Tag: Phoenix Mercury

Aces Dismiss Mercury 98-72

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Las Vegas Aces Chelsea Gray (12) gets the player of the game against the Phoenix Mercury at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Jul 11, 2023 (@LVAces photo)

Aces Dismiss Mercury 98-72

By Barbara Mason

Tuesday night the Las Vegas Aces (18-2) took on the Phoenix Mercury (4-15) in front of their home crowd at Michelob ULTRA Arena the Aces rolled on the Mercury 98-72.

The first quarter was a close one with the Aces leading after the first ten minutes 26- 22. The Mercury were making their presence known but could they keep it up against the power house Aces?

We got our answer in the second quarter. Las Vegas put a real beat-down on Phoenix winning the quarter 26-12. The Aces led at the half 52-34. The Mercury could not stop the Aces offensively or defensively. Las Vegas had really cleaned up the turnovers and breezed through the first half.

After three quarters the Aces continued to extend their lead winning the third 32-23. They had a 84-57 lead after three quarters.

The Mercury did win the fourth quarter in a low scoring affair 15-14 but they were so far behind the eight ball that it was an exercise in futility. The final was 98-72 and the Aces had their eighteenth win of the season steamrolling yet another team.

Jackie Young had the high for the Aces with 23 points followed by Chelsea Gray 21 points and A’Ja Wilson with 20 points. Las Vegas had great ball protection in this game with only four turnovers as they coasted to another victory. They had led at one point in the second half by 36 points. They had this game well in hand from pretty much start to finish.

Wednesday the Aces will take on the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Aces Steamroll Lynx 113-89; 10th win in 11 games for Vegas

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Kelsey Plum of the Las Vegas Aces is ready for that top scoring cigar after doing most of the heavy lifting against the Minnesota Lynx leading with 40 points in Minnesota on Sun Jul 9, 2023 (@LVAces photo)

Aces Steamroll Lynx 113-89

By Barbara Mason

Sunday night the Las Vegas Aces (17-2) steamrolled the Minnesota Lynx (9-10) with ball protection front and foremost in their mind and came away with a 113-89 win. The Aces were favored in this game but they were against the Dallas Wings as well and lost that game Friday night by two points. This season the Aces have beaten their opponent by an average of 20 points but that did not even come close to happening in their last game with Dallas.

It was a remarkable turnaround from the Aces last game winning every quarter in this game.

After the first ten minutes of play, the Aces had built a 28-19 lead and they did not let their foot off the pedal for the entire game. They won the second quarter 26-23 and had a half time lead of 54-42.

They went on to win the third quarter 26-19, the fourth quarter 33-28 and the game. They only had 12 turnovers in the game much improved from the 18 they had in their last game. Kelsey Plum had a career high 40 points which propelled Las Vegas to their 17th win of the season. She had an amazing 14 of 18 shooting. She was also six of nine from beyond the arc. This was their third win this season over the Lynx.

This win clinched a Western Conference berth in the Commissioner’s Cup. Right now the Aces are averaging 92 points a game which is a point behind the WNBA record. Las Vegas really righted the ship after their second loss of the season last Friday.

Besides the 40 points from Plum, Jackie Young had 17 points and was five of nine from downtown. Las Vegas made 17 shots from beyond the arc. A’Ja Wilson also had another double digit game with 15 points and ten rebounds.

Game notes: Friday night the Las Vegas Aces dropped their second game of the season in Dallas against the Wings in the final minute of the game 80-78. The Aces with 18 turnovers in the game did them no favors.

Tuesday night the Aces will take on Brittany Griner and the Phoenix Mercury at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Aces Continue Rampage Across WNBA Dominating Mercury 99-79; Win is their 4th in a row

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A’ja Wilson (22) of the Las Vegas Aces takes some practice shots before the game against the Phoenix Mercury at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Wed Jun 21, 2023 (AP News photo)

Aces Continue Rampage Across WNBA Dominating Mercury 99-79

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday afternoon the Las Vegas Aces (11-1) traveled to Phoenix to take on the Mercury (2-9). Las Vegas extended their winning streak to five in a row with a 99-79 win over the Mercury. The Mercury played without standout Brittney Griner who remains sidelined with a hip injury.

The Aces got a solid start in the first quarter and got an early lead which they built on for the entire quarter. With less than a minute left in the quarter, the Aces went on a 10-0 run and led after the first ten minutes of the game 32-19.

The Mercury continued to hang in the game losing the second quarter 25-21. They were close in this quarter but it was the slow start in the opening quarter that hurt them.

The Aces led at the half 57-40. At halftime Las Vegas already had three players in double digits. Jackie Young had the high score for the Aces with 16 points. A’Ja Wilson had ten points and eight rebounds with Kelsey Plum rounding out the top three players in the first half with ten points.

The Mercury were far more aggressive in the second quarter and the Aces would have to get on top of that in the third quarter. The Aces were dominating in points in the paint in this game. This team is solid on so many levels.

They are number one in blocks, steals, rebounds and field goal percentage with 57% shooting an average of 91 points per game. The Aces continued to extend their lead as the third quarter came to an end. They had their highest lead of the game after three quarters 87-60.

The Mercury were faced with a monster challenge going into the fourth quarter. Phoenix made a small run but it was not enough to erase the 29 point lead that the Aces had in the game.

The high for the Mercury was Sug Sutton with 21 points. The Aces had three players with 20+ points. Jackie Young had the high with 23. A’Ja Wilson had another double double with 12 rebounds and twenty points.

Saturday evening Las Vegas will welcome the Indiana Fever to Michelob ULTA Arena. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Harsh conditions expected for Griner in Russian penal colony

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WNBA star Britney Griner is escorted from a Russian courtroom after a hearing in Khimki a suburb of Moscow on Aug 4, 2022. Griner this week was transferred to a undisclosed location to a penal colony. (AP News file)

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

Brittney Griner has been sent to a Russian penal colony. In an court appearance Griner admitted to mistakenly packing two vape cartridges in her luggage and provided documents that showed the hash oil was legally prescribed by her US doctor for pain management. The WNBA Phoenix Mercury star was sentenced to nine years.

According to rights group Amnesty International, conditions in these colonies and prisons are among the worst in Europe. The facilities are located in remote locations, far from cities, making it difficult for family or human rights workers to visit. This form of isolation is believed to be part of the punishment of pseudo-exile. There are about 700 penal colonies in Russia and close to one million prisoners, making it the most common imprisonment institution.

These penal colonies in Russia are infamous for harsh conditions and forced labor. Sleep deprivation torture is one of many tactics with little medical treatment. An estimated 18 million people were sentenced to gulags between 1929 and 1953, until the death of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. About 1.6 million died in work camps. When Griner was arrested the Russia-Ukraine war was beginning, with no resolution it is a war that could go on for a longtime and she was caught in the middle of an international situation.

Although Griner was not that well known in the US and other parts of the world because the WNBA is not the NBA and gets little publicity and coverage still she was in Russia to play basketball to supplement her WNBA salary which is a six-figure salary instead of the approximately $1.5 million she normally earns in Russia.

This could have been avoided if Brittney Griner understood the laws of Russia, which are totally different to the US. For example; cannabis is in fact, illegal in Russia, a country with over 145 million people and largest country in size in all of Europe.

Russia is known for having the highest number of people currently (per capita) imprisoned for drug offenses. When a US citizen travels outside the US he/she is subjected to the laws of whichever country she visits, as a tourist or to work in the case of Griner.

It never ceases to amaze me how many people forget that other countries have different laws to US laws, and when we travel we have to obey those laws, which is just common sense. It is either ignorance or arrogance (or both), we travel abroad and we must obey the laws or suffer the consequences. Nobody knows how much time Brittney Griner will serve in prison of her nine (9) years sentence, however, we know that the US is strongly supporting Ukraine to the tune of billions of dollars in weapons in their war against Russia.

More than likely Russia will detain Griner until the current war between those two countries comes to a resolution. She is a small piece of the biggest land war in Europe since WWII, but Russia is using her and will continue to use her because that is how Russia and other countries with similar types of governments operate.

Join Amaury Pi Gonzalez for That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong: Former Angel pitcher Harvey suspended for 60 days after admitting taking pills with Skaggs; Tiger and McIlroy regret Mickelson out for Championship; plus more

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Los Angeles Angels Matt Harvey shown pitching against the Houston Astros on Jul 18, 2019 at the Big A in Anaheim the same year he was to have taken oxycodone pills with the late Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs (AP file photo)

On Headline Sports with Jessica:

#1 Former New York Met and Los Angeles Angel and current Baltimore Oriole pitcher Matt Harvey has been suspended 60 days stemming from his taking oxycodone pills with former and late Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs.

#2 Skaggs died from  asphyxiating on his own vomit and had oxycodone and cocaine in his system. Eric Kay the Angels former Communications director was convicted for distributing the drugs as five former Angels players testified. Kay is looking at 20 years in jail.

#3 Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods said it was “unfortunate” and “sad” that Phil Mickelson is not attending the 2022 PGA Championship. Mickelson is taking some time away from golf. Mickelson said that he was going to join the Saudi Super Golf League and had said even with the knowledge that the Saudi King was alleged to have ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi Mickelson said he would still be interested in joining the Saudi Super League and got a lot of criticism for that decision and has been quite since.

#4 Jessica, the NBA is working with the WNBA on Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner’s release from a Russian prison. Griner had been imprisoned since February and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Englebert are working side by side. Silver said that he’s been working with the White House, State Department, and hostage negotiators for Griner’s release. The Russian Government has offered to release Griner for the Merchant of Death Viktor Bout.

#5 Jessica, the Boston Celtics played last night against the Miami Heat in game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals in Miami. The Celtics were without Al Horford health and safety issues and Marcus Smart is out with a foot injury both are day to day and could return Thursday night.

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

Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria: Will US exchange Griner for Russia’s Merchant of Death? Plus NBA Conference Final predictions

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WNBA and Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner is led away in handcuffs by Russian authorities as seen here Fri May 13th is up for prisoner exchange for The Merchant of Death Viktor Bout. The deal is up for consideration between the Russian and US governments. (photo from the Toronto Globe and Mail)

On Headline Sports podcast with Tony R:

#1 Tony, could you talk about the chances that you see in a prisoner swap Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner for Russia’s The Merchant of Death Viktor Bout?

#2 Griner no doubt is the face of basketball was stopped at the Moscow Airport for alleged drug possession of vape cartridges that contained hashish oil. Griner has been detained in Russia since February. Talk a little about her mental state and how she’s holding up through this process?

#3 Tony NBA playoffs Western Conference Finals are about to tip off starting on Wednesday night at Golden State with the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors. All the talk has been about the Mavericks Luka Doncic. Will he be and the Mavericks be enough to get by Golden State in this third round?

#4 The Mavericks had a rather close series against the Phoenix Suns who had the best record in the NBA regular season and overcame adversity with a 4-3 series win. How much of a force would you say Doncic, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Jalen Brunson have been for the Dallas offense?

#5 Turning to the NBA Eastern Conference Finals the Boston Celtics are coming off a best of seven series win over the Milwaukee Bucks and tip off against Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat in game 1 tonight in Miami.

Join Tony for Headline Sports each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Aces blow out Mercury in season opener 106-88

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Phoenix Mercury’s Shey Peddy, front right, drives around Las Vegas Aces’ Dearica Hamby (5) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, May 6, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

By Shawn McCullough

Three Aces scored 20 or more points as Las Vegas routed the Mercury, 106-88, at Footprint Center in Phoenix.

“We will take 1-0,” said head coach Becky Hammon on the win. “The girls came out locked and loaded and ready to play.  We played well and I know we can still play better.”

Hammon coached her first game as the head coach of the Aces.

“It was super fun,” said Hammon. “I could feel how bad they wanted it for me.  That was the most special thing about it.”

Dearica Hamby led the Aces with 24 points, going 11 for 14 from the field, while A’ja Wilson dropped 15 and pulled down 11 rebounds.

“We are playing hard and tonight was a lot of fun,” said Hamby. “It [the win over Phoenix] was a good measuring stick to see where we are.”

“It is pretty encouraging that I can have a light day with ‘the gun’,” said Wilson about only taking eight shots and still winning by 18.

Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum each added 20 points.

“I just tried to come out and be aggressive,” said Young.

Guard Chelsea Gray dished out her 1,000th career assist in the third quarter.

The Aces will return to Las Vegas for their home opener on Sunday at Michelob Ultra Arena against the Seattle Storm.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 58.2% from the field and 52.4% from three-point range.
Las Vegas turned the ball over 16 times.
The Aces out-rebounded the Mercury, 38-26.

Game Starters:

C – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 5 Dearica Hamby
F – 0 Jackie Young
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Riquna Williams – Out, Left Foot
Kiah Stokes – Out, Overseas

Phoenix Upsets Aces 99-90 at Mandalay Bay Events Center

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The Phoenix Mercury’s Brittany Griner (41) is double teamed by the Las Vegas Aces A’ja Wilson (22) and Kiah Stokes (41) at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas Wed Jul 7, 2021 (Las Vegas Review Journal photo)

 Phoenix Upsets the Aces 99-90

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday evening the dominating Last Vegas Aces (14-5) took on the Phoenix Mercury (8-9). The Aces along with the Storm have been the talk of the town with opposing teams just trying to play catch-up in the standings. The Mercury are on a two-game losing streak and the Aces on the other hand have only lost one game of their last ten played.

In last Sunday’s game Las Vegas scored a season high and francise record with 118 points. In that game six players scored in double figures. The Aces have the best offensive rating in the league 107.9. They score an average of 91.8 points per game which is the best in the league. Defensively and offensively this team is on a roll and they have to feel like the best team in the WNBA.

The first quarter would end with a 7-0 Phoenix run leading the Aces 24-20. Jackie Young had the high score in the quarter for the Aces with 8 points. Brittney Griner had the high for Phoenix scoring 10 points.

Mid-way through the second quarter the Mercury had extended their lead to seven points leading 33-26. Late in the quarter the Aces really cleaned up their offense and erased an 8 point lead by Phoenix only to let the Mercury off the hook at the half. The score was 50-43 in favor of Phoenix and Brittney Griner had the high score with 21 points. Her team was shooting over 52% and giving Las Vegas all kinds of trouble.

After three quarters the Aces turned this game around taking the lead 63-58. Las Vegas had outscored the Mercury in the quarter 20-8.

Phoenix refused to go away and with just under two minutes left in the game they led 80-76. The Aces would need to keep their composure if they were going to win this game. It was crunch time for Las Vegas.

With 38 seconds left on the clock this game was tied at 82. The game remained tied and there would be five more minutes to play in overtime. A’ja Wilson was key keeping her team in the game.

The Aces had a tough start in overtime. The Phoenix took a six point lead all of them coming from Brittney Griner. Nine consecutive points for the Mercury and they really had the Aces on the ropes. Las Vegas couldn’t buy a basket in overtime. Phoenix continued to eat up the clock and with two minutes left Las Vegas was looking at their fifth loss of the season dropping them out of first place in the Western Conference.

Everything that could go wrong for the Aces did indeed go wrong in this overtime. Nothing went right for the team. They take on the Lynx on Friday hoping to get back on track. Tipoff is scheduled for Friday at 7:30.

Headline Sports with Tony Renteria: Curry is expected back by game one of the playoffs; Kings fire Joerger, Walton most likely successor; plus more

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Photo credit: @theScore

On Headline Sports podcast with Tony:

#1 The Golden State Warriors say that Stephen Curry is day to day after he rolled his ankle in New Orleans on Tuesday night. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr says that Curry should be back by the first game of the NBA playoffs.

#2 Sacramento Kings fired head coach Dave Joerger Thursday after three losing seasons. The firing most likely will be an open door for Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton to take over the coaching job in Sacramento. Wednesday was the last day of the regular season for the Sacramento Kings. They grew, they had won 12 more games than last season, and they have a core of players that are much improved over last season. Tony tells us what the Kings will do to get a viable shot at the playoffs for next season.

#3 It was kind of historical in Boston on Tuesday night when members of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots made an appearance on the field before the Sox ball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Both teams were showing their Championship trophies as both teams won Championships in the first year.

#4 Two players from Bay Area schools were drafted on Wednesday by the WNBA. From Cal, Kristine Anigwe, who was named Defensive Player of the Year, and from the Stanford Cardinal, Alanna Smith. It has to be a pretty big honor for these players to get to the next level and play in the WNBA.

#5 The A’s won another series this time over the Baltimore Orioles on this current road trip after getting swept in Houston by the Astros to start the trip. The A’s defeated the O’s in the four game series and head to Texas to open a three game series with the Rangers starting on Friday night.

Tony does the Headline Sports each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com