Tag: Las Vegas Aces

Aces Outplayed by Storm Losing 78-65

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The Las Vegas Aces A’ja Wilson (22) takes a jump shot against the Seattle Storm’s Jordan Horston (23) at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Fri Jun 7, 2024 (Las Vegas Aces X photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (5-3) started slow in their matchup with the Seattle Storm (7-3) and they finished in the same manner losing 78-65. The Storm played a terrific game defensively crowding the paint which was successful in both halves. A’ja Wilson had another high scoring game with 29 points and 11 rebounds but it was not enough as Las Vegas lost their third game of the season. The Aces had pulled to within one point during the game but they could not contain the Storm trailing for the entire game

Game recap: Las Vegas got a slow start in the opening quarter. They were taking shots but they were just not dropping and the Storm was doing a great job crowding the paint. The Aces fell behind early trailing 15-7 but with 1:51 left in the quarter Las Vegas started to make a move and after the first ten minutes trailed by a single point 17-16.

The Storm really got going in the second quarter leading by ten points with under a minute left in the half. Seattle led at the half 36-28; the Storm had also won the second quarter 19-12. They went on a 17-6 run to end the quarter. Las Vegas needed to find a way to get into the paint, a favorite spot for A’ja Wilson to shoot from. Kelsey Plum also thrives driving the basket so there would be some work for Las Vegas in the second half of play.

The Storm continued to push their lead and with six minutes left in the third quarter led by the score of 46-35. The Aces began to chip away at the Seattle lead and with 3:03 left in the third trailed 48-44 in an unusually low scoring game. Las Vegas was looking to take the lead in the fourth quarter. They had won the third quarter 23-18 and trailed after three quarters 54-51 in a tight contest.

The Aces continued to hang around but were unable to take the lead. With 3:50 left in the game the Storm had taken a 66-59 lead. Jewell Lloyd was having a great game already with 25 points and the clock was winding down. The Aces were running out of time. Four of the Storm’s starters were in double digits and they were outplaying Las Vegas on both sides of the ball. Seattle continued to push their lead and with 1:33 left on the clock had extended their lead 74-61 and this game was all but over for the Aces. The final was 78-65.

Las Vegas got clobbered in the fourth quarter as Seattle went on to win the final quarter 24-14. The road to the playoffs is never easy as Las Vegas lost their third game of the season. A’ja Wilson had another amazing game with 29 points and 11 rebounds but it was not enough to get past the Storm. Jackie Young had a very quiet game with three points and four rebounds. Kelsey Plum had a good one with 18 points.

Post game notes: Friday night the Aces kicked off the weekend losing to the Storm at Michelob ULTRA Arena. The Storm come into this game after beating the Phoenix Mercury Tuesday night 80-62. The Storm’s Ezi Magbegor scored 21 points in the victory. The Storm dealt with the “legendary” A’ja Wilson who reached an amazing milestone in their win against the Wings last Tuesday night and despite Wilson’s effort with 29 points took a tough loss Friday night.

She became the first WNBA player with at least 35 points, ten rebounds and five steals. She finished Thursday’s game with 36 points, 12 rebounds and 6 steals. Las Vegas couldn’t extend their win streak as the Storm upset the defending champions. It is tough going throughout a season with a bullseye on your back but that is exactly what the Aces are dealing with right now.

Saturday night Las Vegas will take on the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. The Aces did win their last matchup on May 18 89-82. They will be facing Dearica Hamby who averages 20.4 points per game for Los Angeles. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Aces Deny Wings Surge Winning in Fourth Quarter 95-81; Vegas’s Wilson makes WNBA history first to score 35 pts, 10 rebounds, with 5 steals in single game

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Las Vegas Aces A’ja Wilson looks like she’s taking the ball over the goal line but fell with the ball. Wilson set a WNBA record scoring 25 pts, 10 rebounds, and 5 rebounds a first by a player in WNBA history against the Dallas Wings at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Wed Jun 5, 2024 (AP photo)

By Barbara Mason

las Vegas Aces (4-2) A’ja Wilson put up huge numbers Wednesday night against the Dallas Wings (4-3). She has been a force for years and continues to improve year after year. She finished with 36 points and 12 rebounds. The Wings challenged at times getting as close as three points in the third quarter but Las Vegas responded every time. The newly signed Tiffany Hayes had a terrific game off the bench with 11 points.

Game recap: Las Vegas got a quick start leading after the first ten minutes of play 29-16. The Wings were a bit slow to start but more then made up for it in the second quarter. As the first half wound down, the Wings had outscored the Aces 23-10 in a great run.

They had trailed by as much as 20 points in the quarter and had mounted an amazing comeback. At the half the Aces lead had been cut to five points 47-42. Dallas had won the second quarter 26-18.

A’ja Wilson had a terrific first half finishing with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Kelsey Plum had also scored in double digits with 13 points. Las Vegas would have to dig deep to get past a tenacious Wings who had really turned this game around in their favor.

The Wings had three players in double digits after the first two quarters. The incomparable Arike Ogunbowale finished the half with 16 points, Maddy Siegrist had scored 10 points and Teaira McCowan also had 10 points and 7 rebounds.

Las Vegas had their work cut out for them going into the second half. They had let Dallas back in this game and they needed to shut them down and take away any momentum the Wings had built up in the second quarter. The second quarter was also extremely physical and more of the same would no doubt persist into the third quarter.

The Wings kept pace with the Aces throughout the third quarter but were unable to take the lead. They trailed early by only three points but the Aces pushed back taking as much as a ten point lead.

With two minutes left in the third the Aces were hanging onto a 63-59 lead. After three quarters Las Vegas had pushed their lead to 75-61. A’ja Wilson had scored 30 points going into the final quarter. The Aces were shooting 51.9 % while the Wings had shot 32.1 % through three quarters.

Three minutes into the fourth quarter, the Aces had built a an 80-63 lead. Missed shots as well as turnovers were really hurting the Wings cause. Dallas challenged Las Vegas at times but the Aces responded every time. Las Vegas simply outplayed the Wings winning this game 95-81 for a 5-2 record. The second half of this game was all Aces.

A’ja Wilson finished this game with 36 points and 14 rebounds. Kelsey Plum had 20 points and Jackie Young shot for 19 points. Alysha Clark also had a solid game with nine points. Tiffany Hayes played a terrific game off the bench with 11 points and six rebounds.

The former Connecticut Sun and Atlanta Dream star came out of retirement signing with the Aces last Friday. This fiery competitor will add another dimension to the powerhouse Aces.

Game notes: Wednesday night the Aces took on the Wings at College Park Center in a Commissioner’s Cup matchup. This is the first time the two teams have met since Las Vegas beat the Wings in three-straight games in the 2023 semi-finals. The Aces have not played since last Friday losing to the Dream in a close game 78-74.

The Wings lost to the Lynx last Sunday 87-76 for their second loss in a row. Both teams will be looking to get back on the winning track. Wednesday night the two top scorers in the WNBA A’Ja Wilson for Las Vegas and Arike Ogunbowale for Dallas met.

Wilson finsished with 36 points and Ogunbowale with 31. Dallas is down two starters and Ogunbowale carried the load for her team. Despite still being without Chelsea Gray, the Aces still have the highest scoring and most efficient offenses in the league thanks to A’ja Wilson who gets better and better every season.

Las Vegas will be back home at Michelob ULTRA Arena for a matchup with the Seattle Storm Friday night. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 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 beat Indiana and Caitlin Clark, 99-80

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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) during pre-game of a WNBA basketball game on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Sports Radio Service/Shawn McCullough)

By Shawn McCullough

LAS VEGAS–The Aces bounced back from a tough home loss to the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday to beat the Indiana Fever, 99-80, at Michelob Ultra Arena.

“We wanted it tonight,” said A’ja Wilson. “We actually played defense and got it done.”

Wilson led the Aces with 29 points and 15 rebounds.

“I am starting to read the defense better,” said Wilson. “I just try to get to my spots and dissect the game a little more.”

Guard Jackie Young scored 22 points, while Kelsey Plum added 20.

Rookie Fever guard Caitlin Clark scored eight points, pulled down five rebounds and added seven assists.

Clark played with Aces guard Kate Martin in college at Iowa.

“She was my teammate, but also one of my best friends,” said Clark. “She was with me for all of my four years at Iowa.”

Martin came off the bench to score 12 points and pull down seven rebounds.

“It’s just really cool,”, said Martin. “We are both living out our dreams and it’s great to experience that with your best friend.”

With the win, Las Vegas improved to 3-1 on the season.

The Aces will next play in Minnesota on Wednesday against the Lynx.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot just 47.9% from the field, while Indiana shot 42.9%.
Las Vegas went 13 for 35 from three-point range.
Each team equally pulled down 36 rebounds.

Game Starters:

C – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 41 Kiah Stokes
F – 7 Alysha Clark
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 0 Jackie Young

Aces Injury Report:

Chelsea Gray, Out, Lower Left Leg
Kierstan Bell, Out, Lower Right Leg

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong: $100,000 Sponsorship for WNBA Aces does it impact the salary cap?; Celtics Porzingis hopes to return for game 4 on Monday; plus more news

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Aces players react as LVCVA CEO and President Steve Hill announces a $100,000 per player sponsorship Friday, May 17, 2022, in Las Vegas. (LVCVA via X)

On Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong:

#1 Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority are not commenting regarding the $100,000 sponsorships that the Las Vegas Aces players received. They were presented the sponsorship from Steven Hill president from the LVCVA when he spoke to the players in the dressing room on a video that took the players by surprise. There had been questions of the validity of the sponsorship if this puts the Aces over the salary cap space but the Aces head coach Becky Hammonds said that the Aces had nothing to do with the sponsorships and that the $100,000 shouldn’t go against the salary cap. The Aces are two time WNBA Champions and have brought good business in for the city of Las Vegas.

#2 The Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is trying to return for game 4 against the Indiana Pacers on Monday night Porzingis is suffering from a soleus strain of his right calf. Porzingis has been doing exercises to improve the calf and some on court workouts.

#3 From a top notch college player from Iowa to signing with the Indiana Fever to getting some great endorsement deals Caitlin Clark signed with Wilson. Clark’s signature appears on three different Wilson basketballs  titled Threes Up, Record Breaker and Crowd Maestro.

#4 The Philadelphia Phillies Ranger Saurez continues to baffle opposing hitter striking out ten hitters over seven innings pitched and improved to 9-0 with a 5-2 win over the Texas Rangers. The win gives the Phils their 35th win of the season a big league best so far.

#5 The Celtics Jayson Tatum scored 36 points and scored ten points in overtime. Jaylen Brown tied up the game in regulation with 6.1 seconds left as the Celtics beat the Indiana Pacers in game 1 of the third round of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals 133-128 at TD Garden in Boston. Game 2 is tonight at 5:00pm at the Boston Garden.

Join Jessica for Headline Sports podcasts every other Wednesday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Aces fall to Mercury, 98-88

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Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) jumps with Phoenix Mercury center Natasha Mack (4) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Sports Radio Service/Shawn McCullough)

By Shawn McCullough

The Aces lost their first game of the season in a 98-88 defeat to the Phoenix Mercury at Michelob Ultra Arena.

“They came in and punched us in the mouth”, said Aces head coach Becky Hammon. “We didn’t deserve to win the game”.

The Mercury got 37 points from forward Kahleah Cooper, while Sug Sutton added 12 points off the bench.

“I’m really happy how some of our bench players played”, said Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts. “We have nine players and we are going to play them every night”.

Guard Kelsey Plum led the Aces with 27 points, going seven for 14 from three-point range, while guard Jackie Young added 23 points.

A’ja Wilson scored 21 points and pulled down 13 rebounds.

“We were not good defensively”, said Wilson. “This was a good test for us, because we are not there defensively”.

Guard Chelsea Gray remained out with a lower left leg injury, while guard Kierstan Bell was also out with a lower right leg injury.

With the loss, Las Vegas fell to 2-1 on the season.

The Aces will next play at home on Saturday against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot just 42.3% from the field, while Phoenix shot 47.4%.
Las Vegas went 11 for 31 from three-point range.
Each team equally pulled down 39 rebounds.

Game Starters:

C – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 41 Kiah Stokes
F – 7 Alysha Clark
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 0 Jackie Young

Aces Injury Report:

Chelsea Gray, Out, Lower Left Leg
Kierstan Bell, Out, Lower Right Leg

Aces win second straight, top Sparks 89-82

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Las Vegas Aces forward Jackie Young (0) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Sports Radio Service/Shawn McCullough)

By Shawn McCullough

The Aces improved to 2-0 on the season with an 89-82 win over the Los Angeles Sparks at Michelob Ultra Arena.

Jackie Young and A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 22 points.  Young added 11 assists, while Wilson pulled down 10 rebounds.

Kelsey Plum struggled from the field, going just four for 14, but hit three three-pointers for a total of 17 points.

Aces rookie guard Kate Martin played 26 minutes and scored three points.

Former Aces forward Dearica Hamby punished Las Vegas by going 12 for 16 from the field for 29 points.

Guard Chelsea Gray remained out with a lower left leg injury.

The Aces will next play at home on Tuesday against the Phoenix Mercury.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 42.5% from the field, while Los Angeles shot 51.5%.
Las Vegas went 13 for 31 from three-point range.
The Sparks turned the ball over 17 times.

Game Starters:

C – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 41 Kiah Stokes
F – 7 Alysha Clark
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 0 Jackie Young

Aces Injury Report:

Chelsea Gray, Out, Lower Left Leg

Wilson scored 30 in season opening win over Phoenix

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Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson (22) watches a shot with Phoenix forward Liz Dixon (20) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Sports Radio Service/Shawn McCullough)

By Shawn McCullough

LAS VEGAS–The defending back-to-back WNBA world champions started the season with an 89-80 win over the Phoenix Mercury at Michelob Ultra Arena.

“It’s the first game of the season and it looked like it,” said head coach Becky Hammon. “We will take the win. It wasn’t pretty, but it shows us that we have room for improvement.”

The Aces were led by forward A’ja Wilson, who dropped 30 points and pulled down 13 rebounds.

“I just kind of took what the defense was giving me,” said Wilson. “My teammates fed me the ball and I was appreciative.”

Guard Jackie Young scored 23 points, while Kelsey Plum added 19.

“Today was our first game and tried to just shake off the nerves,” said Young. “We tried to be aggressive and execute our game plan.”

Las Vegas was without starting guard Chelsea Gray, who was out with a lower left leg injury.

“We don’t have our point guard right now,” said Wilson of Gray. “We are all trying to compensate for the organizer on the court who is gone.”

During pre-game, the Aces raised their second world championship banner and were presented with their championship rings.

“Ring night is always special,” said Young. “We were trying to have fun and enjoy the moment, but also remember that we have a game to play.”

The Aces will next play at home on Saturday against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 40.8% from the field.
Las Vegas went just six for 29 from three-point range.
Former NFL quarterback Tom Brady gave a pre-game speech in the Aces locker room.

Game Starters:

C – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 41 Kiah Stokes
F – 7 Alysha Clark
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 0 Jackie Young

Aces Injury Report:

Chelsea Gray, Out, Lower Left Leg

Aces Will Their Way To A Back To Back Championship Against all Odds 70-69

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Las Vegas Aces A’Ja Wilson (left) and owner Mark Davis (right) celebrate the Aces second consecutive championship with teammates at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn against the New York Liberty on Wed Oct 18, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Against all odds the Las Vegas Aces won a back to back championship 70-69 at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn. Despite playing behind the eight ball for most of the game they refused to give in. Every single player on the floor in this game was a part of this win. In the final possession Alysha Clark had the tough call guarding Breanna Stewart and she did not disappoint.

Wednesday evening the Las Vegas Aces (3-1) took on the New York Liberty (1-3) in game four of the WNBA championship series. The Aces dug deep as they faced their most daunting challenge in this game.

The shocking news for Las Vegas was the loss of not only starter point guard Chelsea Gray but also center Kiah Stokes both seen court side with boots and Stokes wearing not only a boot but walking with crutches.

It was a real blow for the Aces. They were so close to a back to back championship leading the series 2-1 but they were able to get over the hurdle. Gray’s absence on the court hurt since she has been a huge reason for their success this season and that was a real gut punch.

This is a tough bunch and the Aces had their core group step up. A’Ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young showed up big. Alysha Clark and Cayla George filled in on the starting roster.

Game 4 recap: There was a “hold your breath” moment in the early minutes of the first quarter. Jackie Young went down and remained down on the court for a bit but was apparently collecting herself.

A sigh of relief for Las Vegas as Young was able to get up albeit rubbing her left knee. Las Vegas could ill afford another injury. The Aces led early but the Liberty took the lead with under two minutes left in the first ten minutes 21-11.

The Aces defensive effort was almost palpable; they were trying with everything they could muster but they had some reckless turnovers that hurt them. Making things worse, A’Ja Wilson was on the bench with two personal fouls. The Liberty were creating chaos on the court and the Aces were having a lot of trouble handling New York. The Liberty led after one quarter 23-13.

The Aces continued to fight in the second quarter and cut the New York lead to four points 25-21. The Liberty came charging back and extended their lead to seven but Las Vegas would not be denied and five minutes into the quarter they trailed by a single basket 24-27.

The Aces pulled too within one point in the closing minutes but fell apart as the clock ran out missing four shots in a row with yet another turnover. The Liberty took a 39-30 lead into the locker room at the half.

Las Vegas won the second quarter by a single digit 17-16. They really had it going for a while in the second quarter but they would have to do it consistently in the second half. The Aces really cut down on the turnovers in the quarter with only two but they would need an even stronger offense if they hoped to get past a fully loaded Liberty team.

At halftime not a single Las Vegas player had double digits. They would need a whole lot more from Young and Plum who finished the first half with only five points apiece. The Liberty’s Betnijah Laney had 11 and Courtney Vandersloot had 12.

The Aces were able to contain the always dangerous Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones. They only managed 11 points between the three of them which was huge for the Aces. The key to a victory would be continued containment of Stewart, Ionescu and Jones as well as driving the basket for more points in the paint.

The Las Vegas Aces clawed their way into a winning third quarter 23-12 and leading 53-51 after three. They were one quarter away from a championship against all odds. The Aces went on a 16-2 run in the fourth quarter leading 60-53 but let that lead get away.

With 6:34 left in the game, the Las Vegas lead had dwindled to 60-58 and they had let the Liberty back into the game. With under five minutes left in the game it was all tied up at 62. The Aces started taking ill-advised shots and missing badly.

Las Vegas continued to fight through the fatigue which had to play a factor in this game and they had to take care of the basketball in the final three minutes. The Aces continued to keep B Stewart under wraps holding her to 3 of 17 shots.

With 41.7 left in the game Las Vegas had a 70-69 lead in a real nail-biter. With the 70-69 lead and 8.8 left on the clock the ball was in the hands of the Liberty. Clark had the unenviable task of guarding superstar Stewart and it was Clark who brought the championship home. The Aces had to call on every ounce of strength left in them in a most gritty performance.

After an amazing season the MVP Award went to Wilson who finished this game with another double double. She had 24 points and an amazing 16 rebounds. Young, George and Clark all finished with double digits. So now the Las Vegas Aces are Champions once again in this amazing dynasty.