Aces Fall To Surging Mystics 94-83; Win was third straight for Washington

Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron (22) takes a shot over the Las Vegas Aces center A’Ja Wilson (22) in first half WNBA action at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Thu Jun 26, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez
LAS VEGAS–The Las Vegas Aces (7-8) lost to the Washington Mystics (8-8) 94-83. The Aces Jackie Young had 13 points in the opening quarter but did not score again in the game. A’Ja Wilson had the game high with 22 points.

On the other hand the Mystics had the hot hand from outside hitting ten shots from beyond the arc. They were unstoppable. Las Vegas went on a 9-0 run to start the fourth quarter but they had dug such a deep hole in the third quarter trailing by 22 points. They have now fallen below .500 again at Michelob ULTRA Arena on Thursday night.

The Mystics took as much as an eight point lead in the first quarter but the Aces battled back tying the game at 22 with under two minutes left in the first ten minutes of play. As the first quarter came to an end the Mystics had a 29-25 lead. The Aces Jackie Young had a terrific start scoring 13 points. She definitely had the hot hand in the opening quarter.

The second quarter saw Washington again take as much as a nine point lead. With five minutes left in the half the Aces cut the Washington lead more than in half trailing 32-36. The Mystics Sika Kone pushed out the Washington lead hitting a three with 4:27 left in the quarter. Every time the Aces challenged, the Mystics answered and at the half Washington had their largest lead of the game 53-44.

The Mystics Sonia Citron had the first half team high with 12 points. She was the only Mystic in double digits. The Aces A’Ja Wilson had 14 points and Young had 13 at the half. Las Vegas would have to contain the Mystic offense in the second half. They already had hit six shots from downtown and the Aces would be looking to shut that down.

The Mystics continued to push their lead out leading 59-44 two minutes into the third quarter. The Aces shooting percentage continued to dip and turnovers continued to hamper Las Vegas. The Aces had conceded 17 points on eight turnovers. With 7:33 left in the quarter Head Coach Becky Hammon called a time out before this game got completely out of hand.

Washington had built a 62-46 lead at 6:47. The Mystics were on fire from beyond the arc hitting 8 already in 2 1/2 quarters. The Mystics success from beyond the arc was the tipping point in this game. With two minutes left in the quarter Washington had built a 22-point lead 79-57. Going into the fourth quarter Washington had a 79-61 lead.

As the final quarter got underway Las Vegas was not finished going on a 9-0 run to start the fourth quarter. The Aces got as close as seven points but they could not overcome the outside shooting that the Mystics brought in this game. The Aces had dug too deep of a hole in the third quarter. In an 11 point loss for the Aces and the win in favor of Washington.

This coming Sunday the Aces will head out on the road for another very tough matchup with the third place Phoenix Mercury. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 3:00 PM and can be viewed on NBA TV.

Aces Jewell Loyd Hits Three To Steal Game From Mystics 75-72

Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) and the Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen (44) go after a rebound in first half WNBA action at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Fri May 23, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

LAS VEGAS–The Las Vegas Aces (2-1) trailed for the entire game coming to life in the final minute of play to beat the Washington Mystics (2-2) 75-72. The Mystics refused to back down every time the Aces made a run continuing to hang onto the lead. Washington was all over A’Ja Wilson shutting her down.

She did have a double double with 12 rebounds and 15 points and Jewell Loyd had a disappointing six points but that disappointment disappeared when she hit a three with 2.1 left in the game giving the Aces their first lead since the first quarter. The Mystics got a great effort from Kiki Iriafin who finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds in the losing effort.

Game recap: After the first ten minutes of play, the Aces trailed by a basket 16-18. The Mystics got a fast start that they carried into the second quarter of play leading at the half 42-33. Washington outscored the Aces in the quarter 24-17.

Las Vegas would need more from their starters in the second half. Jewell Loyd had a quiet first half as did A’Ja Wilson. After the first two quarters of basketball the only player that scored double digits was the Mystics Kiki Iriafen.

Iriafen also had seven rebounds. The Aces were beaten from beyond the arc, 46% to 31% as well as from the field 42% to 31%. It was a slow start in the first half from Las Vegas.

The third quarter turned into a very physical game as the Aces made a push. They had trailed by 11 points but began to turn it all around at 6:38. Neither team had scored a basket in the first 3 1/2 minutes of the quarter.

At 5:43 the Aces had pulled to within six points 44-38. The Mystics pushed back extending their lead to 49-38. Las Vegas was committing some uncharacteristic turnovers and it was really hurting them.

A’Ja Wilson and Jewell Loyd were both struggling and the team was missing far too many layups. The Mystics continued to extend their lead and at 3:36 had built a 12-point lead 54-42. Washington was all over A’Ja Wilson at times with two to three guards covering her.

They were having a lot of success shutting her down. Jewell Loyd continued to struggle with only four points. With 1:07 left in the quarter the Aces had pulled to within six points only to watch Washington hit a three pushing their lead back out to nine points, 59-50. After three quarters the Mystics led 59-50.

Las Vegas had one quarter left to turn this game around. The Mystics had built momentum that all began in the second quarter and they continued to feed off of it in the third quarter. The Aces had to dictate the pace of play and they had one quarter to do it.

Las Vegas pulled to within six points 59-53 when Jackie Young hit three shots from the line but every time the Aces got close, the Mystics shut it down. Las Vegas had not led in this game since the opening quarter in a really frustrating game for them.

With 2:01 left in the game, the Aces had pulled to within two points 68-66, the closest they had been since the first quarter. A glimmer of hope for Las Vegas which was shut down by a shot from downtown from the Mystics Sonia Citron.

With 11.6 left on the clock this game was tied at 72. The Aces took a time-out with 7.1 left in the game and the score tied at 72. Despite a disappointing game, Jewell Loyd hit the shot that made all the difference in this game and the disappointment was replaced by pure joy. With 2.1 left on the clock she hit a three that gave Las Vegas a 75-72 win in one wild game.

Game notes: Friday night the Aces took on a young Mystics team at Michelob ULTRA Arena. The one game that Las Vegas had lost this season was at the hands of the defending champion New York Liberty. A’Ja Wilson had a monster game with 31 points in the loss but came right back shooting for 20 points in their second game of the season beating the Connecticut Sun 87-62.

Jewell Loyd also had a solid game against the Sun with 20 points. The Aces got more tonight although it was close it was a win for Las Vegas. Wednesday night, the Mystics lost a close one to the Golden State Valkyries 76-74 in a real battle. Despite playing this game at home, the Aces had a real battle on their hands and they needed all hands on deck for this one.

Next up for the Aces will be a road trip up to Seattle for a matchup with the Storm. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 3:00 PM this Sunday May 25th at Climate Pledge Arena.

Aces Win Fourth In a Row Beating Mystics 89-77

The Las Vegas Aces Chelsea Gray (12) dribbles on the Washington Mystics Di Di Richards (12) at Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington DC on Sun Jul 14, 2024 (Las Vegas Aces photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (16-7) won their fourth game in a row against the Washington Mystics (6-18) 89-77. The Aces continue to sit in second place in the Western Conference and fourth place overall.

They are nipping on the heels of the Minnesota Lynx who are in first place in the Western Conference. A Lynx loss Sunday against the Fever would drop them into second place in the division by 1/2 game and the Aces would step into first place. A’Ja Wilson had another double double with 17 rebounds and 28 points. She continues to amaze.

Game recap: The Mystics came out with great energy in the opening quarter while the Aces not so much. Washington took the lead 31-20 after the first ten minutes of play. No lead is one that the Aces cannot overcome and they went on to win the second quarter 20-12 but they did trail at the half 43-40. It is no secret that the Aces can be lethal in the second half of games and the Mystic lead was a mere three points, a single shot.

Washington continued to hang around and when the third quarter came to an end they only trailed by the score of 65-62. Las Vegas had won the third quarter 25-19. The Aces sealed this win in the fourth quarter winning the quarter 24-15 and the game 89-77.

The Mystic put up a fight but could not handle the offense of Las Vegas. Washington was hot from downtown shooting 57% hitting 12 of 21 but from the field, the Aces won the battle. The Aces had their fourth win a row.

A’Ja Wilson had another double double with 17 rebounds and 28 points. Kelsey Plum had 22 points and Tiffany Hayes had a great game off the bench with 17 points. Those 17 points tied her season best and her 5 rebounds were a season high for her.

Jackie Young was quiet in this game after scoring 19 points in their last game Friday night against the Dream. The Aces sure have turned their season around after starting it with a 6-6 record. They have now won their last 10 of 11 games. Las Vegas has swept this seasons’ series with the Mystics winning all three games by double digits.

The Mystics Ariel Atkins had a terrific game scoring 36 points. She was the only Washington player in double figures and this tied her career high. She hit 6 3-pointers in the game.

Game notes: Sunday afternoon, the Aces defeated the Mystics at Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington DC. Las Vegas is coming off a dominating win over the Dream last Friday night 84-70 and they picked up their fourth win in a row.

The Mystics had a big win against the Indiana Fever Wednesday night 84-79. They are currently eyeing first place in the Western Conference and third place overall. The Lynx are currently in first place one game ahead of the Aces and at the time of this post were tied at the half with the Fever.

The Las Vegas Aces have one more game before the break and will not be back in league action until August 17 when they take on the Liberty in a clash between two elite teams. Las Vegas will take on the Sky next Tuesday night at home in their last game before season action takes a break. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 PM. This game can be viewed on Prime Video.

Jackie Young Spurs Aces to Fourth Straight Victory 88-77 Over Mystics

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 Fall to Washington Mystics 78-62

US Vice President Kamala Harris is presented with a Las Vegas Aces jersey from the Aces A’ja Wilson at the White House on Fri Aug 25, 2023 to celebrate last season’s Aces WNBA championship victory. Harris who gets the number 49 for being the US’s 49th vice president. The Aces played against the Washington Mystics the next night Sat Aug 26, 2023 in DC (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (30-5) are heading into the final stretch of the regular season. They are fresh off a visit to the White House yesterday welcomed by Vice-President Kamala Harris. She led a celebration for the 2022 WNBA champions.

She was full of praise for not only the grit and determination that they showcased on the court but also the ferocious advocacy in support of colleague Brittney Griner during her detention in Russia. It was a memorable and emotional day for the team. Saturday it was back to business as the team took on the Washington Mystics (16-18) and took their fifth loss of the season losing to the Mystics 78-62.

Two minutes into the game, the Aces were finally able to get up on the board but had some ground to make up trailing 13-2 at 5:54. It was another slow start for Las Vegas. These slow starts have become uncomfortable lately, and with the playoffs just around the corner they will want to clean that up.

They want to ensure a number one seed when they do go into the playoffs. As the first quarter came to an end, the Aces had fought off the slow start. After having trailed by as much as eleven points, they now trailed by a deuce 19-17. The Mystics had applied pressure to the Aces on the interior and it was working.

At 7:18 the Aces hit the first basket of the second quarter to tie up the game at 19. They did go on a 6-0 run in the quarter but it was not at all the quality basketball that we typically see from this team.

They did lead at halftime 30-27 and had held the Mystics to an 8 point quarter but they had 13 turnovers in the half which was doing them no favors. It was not a great half for Las Vegas. The Mystics continued to control the paint and between the turnovers and missed shots, it was not a great first half for the Aces.

Neither team had players that came away from the first two quarters with double digits. It was just a slow game with inconsistent shooting from both teams. It was an interesting first half with the Aces only shooting at 33% to the Mystics 25%.

Las Vegas was at 18.8% from beyond the arc while the Mystics were 0 of 13. It was just a slow as molasses kind of game. The second half would show if the Aces could continue the second half success that they had shown all season.

The Mystics continued with the game plan that had brought so much success in the first half. After three quarters Washington held a slim lead 52-48. The Mystics had held the highest scoring team in the WNBA to under 50 points after three. Washington won the third quarter 25-18. The Aces had a single quarter to turn this game around.

At 7:38 the Mystics had a 57-50 lead and never looked back. With under five minutes left in the game, Las Vegas trailed by a significant number 63-52. The Aces couldn’t buy a bucket in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

With three minutes left in the game, Las Vegas was in trouble trailing 66-54. The final was 78-62 in favor of Washington who had everything to play for sitting in eighth place in the standings.

This was the second lowest scoring game of the season for the Aces. They had dropped a game earlier in the season to the Liberty 99-61. They are looking very vulnerable right now which is concerning. They finished with 13 turnovers and they were outscored from the field and from beyond the arc. The Mystics had a great game plan and executed it flawlessly.

Monday night Las Vegas will take on the New York Liberty as they continue to play on the road. This will not be an easy task for the team and they certainly have a lot to clean up. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Aces Survive Scare Against Sky 94-87; 30 wins by Aces most in a season in WNBA history

The Las Vegas Aces set a WNBA record for the most wins in a season with their win over the Chicago Sky on Thu Aug 24, 2023 in Chicago (@LVAces image)

By Barbara Mason

Thursday evening the Las Vegas Aces (30-4) traveled to Chicago taking on the Sky (13-21) and hung onto for a seven point win over Chicago 94-87. As this game got underway, the first half turned out to be more of a nightmare for the Aces.

The Sky had a great game plan holding Las Vegas to 37.8% from the field while the Sky were shooting a little over 54%. Chicago was aggressive coming away with 20 rebounds to the Aces 14. The Sky won the first quarter 24-17 as well as the second 26-20.

At the half, the Sky had a 50-37 lead. We have seen the Aces overcome deficits all season but the first half saw Las Vegas missing far too many shots. They definitely had a lackluster first half. Kelsey Plum had only made a number of free throws but nothing from the field.

A’Ja Wilson had 12 points at the half with both Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young with eight points. If Las Vegas was going to win this matchup, they had to pick up their offense. The Aces have shown over and over that they are a second half team and they need to pull out all the stops in this contest. The first half was all Chicago.

The Sky did not slow down one bit in the third quarter. Las Vegas had cut the Chicago lead to single digits in the early minutes but the Sky came roaring back to take a 56-42 lead. They were relentless. Las Vegas began to turn up their physicality once again cutting the Dream lead to single digits.

Kelsey Plum turned up the heat hitting 16 points with just under five minutes left in the quarter with the Aces eyeing the lead trailing 60-57. With 2:45 left in the quarter it was a tie game 62-62. The Aces rallied in this game to take the lead 67-65 after having trailed by 16 points.

Kelsey Plum had struggled in the first half but completely turned it around in the second half finishing with 18 points as the third quarter came to an end. The Aces had a slim lead going into the fourth quarter 70-68. They had won the third quarter 33-18.

With less than six minutes left in the game, the Aces had a 81-78 lead and it became evident that this game was going down to the wire. The Aces got a slight advantage in the fourth quarter taking a 86-80 lead with under four minutes left in the game.

With all the marbles on the table this was anybody’s game. The Aces played a brilliant final minute extending their lead 90-84 with 43 ticks on the clock. They had won 30 season games which was a WNBA record.

The Aces fought hard in the second half. They had no choice in the matter; the Dream came in with incredible energy and a great plan that had the Aces stymied in the first half. Jackie Young had the team high with 24 points with Kelsey Plum right behind her with 24. Both A’Ja Wilson and Jackie Young had 10 rebounds apiece. It was an amazing comeback.

Saturday evening Las Vegas will take on the Washington Mystics. The Aces have a huge bullseye on their backs. With so many teams vying for a spot in the playoffs they have all lifted their level of play to new heights. The Mystics will be no different. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

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

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 fall to Washington 87-86; Vegas’ second straight loss

Las Vegas Aces forward Dearica Hamby (5) takes a shot that is rejected by Washington Mystics forward Elena Delle Donne (11) at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas in first half action on Sat Jun 25, 2022 (AP News photo)  

Aces Fall to Washington 87-86

By Barbara Mason

Saturday night the Las Vegas Aces (13-4) took on the Washington Mystics (12-9) at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas and the Aces came away with their second straight loss 87-86. It was the first time the Aces have lost multiple games this season.

The Aces are coming off a disappointing loss to Chicago 104-95 Tuesday night. The Sky came back from 28 points down, the largest comeback in WNBA history. Las Vegas does didn’t want to repeat anything even remotely close to that. They were looking to get back on the winning track.

Saturday night game recap: The Aces won the first quarter 22-20. The Mystics would prove to be a very real challenge. Las Vegas led at one time in the second quarter by seven points but the Mystics erased that lead and led at the half 46-40. Washington had won the second quarter 26-18.

Both teams battled through the third quarter as Washington continued to lead after three 63-60. The Aces won the third quarter 20-17 but still trailed in this game.

With four minutes left in the game Las Vegas trailed 75-72. The Aces were able to tie the game with 7.7 seconds left on the clock. Chelsea Gray tied the game when she hit from downtown. The game was tied at 83 at the buzzer and this game went into overtime. The Aces couldn’t hold on and lost by three points in favor of the Mystics. A tough loss for the Aces.

Las Vegas had opportunities but couldn’t take advantage of them in overtime. Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young each had 20 points. A’ja Wilson had 14 rebounds and 17 points. The Aces had 16 steals yet they were unable to pull this game out. This is the second meeting for the Aces facing the Mystics and they had lost each time. The first time in Washington losing 89-76 on May 10th.

The Aces hope to bounce back Monday night when they take on the LA Sparks. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM PT.

Aces Handle Mystics 93-83; Plum leads Vegas with 24

Las Vegas Aces head coach Bill Laimbeer gives the thumbs up sign coaching against the Washington Mystics at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Aug 17, 2021 (photo from the Las Vegas Review Journal)

Aces Handle the Mystics 93-83

By Barbara Mason

Tuesday night the Las Vegas Aces took on the Washington Mystics a second time after winning an amazing game against them on Sunday The Aces had to fight and claw their way back into that game and so tonight’s game was expected to be another marathon.

The Aces won Sunday’s game by a single point 84-83. Las Vegas had a slow start in that game that put them completely behind the eight ball and set up a near loss for the team.

Tonight the Aces came out of the gate and had the lead after one quarter 23-21. Although the Mystics played Las Vegas tough in the quarter they could not get on top of them.

Washinton really turned things around in the second quarter. At the half the Mystics had taken the lead 49-41. The Mystics were taking charge in this game, at least in the first half. They would have to keep the pressure on in the second half of this game which had all the makings of another nail biter.

In the third quarter the Aces got back on top and going into the fourth quarter they had taken a slim lead 69-67. This game could not have been any more competitive between two seemingly equal opponents.

It was the fourth quarter that sealed the deal for the Las Vegas Aces. They outscored the Mystics 24-16 and cruised to a 93-83 win.

We saw a determined Las Vegas in this game. They refused to entertain another one point game. Four of the Aces starters shot in double digits. A’ja Wilson had 19 points, Liz Cambage shot 15 along with 13 from Chelsea Grey and 10 from Riquna Williams. The team got an amazing 24 points from Kelsey Plum off the bench.

The Aces now have a 17-6 record and sit at the top of the league with the Storm still to play tomorrow. Next up for the team will be the Connecticut Sun. Tipoff is schedule for Tuesday August 24 at 4:00 PM

Las Vegas pulls off a dramatic come from behind win against Washington 84-83

Las Vegas Aces A’JA Wilson led the Aces with 20 points and a double double against the Washington Mystics on Sun Aug 15, 2021 at the Mandalay Events Center in Las Vegas (image from @LVAces)

Las Vegas Pulls Off A Dramatic Come From Behind Win

By Barbara Mason

June 5th in review: The last time the Las Vegas Aces and the Washington Mystics met was on June 5th and the Aces narrowly won that game by the score of 96-93.

Right now the Aces have a record of 16-6 and the Mystics have a 8-11 record. After their last meeting the Las Vegas Aces were slightly favored to win this game.

Being favored doesn’t always translate into a win as Las Vegas was soon to find out.

Sun Aug 15th game recap: Sunday’s game was a shocker at least in the first quarter. The Mystics outscored the Aces 27-15 and while it did get better in the second quarter Las Vegas was playing at a steep deficit.

At the half the Aces trailed by the score of 50-35 in a first half drubbing. A’ja Wilson had only scored 7 points in the first half and there were no double digits to be had by Las Vegas. On the other hand the Mystics Tina Charles and Myisha Hines-Allen both had scored double digits. Charles had 16 points and Hines-Allen with 10.

The Aces had a lot of trouble getting going in the first quarter and even though they played fairly even in the second quarter they were clearly behind the eight ball in this game, struggling mightily. We have seen them in the past come from behind and win and they would need all onboard to come away with a win in this game.

As the third quarter wore on it became evident that the Aces were in deep trouble as the Mystics continued to pour it on showing now signs of relinquishing the lead. The Aces did outscore the Mystics in the quarter but only by a single point and they would a whole lot more in the fourth quarter to get by Washington.

As we have seen before, Las Vegas began to pour in on in the fourth quarter. There was just under five minutes left in the game and the feisty Aces had pulled to within six points 76-70.

With 4.6 seconds left on the clock Las Vegas took the lead 84-83. A failed shot by the Mystics Ariel Atkins gave the Aces the improbable win.

Las Vegas got a very slow start in this game but they were gangbusters at the end. A’ja Wilson finished with 20 points, Liz Cabbage had 17 and Jackie Young had 14. While it was an amazing comeback, the team does not want to fall behind in a game the way they did in this one anytime soon.

Next up for the Aces will be this Tuesday when they will again take on the Mystics. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.