounds. Jackie Young had a banner evening finishing with 34 points and 8 rebounds.

Game recap: Brittney Griner and the Mercury jumped all over the Aces in the opening quarter of play leading after the first 12 minutes 28-12. The Aces had gotten a very slow start but began to turn things around mid-way through the second quarter hitting 9 of 10 shots and pulling to within 6 points 44-38 with 4:07 left in the half.

The Las Vegas fighting spirit could be seen on the players faces as they continued to inch closer to a lead. The Aces had gone on a 11-2 run. Jackie Young was having a banner game hitting 4 of 6 from downtown with 18 points.

Las Vegas had really settled down in the second quarter. With under two minutes left in the first half this game was tied at 49. The 16 point Mercury lead had dissolved and the Aces clearly had taken over the momentum of this game. There had been a 20 point swing in this game with under a minute left before the half. Las Vegas led at halftime 54-51. The Aces won the second quarter 42-23 in a wild swing.

Jackie Young continued to feel her oats hitting her fifth shot from downtown and finishing with 21 points through two quarters. A’ja Wilson had 15 points and 5 rebounds in the first half. The Mercury’s Diana Taurasi led her team with 15 points in the half and Brittany Griner finished the first two quarters with 10 points and 5 rebounds.

After the first quarter, the Aces were shooting around 44 % to the Mercury’s 64 %. By the half the Aces had totally narrowed that gap; Las Vegas was shooting at 54.5 % with the Mercury at 55.6%. The slow start for the Aces had turned around and they needed to take the same energy into the second half.

The Aces continued their comeback into the third quarter, and Jackie Young continued her reign of terror. She had already scored 27 points and was 7 of 11 from downtown four minutes into the third. The Aces continued to hang onto the lead but the Mercury were going nowhere.

The Aces needed to keep their foot on the pedal as Phoenix was going stride for stride with Las Vegas. Jackie Young tied her career high with 28 points as the third quarter came to an end with Las Vegas hanging onto a 75-74 lead.

The final ten minutes of play would prove to be a dog fight. The Mercury continued to knock on the door but Las Vegas stubbornly hung onto a 92-87 lead with under four minutes left in the game. With under two minutes on the clock the Aces had a 95-91 game.

Leading by a couple of points the Mercury were making it a real challenge getting into the paint for Las Vegas. This game went down to the wire with the Aces leading 99-95 with under a minute left on the clock. The final was 103-99 in a wild matchup.

A’ja Wilson finished with 32 points and 15 rebounds another double double to add to her string. Jackie Young had an amazing game finishing with 34 points and 8 rebounds. By the half she had already shot for 21 points. She was unstoppable. The high for the Mercury was Brittney Griner with 25 points and 9 rebounds. Las Vegas won this game at the line draining 96 % of their free throws along with some impressive defense.

Game notes: The Aces were struggling. They are still missing Chelsea Gray, they had lost 3 games in a row and were losing their way at times on both ends of the ball especially defensively. Thursday night they ended the three game skid against the Mercury at Footprint Center. The Aces will were able to get back on the winning track and avoided getting manhandled like some teams did across the league. Las Vegas were able to strive to start fast and finish hot. With the likes of A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young and Tiffany Hayes off the bench it is difficult to understand why they even had this losing streak.

Saturday afternoon the Aces face a huge challenge as they take on their rival, the New York Liberty. The Liberty currently have an 11-2 record. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 12:00 PM and can be viewed on ABC TV.