Tag: WNBA

Valkyries caused Mercury lowering, 95-79, on Mother’s Day Home Opener

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Golden State Valkyries Gabby Williams (1) takes a jump shot against the Phoenix Mercury at the Chase Center on Sun May 10, 2026 (Golden State Valkyrie X photo)

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Golden State Valkyries (2-0) won their initial home game of the 2026 & 30th WNBA season, with a victory over the Phoenix Mercury (1-1) 95-79 inside a raucous sellout Chase Center crowd.

The Mercury, fresh off the heels of upsetting the defending champion Las Vegas Aces on their home opener and ring ceremony, attempted to do the same at Ballhalla. Phoenix started the game with a 7-0 run, punching the home team in the mouth. The lead in the first quarter peaked at nine for the visitors from the Arizona desert.

After ten minutes of game action, the Valkyries trailed by three, 20-17. They chipped away from the larger deficit, to be within one possession of a tie or the lead. Golden State was about to make a gigantic roll of their own.

In the second quarter, the home team completed a 27-point turnaround, going from nine down to up by 18 before halftime. The Valkyries fought back and finally took the lead around the 7-minute mark of the second stanza. Later, with a 7-0 run included, they posted their highest advantage of 18 points. After outscoring Phoenix by 20 points in the second quarter, Golden State led by 17 at recess, 48-31.

Only one player on either squad scored at least 10 points at the half. Valkyries’ forward Kayla Thornton scored 14 points, in her attempt to recover from her season-ending injury months ago.

In the second half, Phoenix began the segment as they did in the first half, with an 8-0 run. They made several attempts to chip down the lead, but Golden State was able to stave them off every time. As the third quadrant ended, the lead was down to single digits (4), 66-62.

The final quarter was also contentious momentarily, as the Mercury was a three-pointer away from tying the game at 73. However, when that shot went awry, Golden State turned that opportunity into a 10-0 run for themselves. That essentially put the contest out of reach, during that time frame.

As the final buzzer sounded in the arena by the Bay, the Valkyries won by 16 points, 95-79, and were still undefeated.

The Valkyries had five players with double-figure scoring. Janelle Salaun led all players with 21 points, while both Kayla Thornton and Gabby Williams each had 19 points. Veronica Burton performed a double-double with 13 points and 11 assists, and Laeticia Amihere also chipped in 13 points.

The Mercury presented four hoopers with the aforementioned accomplishment. Alyssa Thomas almost messed around and had a triple-double, as she tallied 19 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds. Joining her was Jovanna Nogic (16), and Kahleah Copper & Natasha Mack, both put up 11 points for their team.

The Valkyries will next be in action Wednesday, May 13 KMAX/KPIX + against the Chicago Sky a 7:00pm tip in San Francisco, While Phoenix will be at home hosting the following two games the Minnesota Lynx Tuesday May 12 at 7:00pm PDT followed by the Chicago Sky 7:00pm PDT on Fri May 15 both games will be on 3TV.

Golden State Valkyries game wrap:Valkyries quiet the Storm 78-76, Saturday Evening in the City by the Bay

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Golden State Valkyries Kaitlyn Chen drives to the basket against Seattle Storm in WNBA pre season action at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Apr 25, 2026 (photo by Michael Villanueva)

Golden State Valkyries game wrap: Valkyries quiet the Storm 78-76, Saturday Evening in the City by the Bay

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Golden State Valkyries finished up the preseason with a 78-76 thrilling victory over the Seattle Storm, inside a customary sold out Chase Center.

The Valkyries got the party started with a Veronica Burton trey. The lead increased to 5 during the initial quarter, but ended with the 3-point margin from the beginning of the game, 21-18. Hip Hop sensation and rookie, Flau’jae Johnson, who the Valkyries originally drafted, grabbed 4 rebounds in the initial stanza.

In the second quarter, Seattle made a strong push, while the aforementioned rookie scored 10 points within the quarter’s timeframe. Her team also led by as many as 11 points, but settled for nine by recess, 42-33. Johnson’s second quarter explosion led her team in scoring for the entire first half. Burton topped both teams with 14 points to her credit.

The third quarter had the home team start off on a 10-0 run, rapidly erasing the 9-point halftime deficit. However, the Storm were able to hold on to the lead after three quarters, 56-54. At that point in the game, there were 15 lead changes and 8 ties.

The final 1/4 of the contest produced another strong run (9-0) by the Valkyries, and an 8-point lead. Seattle continued to fight back, resulting an additional lead change and two more ties,

When the final whistle blew, the Valkyries had weathered the storm, 78-76. The victory was greatly celebrated by yet another capacity crowd for the second year team.

Veronica Burton and Miela Sowah both tallied 14 points, to lead the way, Kaitlyn contributed 11 points to the double digit mix. The latter two scored their share from off the bench.

Seattle also had three players eclipse that plateau. Johnson scored 12 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Zia Cooke joined her with 12 points, while Dominique Malonga put up 10 points and 5 rebounds.

In a weird circumstance of scheduling, these two teams will open their regular season against each other. The game will be in Seattle, Friday, May 8 at 7 PM PT on ION.

With another 18,064 filling the Chase Center, the Valkyries continue to be the beacon of light and fandom for the WNBA and women’s basketball in general.

MLB podcast Charlie O: WNBA-Union no drop dead date set yet; Qualities of new Raiders head coach Kubiak; plus more news

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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addresses the news media at the NBA All Star Game weekend in Los Angeles on Sat Feb 14, 2026 (AP News photo)

Headline Sports podcast Charlie O:

#1 WNBA and the players association are still negotiating over a new collective bargaining agreement. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said he is not ready to set a deadline to get a deal in place. The WNBA season is scheduled to start May 8th. Silver said that it’s getting pretty close to the 11th hour when it comes to bargaining.

#2 In essence the WNBA players want a more equitable revenue share model (gross revenue)Stronger working conditions and support systems, Significantly higher salaries and better pay structure, Broader benefits (retirement, mental health, parental), Both sides are still negotiating, and there’s no deal yet — and even talk of a potential work stoppage if terms aren’t met.

#3 What specific qualities or past achievements of Klint Kubiak made him an appealing choice for the Las Vegas Raiders head coach?

#4 Stephen Vogt  is the manager of the Cleveland Guardians, entering his third season in 2026 after being appointed in November 2023. He achieved historic success by winning the AL Manager of the Year award in both 2024 and 2025, his first two seasons, leading the team to an AL Central title in 2025. You got to know Vogt when he was a player at the Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants no suprise that he’s come this far?

#5 Currently the Sacramento Kings are on a 14 game losing streak. It’s been a long tough streak for the Kings but the All Star break couldn’t have come at a better time?

Charlie O does Headline Sports each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

WNBA could face a lock out or a strike; League and players are far apart on salaries, housing and revenue

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Women National Basketball Players Asscoation logo (from the WNBAPA)

By Stephen Ruderman and Vince Cestone

The WNBA season begins in May 2026 and negotiations between the league and the players and both sides are far apart on salary, revenue sharing and the deadline to get a contract together was this past Fri Jan 9th. Sources told the AP.

The league has offered a league minimum salary of $1 million for 2026 that could go up to $1.3 million. That would be increase from $249,000. The league offered to grow the minimum salary to $2 million for the duration of the contract.

The league is offering the players 70% of the net revenue the players would profit after expenses were paid. The expenses listed were upgraded facilities, charter flights, five star hotels, medical services, security and arenas.

The average salary for the players would be $530,000 a raise from $120,000 and it would increase to $770,000. The league’s minimum salary would rise to $250,000. Star players in the league like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers would receive double the money their making now on their rookie contracts.

The sticking point of the negotiations is the leauge wants the players to start paying their own housing with the minimum salary going up to $250,000. The players union said the individual teams should continue to pay for the players housing.

The union also stated since that expansion fees that Cleveland, Detroit and Philadephia paid by 2030 should be revenue that the league should include in revenue projection pay. If the contract continues to be delayed it could delay the beginning of the season which is scheduled to start in May.

Free agency was supposed to start in late January if both sides had agreed to a contract by last Friday however both sides did not agree to a contract which could further push negotiations back possibly two months to get free agency started.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: NBA Expansion to Las Vegas

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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is considering expansion teams to Las Vegas and Seattle that will be up for discussion sometime in 2026 (CNN photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: NBA Expansion to Las Vegas:

NBA Expansion to Las Vegas

That’s Amaury News Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

A decision on expansion (potentially to 32 teams) is anticipated sometime in 2026. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Las Vegas support for basketball. The Commissioner notes support in Las Vegas for the WNBA Aces, the Summer League, and the NBA Cup.  Seattle is also another city that the NBA is showing interest.

The Seattle SuperSonics played in Seattle for 41 seasons, from their inaugural 1967-1968 season until relocating to become the Oklahoma City Thunder after the 2007-2008 season. They were Seattle’s first major sports franchise and won one NBA championship in 1979 under legendary coach Lenny Wilkens.

I remember as I covered the Warriors visiting Seattle with the team and witnessed the support of the Supersonics fans, the arena where they played was right, where the World’s Fair was held in 1962, today known as Seattle Center,  next to the Space Needle and the Monorail. It was made even more famous in 1963 with Elvis as the star in the movie “It Happened At The World’s Fair”.

Expasion history: Last time the NBA expanded was in 2004 when the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) joined as the league’s 30th team. While there’s been talk of expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle, no new teams have joined since the Bobcats’ debut.

More Hoops: Below made the rounds here in the Bay Area and in the national news of one Golden State Warriors Fan complaining to owner Joe Lacob about the struggles of the team recenlty even as Stephen Curry scoring in big numbers but still no victories.

(via Justdutari/Reddit, Alex Simon/SFGate)

A Warrior fan wrote Lacob: “Dear Joe, Please do something about this team. What Steph need to do every night to win? Drop 50 points? Team is need a real second option. Jimmy tool are being underutilized because he is playing as a power forward due to the small position players. We have no true center.”

Lacob replied: “You can’t be as frustrated as me. I’am working on it. It’s complicated. Style of play. Coaches desires regarding players. League trends. Jimmy is not the problem.”

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

WNBA Finals: Aces Bench On Fire – Leads Las Vegas to Win Over Mercury 89-86 In Game One

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Phoenix Mercury forward Aylssa Thomas (25) drives on the Las Vegas Aces center A’Ja Wilson (22) in the first half at ULTRA Michelob Arena in Las Vegas on Fri Oct 3, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

LAS VEGAS–The Las Vegas Aces (1-0) trailed for much of this game but remained within striking distance for most of it ultimately beating the surging Phoenix Mercury (0-1) 89-86. The Aces bench was amazing with Dana Evans hitting 21 points.

She was 5 of 6 from downtown and 8 of 13 from the field. It was a fight from start to finish with Las Vegas closing out the game in the final seconds. Game two promises more of the same.

Game recap: The opening quarter was all Phoenix to start taking a 15-8 lead in the early minutes of the quarter. It was exactly the start that Phoenix was looking for. At the three minute mark the Aces begin to pick away at the Mercury lead.

With 50 seconds left on the clock the Aces tied up the game at 21 and as the opening quarter came to an end the tie remained.

The score remained close in the second quarter. with both teams trading leads. The Mercury began to take a bit of a lead in the latter minutes of the quarter and with 1:19 left in the half had a 50-42 lead over Las Vegas.

Kahleah Copper was having an amazing game hitting 5 of 6 from downtown shooting for 19 points in the first half. Phoenix had a 50-45 lead at the half outscoring the Aces 29-24 in the second quarter.

25 of the Aces points scored in the first half came from some stellar play off the bench. Jewell Loyd hit 13 points and Dana Evans had ten.

Wilson finished the half with nine points and Young had eight. They would be looking for more in the second half. They would need to really step it up to keep up with the surging Mercury. Wilson, Young and Gray had to push their limits in the third and fourth quarters.

The third quarter got underway and in a flash, the Aces scored the first six points of the quarter and Las Vegas had a 51-50 lead. The Mercury responded with a 7-0 run taking a 57-51 lead. Both of these teams were shooting around 50% from the field and the Aces had only turned the ball over four times.

The Mercury were also shooting at 50% from beyond the arc most of those shots coming from Copper who also had shot well from the field hitting 7 of 9. Gray took a hard hit in the quarter when she collided with Copper who received a flagrant foul type 1.

Gray who fouled while attempting a three successfully hit all three free throws tying up the game at 57. Gray would go to the locker room after the successful free throws and would return with her leg taped.

The Mercury took a 66-57 lead with under four minutes left in the quarter. Phoenix’s Sami Whitcomb took a terrible hit that sent her to the locker room for evaluation. She was able to reach the locker room with help.

The Aces were getting close throughout the quarter but were unable to take the lead . Every time they threatened the Mercury pushed right back continuing to hang onto the lead. Going into the fourth quarter, Phoenix had a 71-67 advantage.

The fourth quarter got underway hot and heavy with each team hitting a three but Phoenix continued to lead 74-70. Dana Evans hit the Aces seventh three of the game and Las Vegas trailed by a single point 76-75.

With 4:21 left in the game it was all tied up at 82. With 3:37 left on the clock Dana Evans hit her 5th three of the game giving the Aces an 85-82 lead. She had been spectacular all game. With seconds left in the game the Aces had a one-point lead 87-86.

Young was fouled with 13.6 seconds left in the game and made both free throws giving the Aces an 89-86 lead which turned out to be the final. The Aces had won an unbelievable opening act in this series.

The Las Vegas bench was outstanding collectively scoring 41 points. Evans had the high on the bench with 21 points. Wilson also had 21 points and ten assists. Loyd finished the game with 18 points. Young chipped in ten points in this hard-fought win in game one. The Aces protected the ball well in the game with only seven turnovers.

The high for the Mercury was Copper who scored 21 points. She scored 19 of those points in the first half was only able to hit one basket in the entire second half. The Mercury played an amazing game but were unable to close out the game at the end.

Game notes: Friday evening the Las Vegas Aces began their most important series of the 2025 season taking on the Phoenix Mercury in game one of the WNBA finals. The Aces will be looking for a third championship in the past four years. The Mercury are in the finals for the first time since 2021 and after upsetting the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the semi-final series will be looking to pull off another upset and take home the title.

The Aces have a far different vision with the amazing Wilson leading the charge and Young, Gray and Lloyd along for the ride. This game has all the makings of an amazing championship series between two of the best teams the WNBA has to offer.

With the series getting underway at Michelob ULTRA Arena the Aces start the series with the first two games at home. They will had the support of their fans and it was enough to really spark them to a win in this first game of the series.

The Aces will now try to take a two-game lead before going back to Phoenix for game three. Game two is scheduled to get underway this Sunday with tipoff at 12:00 PM in Vegas. Game two can be seen on ABC TV.

Aces Head Into WNBA Finals With Hard Fought Win Over Fever In Overtime 107-98

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Las Vegas Aces center A’Ja Wilson (22) drives on Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) in game 5 of the WNBA semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Sep 30, 2025 (AP News photo)

By RIch Perez

LAS VEGAS–The Las Vegas Aces (3-2) beat the Indiana Fever (2-3) in overtime 107-98 Tuesday night to punch their ticket to the WNBA Finals which will begin on Friday October 3rd. The Aces will be looking for their third title in four years.

Both teams fought tooth and nail in this gritty game by both teams. This had to be one of the toughest games Las Vegas has played all season and they won it together. The best news of all, the Aces will have home court advantage with the number one seeded Lynx losing their series.

Game recap: At the end of the first quarter this game was tied at 23. There were six ties in the opening quarter as this game see-sawed back and forth with the two teams trading leads.

The second quarter was also remarkable with more of the same, a hotly contested game. The Aces won the second quarter by the slimmest of points 24-22 taking a 47-45 lead into the locker room at the half.

The Aces were protecting the ball well with only five turnovers in the first half while the Fever was struggling with ten. Both A’Ja Wilson and Jackie Young were having outstanding games. The Aces biggest lead of the game in the first half was 5 points.

They would start the third quarter on a bit of a sour note however when Chelsea Gray suffered an injury that sent her off to the locker room for evaluation and treatment. It appeared that she had injured her foot and the team was waiting for more word.

As the third quarter wore on the Aces had taken their largest lead of the game 59-52 with 6:20 left on the clock. With just under six minutes left in the quarter Wilson and Young had each scored 18 points. Chelsea Gray had made her way back out to the bench and checked back into the game in obvious pain but determined to get back out on the floor.

With five minutes left in the third quarter the Fever suffered more woes. Aliyah Boston committed her fifth foul and Kelsey Mitchell went down with what seemed to be cramps. Mitchell’s knee had appeared to be giving her trouble in the later minutes of the quarter.

A gurney was actually rolled out on the court. Mitchell was finally able to get to her feet after what seemed like an eternity. She needed a lot of help getting back to the locker room and it was just another horrible blow for the Fever who had fought injury all season long.

She was unable to put weight on her left quad but was also having pain in her right knee, possible cramping. Despite the setbacks the Fever fought back pulling to within four points with a minute left in the quarter. After three quarters, the Aces had a 71-63 lead. It would all come down to the fourth quarter.

The Fever pulled to within five points of Las Vegas in the fourth quarter 73-68 but the Aces pushed their lead back out to 77-68 with 7:00 left in the game. With three minutes left in the game the Fever had fought to within two points 82-80.

When it looked like the Aces had this game in hand, the Fever came roaring back. With 52 seconds left in the game this matchup was tied at 84 and the Aces season was on the line. Both teams fought to the bitter end of regulation and with the score tied at 86 this game went into overtime.

Fever head coach Stephanie White got her team going right after the Mitchell injury. During a time-out she inspired her players to play for each other, and they sure answered the call. They played incredible final minutes of the fourth quarter and they were outstanding not only offensively but defensively.

The Aces scored the first points of the overtime taking a 92-89 lead. With under two minutes left in the game Las Vegas had a 97-93 lead. The Aces continued to push the lead taking a 99-93 lead with 1:09 left on the clock.

The Fever had refused to back off but they were running out of time; the Aces clearly showing their playoff experience and with the lead they could taste the win. Chelsea Gray and Jewell Loyd had scored the first 13 points in overtime.

With 22.6 left in the game, it was a one possession game with the Aces leading 101-98. This was still anyone’s game. The Aces put the finishing touches on this game taking a 105-98 lead with 12 seconds left on the clock.

A lot of credit goes to both of these teams putting on an electric show that went right down to the wire. Wilson finished with 35 points followed by Young who shot for 32. Despite her injury Gray had 17 points and the bench had a combined 18 points. It was an absolute team effort.

The Fever had six players in double digits. The high for Indiana was Odyssey Sims who finished with 27 points. Boston had a double double with 11 points and 16 rebounds. Indiana fought hard from start to finish coming up nine points short.

Game notes: It all came down to the winner who goes to the WNBA final and the loser goes home and the Aces will be making that trip to the WNBA Finals with their win over the Phoenix Mercury.

Tuesday night the second-seeded Aces defeated the Fever and will make the trip to the WNBA finals. Wilson had an amazing game in their loss in game four finishing with 31 points and nine rebounds.

She got even more in game five leading with 35 points and the entire team really stepped up against a determined, skilled Indiana Fever on Tuesday night.

Game four was a close contest throughout the game with the Aces coming out on top 90-83 to tie up the series 2-2 last Sunday in Indianapolis.

The Las Vegas bench featuring Jewell Lloyd and Dana Evans contributed big with Lloyd scoring eight points and Evans with five. Everything was on the line Tuesday night and the Aces pulled it off and advance now to the WNBA Finals..

Friday night Oct 3 the WNBA finals will get underway with the Las Vegas Aces taking on the Phoenix Mercury. The Mercury had won their semi-final series beating the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx last Sunday 3-1.

With the Lynx losing the series, the second-seeded Aces will start this series in game 1 at their home court Michelob ULTRA Arena. Tipoff for this game is scheduled at 5:00 PM.

Aces Tie Up Series Winning Game Two Beating Fever 90-68

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Las Vegas Aces center A’Ja Wilson (22) takes a shot over the Indiana Fever forward Brianna Turner (11) in game 2 of the WNBA playoffs at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

LAS VEGAS–The Las Vegas Aces (1-1) played a spectacular game Tuesday night beating the Indiana Fever (1-1) 90-68. Tonight’s game was a complete contrast to the game they played Sunday night. They controlled the pace of the game and they continued to extend their lead with each quarter busting the game wide open in the fourth quarter.

A’Ja Wilson was back in form hitting 25 points, nine rebounds with five steals. Nalyssa Smith finished with 18 points and seven rebounds. They held Indiana to 40% shooting in this game. They were spotless.

Game recap: What a difference a day makes as Las Vegas took command of this game winning the opening quarter 26-17. The Fever fought back going on a 8-0 run in the second quarter but Las Vegas continued to lead going into halftime leading 46-35.

Wilson was much more efficient in this game. The Aces were really spreading the floor, staying focused in this hotly contested matchup. The Fever’s Lexie Hull and Kelsey Mitchell both had double digits in the first half.

Wilson finished the first half with 15 points, Jackie Young and Nalyssa Smith had ten points apiece. They led at the half 46-35 and they would have to keep dictating the pace throughout the second half.

The Aces were piling up the personal fouls though, Young with three, Nalyssa Smith with four and Chelsea Gray with two. This was something they had to clean up in the second half. They had as much as an 18 point lead in the first half.

The Aces began to extend their lead after the Fever had cut the Las Vegas lead to single digits. Mid-Way through the third quarter, the Aces had taken a 59-44 lead going on a 7-0 run. The contrast between Sunday’s game and Tuesday night’s was vast and that was apparent on the scoreboard.

Their defense was a huge part of their success tonight. The Aces had really shown up for Tuesday night’s game. Through three quarters the Aces were shooting at 60% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc.

The Fever were 35% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc, quite a disparity. Pinpoint passes, offensive excellence and some great defense gave the Aces their largest lead of the game with 1:00 left in the third 69-47. After three full quarters the Aces had a 70-52 lead.

The entire team had to step up in this game and they sure answered the call. They did not want to have to go to Indiana trailing by two games. They would have to continue to control the pace and disrupt the Fever’s rhythm for one more quarter to close out this game.

The Aces broke this game wide open at 6:55 in the fourth quarter taking a 80-56 lead. Indiana continued to shoot poorly and their turnovers were really hurting them committing 22 conceding 28 points off those turnovers.

Indiana only had six points off their bench while the Aces had 24 points. Las Vegas played the kind of game we are used to seeing them play. They were spot-on.

Game notes: After playing a lack luster game one, Aces tied up their series with the Fever with a win in game two. In game one Sunday night the Aces were outplayed from the field, from beyond the arc and defensively.

Wilson had not only a slow start but only scored four points in the third quarter missing four shots. She really struggled in the fourth quarter only taking one shot that missed and coming away empty in the entire quarter in the 89-73 loss.

The Fever outscored the Aces in all four quarters keeping Las Vegas from making any kind of comeback. Indiana was able to contain WIlson only allowing her to score 16 points but she did have a double double with 13 rebounds. The Fever controlled the pace of the game throughout and the Aces were able to reverse that trend and take control of game two from the start.

The two teams will now head back to Indiana enjoying a few days off before they play game three on Friday night with tip-off scheduled for 4:30 PM. While the perfect scenario for the Aces would be to finish the series in Indiana with wins in games 3 and 4. The Aces are looking to take at least one game.

Las Vegas would play the fifth game of the series should that happen on Sep 30th in Vegas. The team needs to bring the same energy into the next two games and they could very well finish this series sooner rather than later.

Aces Outplayed by Fever – Lose At Home 89-73 In Shocker

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The Las Vegas Aces center A’Ja Wilson (22) takes a shot against the Indiana Fever forward Mikayla Thompson (21) in game 1 of the WNBA playoff semifinals at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sun Sep 21, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

The Las Vegas Aces (0-1) never really got started in their matchup with the Indiana Fever (1-0). losing 89-73. They trailed for the entire second half and the Fever really put the stops on A’Ja Wilson who finished the game with 16 points.

The good news is that we have seen Wilson came away with a low-scoring game only to be followed up by some amazing numbers. There is little doubt that the Aces will come back on Tuesday night in game two with an entirely re-worked mindset.

Game recap: The Fever came out hot, the Aces not so much in fact it was a bit of a dismal start. They were missing a lot of shots around the rim and just did not look sharp to start this game. They were trailing 19-10 with under three minutes left in the first ten minutes of play.

It was a troubling start for Las Vegas. With under a minute left in the first quarter something within the Aces began to turn around as they started to chip away at the Fever’s lead. The Aces went on an 8-0 run and as the clock expired the Fever were clinging onto a one-point lead 19-18.

After such an awful start the Las Vegas Aces would be looking to start the second quarter in the same way they finished the first quarter. In the early moments of the second quarter the Aces took their first lead of the game 21-19.

The bad news for the Fever was the second foul on Aliyah Boston. Mid-way through the second quarter this game was tied at 25. The Aces were protecting the ball well with only three turnovers but they continued to miss too many shots around the rim.

Neither team was doing a whole lot from beyond the arc but what the Fever had going for them was a better shooting percentage from the field. The final seconds of the first half saw the Aces self-destruct with turnovers and fouls falling behind 41-36. The Fever had outscored the Aces 22-18 in the second quarter.

The third quarter went from bad to worse as the Fever continued to push their lead and mid-way through the quarter had taken a 57-45 lead. Indiana had come into this game with the perfect game plan part of which was.putting the stops on Wilson.

They had also shut down Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray. The Fever had owned the 50/50 ball. Jewell Loyd had been on the floor for 17 minutes without a single point. The Aces got as close as three points 58-55 at 2:51 but the Fever pushed right back taking a 69-55 lead as the quarter came to an end.

It got even more precarious with Wilson committing four personal fouls. The Aces got close at times throughout the game but just could not push the game over the top and take control of the pace of the game.

Las Vegas had been unable to contain Kelsey Mitchell who had the game high 31 points with six minutes left in the game. Wilson had a double double with 13 rebounds but only 16 points. Losing at home was not something that the Aces wanted to entertain.

More than anything, the Aces needed stops with 4:20 left in the game and trailing 82-69. Wilson had only hit one field goal in the entire second half. Las Vegas needed to make stops and of course the Fever began to bleed the clock with two minutes left in the game.

This game was all but done and Las Vegas had lost at home. The road forward would be a tough one but if there is any team in the WNBA that could pull it out, all bets are on the Los Vegas Aces. The final was 89-73 in a heart-breaking loss.

Jackie Young finished the game with 16 points and Wilson had yet another double double with 13 rebounds and 16 points. Chelsea Gray chipped in 13 points and Dana Evans had a great game off the bench with 14 points.

The Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell had the game high with 34 points. Odyssey Sims finished with 17 points and Natasha Howard had a double double with 11 rebounds and 12 points.

Game notes: After beating the Seattle Storm in game three of their series by a single point 74-73 the Las Vegas Aces lost to the Indiana Fever in the first game of the semi-finals Sunday afternoon. The Aces are the second seed and started the series on their home court Michelob ULTRA Arena.

After an outstanding game three in their last series Wilson scored 38 points and the Fever defended her well enough to limit scoring to 16 a big difference from game 3 vs. Seattle. Jewell Lloyd had a quite game with 3 points.

The Aces know what each of them are capable of and they really needed them in this game. This was true test for the Aces as they take on the best of the best only to lose by 16 points on their home floor.

The Las Vegas Aces now have their work cut out for them as they return to Michelob ULTRA Arena on Tuesday to host Indiana in game two. They can beat the tough teams as evidenced by their 17 straight winning streak to finish the season.

They will have to put an improved game plan into action on Tuesday and there is little doubt that the Aces will see a different team on the court.

The Fever are a group of fighters that play for their fans, fight for each other and fight for themselves. The Aces will have their hands full on Tuesday night in Vegas for game 2. Tip-off for this game is scheduled for 6:30 PM and be seen on ESPN.

Las Vegas Aces Squash Chicago Sky 92-61 For 15th Straight Win

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Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) is congratulated by guard Jewell Lloyd (24) and center A’Ja Wilson (22) against the Chicago Sky in the first half at T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Sep 9, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

LAS VEGAS–The Las Vegas Aces (28-14) had a good game against the Chicago Sky (10-32) Sunday winning that game 80-66 but they turned it up quite a few notches in Tuesday night’s game beating the Sky 92-61.

Jackie Young finished the game with the team high of 15 points. Nalyssa Smith, A’Ja Wilson, and Chelsea Gray all shot in double digits. Jewell Loyd hit her 6000th shot in this game also finishing with 15 points.

She is the 16th player to achieve this milestone. Dana Evans was a great bench support shooting for 13 points. It was an amazing effort for the Aces, their 15th straight win. This was their last season game in Las Vegas. They will finish up the season taking on the Sparks in Los Angeles this Thursday.

Game recap: The Aces got after it from the get-go leading 28-14 after the first ten minutes of play. The Sky played with more energy in the second quarter outscoring the Aces 21-15. Las Vegas would take a 43-35 lead into the locker room at the half.

It had been a quiet night for Aces A’Ja Wilson who finished three quarters with 9 points. Jackie Young had the team high through three quarters with 15 points and Chelsea Gray had 10 points. A’J’a Wilson reached double digits as the clock ran out on the third quarter with 11 points. Las Vegas was on their way to delivering the final punch with a 66-46 lead going into the fourth quarter.

Mid-way through the final quarter the Aces took a 77-25 lead and this game was a done deal. Las Vegas continued to extend their lead and with under three minutes left in the game had taken a thirty-three point lead 88-55.

The Las Vegas Aces had completely smoked the Sky. Las Vegas had hit 15 shots from beyond the arc. With 15 wins in a row, the Aces are now tied for the most consecutive wins in a season. The final in this game was 92-61. With this win the Aces are in contention for the second seed in the WNBA playoffs.

Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks is a huge one for the Aces. Las Vegas will clinch the second seed with a win over the Sparks giving them home-court advantage through at least the semi-finals. Las Vegas owns the tiebreaker over the second place Dream. This will be a finish that no one saw coming in the earlier games of the 2025 season.

Game notes: The Aces took on the Chicago for a second time in as many days after winning the first game between the two teams on Sunday. Las Vegas won that game 80-66. They played that game at T-Mobile Arena and will also play Tuesday night’s game at T-Mobile.

After losing to the Aces on Sunday, the Sky couldn’t adjust their game and came into this game not playing more competitively. Las Vegas made adjustments of their own. The Aces picked up their 15th straight win.

It has been an amazing run for Las Vegas and the jury is till out as to which team will be able to put that fire out if at all. It has been a magical turnaround for this team.

The Aces took on the Sky for a second time in as many days after winning the first game between the two teams on Sunday. Las Vegas won that game 80-66.

They played that game at T-Mobile Arena and will also play Tuesday night’s game at home. After losing to the Aces on Sunday, the Sky would need to adjust their game and came back playing a bit more competitively.

Las Vegas will no doubt be making adjustments of their own. The Aces got their 15th straight win. It has been an amazing run for Las Vegas and the jury is till out as to which team will be able to put that fire out if at all. It has been a magical turnaround for this team.

The Aces will now head down to Southern California to finish off their season taking on the Los Angeles Sparks. They will be in search of their 16th straight win. Tipoff for the Aces final game of the season is scheduled for 7:00 PM Thursday night. The WNBA playoffs will begin on Sunday September 14 and will conclude on or before Friday October 17 th.