Tag: Washington Mystics

Aces Not Only Beat Mystics a Second TIme 83-76 But Also Secure Playoff Spot

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Las Vegas Aces Jackie Young (0) celebrates a shot during a WNBA basketball game against the Washington Mystics at Michelob ULTRA Arena on Thu Aug 13, 2026 (Las Vegas Review Journal photo)

By Rich Perez

It was another roller coaster game between the Las Vegas Aces (24-11) and the Wahington Mystics (19-14). The Mystics put up a fight winning the second and third quarters but it was the hot start for the Aces leading after the first quarter 25-16 and finishing the game off in the fourth quarter where they have struggled at times this season outscoring the Mystics 25-21 and winning this second game against Washington in so many days 83-76 Thursday at Michelob ULTRA Arena.

As this game wore on it became all too apparent that tonight belonged to Jackie Young. She had a season high 32 points. She had the hot hand and she was unstoppable. With this win Las Vegas now is assured a spot in the playoffs.

GAME RECAP

The Las Vegas Aces got the hot start they were looking in the opening quarter of tonight’s game taking a 25-16 lead. After beating the Mystics this past Tuesday Washington was looking for a little payback. Las Vegas shut that down with a game opening 14-2 run leading by nine points after the first ten minutes of play.

When it was all going the Aces way they stalled out missing their first eight shots of the second quarter letting Washington outscore them 16-13 in the quarter. The Aces still had the lead at the half but had let the Mystics make the score just a bit close after two quarters 38-32.

The Mystics went into the third quarter with a lot of energy again outscoring the Aces 23-20 and after three quarters only trailed by three points 58-55. It was a new ball game and Las Vegas would again have to separate themselves from Washington in the fourth quarter.

The Aces did separate themselves from the Mystics with a Jackie Young takeover. She scored 12 straight points for Las Vegas down the stretch fending off a Mystic push. She finished off some terrific offensive play with a three-pointer at around the four minute mark. She would finish the night with a season-high 32 points that not only won the game 83-76 but also secured a spot in the playoffs.

GAME RECAP

It went exactly how the Las Vegas Aces saw this rematch beating the Mystics for a second time 83-76. There is always that one player on this team that steps up and tonight Jackie Young led the surge with an incredible scoring performance and some clutch shooting.

She took over the game and there wasn’t a whole lot that Washington could do about it. The Mystics did a great job limiting scoring by A’Ja Wilson but in doing so left Young open to wreak havoc. Wilson finished with 15 points and 6 rebounds and Jewel Loyd shot for 13 points off the bench but it was the Jackie Young show for most of the night.

Las Vegas had a solid defensive game forcing 12 turnovers that resulted in 21 points for the Aces. They limited the Mystics to 24-of-59 shooting and their protection in the paint also contributed to this win. The interior presence of A’Ja Wilson alone was daunting for Washington.

The one thing that Las Vegas will be looking to clean up as far as tonight’s game goes will be some disappointing shooting in the second quarter. Other than the rough patch in the second quarter they played a great game feeding the ball to the player with the hot hand Thursday night. Wilson lured them into double coverage leaving Jackie Young open and she took full advantage.

The Aces will be back on the court this Saturday evening taking on the number one team in the WNBA the Minnesota Lynx at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Las Vegas will get a taste of this year’s playoffs as they take on the best of the best. After these last two games they appear to be ready to take on any challenge. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 5:00 PM PDT.

Aces Shatter Mystics 7-Game Winning Streak With an 86-76 Victory

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Ace guard Chelsea Gray, right, drives the ball against Washington Mystics forward Michaela Onyenwere during a WNBA basketball game at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Aug 11, 2026 (Las Vegas Review Journal)

By Rich Perez

The Washington Mystics (19-13) started strong in the first quarter of play but their 7-point lead was erased after an Aces (23-11) time-out that led to a 22-19 Las Vegas lead going into the second quarter.

The sixth place Mystics were giving the Aces all they could handle in the second quarter. When the first half came to an end this game was all tied up at 41. Las Vegas took their largest lead in the game 63-54 in the third quarter but the Mystic pushed back trailing by only three points going into the fourth quarter 60-63.

The Aces have been outscored in the fourth quarter far too many times this season and they need to turn that around as the season is rapidly winding down. With under four minutes left in the game Las Vegas had taken their largest lead of the game 75-65. The final was 86-76, the Aces breaking the Mystics seven game winning streak Tuesday night.

GAME RECAP

The Las Vegas Aces got a bit of a slow start in their game against the Washington Mystics with the Mystics taking as much as a seven point lead. Las Vegas called a time-out in the opening quarter and came back on the court with more fire taking a 22-19 lead going into the second quarter. Tuesday night unlike their last game against the New York Liberty A’Ja Wilson, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray all took the floor after sitting the New York game out.

The second quarter was hotly contested with neither team able to distance themselves from their opponent. Every time the Aces took the lead, the Mystics answered and at the half this game was tied at 41. Getting past Washington despite playing at Michelob ULTRA Arena would be no easy task.

Jackie Young had scored 13 points in the first half but was the only Las Vegas player in double digits. Both A’Ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray were a basket away from double digits. The Aces were losing the rebound battle and the Mysetics were making the Aces work hard for every possesson.

Washington right now is one of the hottest defensive teams around looking to extend their seven game winning streak. The Mystics Shakira Austin has been playing some solid basketball and Washington was not at all intimidated by A’Ja Wilson. The Mystics did beat Las Vegas in July in a close game 100-99. If they continue to play loose and confidently in the second half they could present problems for Las Vegas.

The good new for the Aces is that they were not trailing after the first half and they have an entire half to make adjustments by getting Wilson more involved inside and tightening up the defense on Austin.

The Aces will be looking to take this first game of a two-game series. Las Vegas had five steals to the Mystics two in the opening half and Washington also had nine turnovers. The Aces were protecting the ball well only committing four turnovers. It promises to be a wild second half of basketball.

Five minutes into the third quarter both A’Ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray had double digits. The Aces continued to hold onto the lead but the Mystics were not going anywhere threatening to take the lead throughout the third quarter.

Coming out of a time-out, Las Vegas went on a crazy run taking a 63-54 lead, their largest of the game. The third quarter would come to an end with the Aces lead cut down to 63-60.

This game turned into to a crazy battle in the paint throughout the fourth quarter. Las Vegas would have to come up big in the final quarter after struggling in many fourth quarters this season.

The Aces again took a sizeable lead in the early minutes of the fourth 71-62 and halfway through the final quarter had a 75-65 lead. With one minute left in the game, the Aces had sealed the deal taking a 84-73 lead. The Mystics winning streak had come to an end losing to Las Vegas 86-76.

GAME NOTES

It was a huge game for both A’Ja Wilson and Jackie Young. Wilson finished the game with a double double 26 points and 13 rebounds. Young had 25 points and Nalyssa Smith also with a double double, 11 points and 11 rebounds. Las Vegas had a great fourth quarter outscoring the Mystics 23-16.

The Mystics put up a great fight through the first three quarters of the game. They had three players in double digits. Kiki Iriafen had a double double finishing with 15 points and 13 rebounds. The high for the Mystics was Shakira Austin with 20 points and eight rebounds.

It was the fourth quarter when the Aces finally separated themselves from Washington. The Mystics offense stalled in the fourth quarter and they let A’Ja Wilson take over late giving Las Vegas control finishing off Washington. Las Vegas defended much better in the closing minutes and very important, Las Vegas did not panic when the Mystics made runs.

These two teams will be back at it on Thursday when they will meet for a second time. The Mystics will be looking to even the series but after missing the New York game, it really looks like Wilson, Young and Gray are back and ready to finish off the season on a high note. Tipoff for Thurday’s game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Roberson: Valkyrie looking to rebound from Monday loss; Golden State to face Phoenix next week Wednesday

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Washington Mystics Kiki Irafen (44) takes the ball up the floor against the Golden State Valkyrie in the second of their two game meetings on Mon Jul 20, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco (AP News photo)

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 The Washington Mystics on Monday night got lots of help in their second meeting with the Golden State Valkyrie at Chase Center. Kiki Iriafen scored 23 points with 12 rebounds and Shakira Austin scored 15 points with 15 rebounds for a 90-82 win to snap the Valkyries nine game win streak.

#2 The Mystics down 80-73 with just 3:32 left and closed the game off with a 17-2 run. Iriafen hit a jump shot to help Washington take the lead 1:41.

#3 The Valkyries Kaitlyn Chen scored 20 points with six assists and hit a three pointer in the fourth quarter to lead the Valkyrie in scoring. Chen also assisted on Kiah Stokes three pointer but the Valkyrie later faltered later in the game and couldn’t hold on.

#4 The Valkyries Veronica Burton scored 12 points and had seven assists with Kayla Thornton scoring 15 points. The Mystics and Valkyrie split their two games series with the Valkyrie winning on Saturday and the Mystics winning on Monday night.

#5 The Valkyrie face the Phoenix Mercury on Wed Jul 29th at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix for a 7:00pm PDT tip off. The Valkyrie third place in the Western Conference 19-8 and the Mercury 13th in the Western Conference are 9-18 how do you see this match up?

Michael Roberson covers the Golden State Valkyrie for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Mystics beat & stun the Valkyries, 90-82, on Golden State’s Hello Kitty Night

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Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen (44) scores a 3-point basket against the Golden State Valkyries during the first quarter of a WNBA basketball game in San Francisco, Monday, July 20th, 2026. (Photo credits to Santiago Mejia)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – Back here at Ballhalla once again on Monday night for the 15th home game of the season so far. This time things would be different, as there was a surprising visitor for fans and everyone who came to the game. The Golden State Valkyries celebrated Hello Kitty Night while hosting the Washington Mystics. However, it would be the Mystics winning and snapping the Valkyries’ 9-game winning streak Monday night 90-82.

Just two days ago, on Saturday evening, the Golden State Valkyries hosted and defeated the Washington Mystics, 74-69. So, what a good turnaround for Washington, but for Golden State, this was a tough loss. The Valkyries were just one game behind the first-place Minnesota Lynx.

Just before this loss in this game, the momentum and spirits were high and alive for the Valkyries. The team is having an outstanding season, on a nine game winning streak, and has gone 9-1 in their last 10 games. So with that, Golden State sent out Kayla Thornton, Gabby Williams, Cecilia Zandalasini, Kiah Stokes, and Veronica Burton as the starting five.

Washington has already lost the last three matchups to Golden State, with their most recent game being on Saturday at Chase Center in San Francisco. The Mystics have also gone 5-5 in their last ten games. So with them trying to stay above a .500 season record, they sent out Michaela Onyenwere, Kiki Iriafen, Shakira Austin, Sonia Citron, and Georgia Amoore as their starters.

Golden State would win the jump ball and get the game going off of a three-pointer by Cecilia Zandalasini. The first two quarters were back-and-forth buckets by both teams. Although Golden State was only able to get their biggest lead by five points. It would be Washington holding the lead by one point, 21-20.

Going into the second quarter, both teams were doing great on their shooting, but things got cold for both teams. This was the lowest scoring quarter in the entire game. Washington and Golden State were only able to drop 15 points on each other. Going into halftime, it was a nail-biter as Golden State held the lead over Washington by one point, 36-35.

At the start of the third quarter, Washington’s Michaela Onyenwere hit a 24-foot three-pointer, but Golden State would take advantage of that halftime break and drop 23 points in the quarter. Washington would hang on, but Ballhalla and their fans were starting to get louder and louder as the end of the third approached. Golden State’s lead would be by five points, 58-53.

On to the final quarter, Washington would give it their all in the final minutes and stun the Valkyries and the fans in Ballhalla. The Mystics would have a big fourth quarter play as they drop 36 points alone on the Valkyries. Golden State would do their best to get back the lead and control the game, but too many shots were going in for Washington.

As the final buzzer goes off, it would be the Washington Mystics celebrating on the court this time. A lot can happen in a few days, where it was Golden State celebrating their win over Washington. The final score would be 90-82, and Golden State was led in this game by Kaitlyn Chen, coming off the bench as well; she would put up 20 points, two rebounds, and six assists.

Golden State will have the rest of the week off, as the WNBA prepares and gets ready to have their 2026 WNBA All-Star Game. Valkyries’ Gabby Williams was selected and will participate in the All-Star Game on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, in Chicago at the United Center. The Valkyries will return to the season on July 29th in Phoenix, where they will face the Mercury.

Golden State Valkyrie game wrap: Valkyries stymied Mystics’ powers 74-69, inside magical Ballhalla Saturday Evening

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Golden State Valkyrie forward Cecilia Zandalasini (24) holds the ball above her head against the Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron (22) at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Jul 18, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.– Another sold out Chase Center crowd witnessed the Golden State Valkyries (19-7) put a spell on the Washington Mystics (12-12) 74-69 Saturday night, and extend their winning streak (9) in the City by the Bay. 

Golden State started the contest off converting the first basket, to lead 2-0 immediately.  Washington managed to come right back and take the lead themselves, previewing a back and forth battle between the two squads. There were ten lead changes and seven ties overall.

In the initial quarter, the Mystics actually held an eight point lead, and managed to keep it at five by quarter’s end, 18-13.  There were multiple lead changes during the first ten minutes too and one tie.  However, the Capital City visitors were able to temporarily stave off the home team.

In the second quarter the Valkyries were able to complete a 17-point turnaround by leading as many as nine points during the second stanza.  They regained the lead around the 5:00 mark, and managed to keep it at recess.  At the midway point of the game, the Valkyries were in possession of a five point lead, 33-28.

No players from either team were able to achieve the double-digit scoring plateau after 20 minutes of WNBA action.  However, there was balanced scoring on both sides and the teams were fighting for the lead.  Golden State was halfway to extending their impressive winning streak, with game momentum in their favor.

In the second half, the Valkyries converted two free throws, to extend their halftime lead to seven.  However, the Mystics used their sorcery to actually overcome and place themselves in front by five at the end of the third ten-minute block, 57-52.  At that point, the raucous home fans were in a roar to will their team to victory.

In the final quadrant Golden State fought back from being six points down, to leading by seven, and desperately trying to hold on to their precious lead.  Despite Washington’s valiant efforts, the Valkyries were able to utilize their shield and win their ninth straight game, with one more before the All-Star break.  After the 40-minute war, Golden State was on top by five points, 74-69.

The Valkyries presented three ballers with 10+ points.  Gabby Williams led the way with 18 points and five assists, while Veronica Burton had a double-double, consisting of 11 points, 11 assists, and grabbed five rebounds.  Kayla Thornton added her 11 points to the team’s efforts.

The Mystics had two players with double-figures.  Shakira Austin  scored a game high 18 points and snagged an equally game high 16 rebounds.  Sonia Citron chipped in 12 points for her team.

Both teams will be right back at it versus each other, Monday July 20, at Chase Center at 7 PM PT on KOVR/KPIX.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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 Fall to Washington Mystics 78-62

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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.