Tag: WNBA

WNBA podcast with Michael Roberson: With Clark face of the league race is a forefront discussion

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Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever scored 20 points and turned the ball over 10 times against the Connecticut Sun in Clark’s WNBA debut at Uncasville CT on Tue May 14, 2024

WNBA podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 The signing of Caitlin Clark with the Indiana Fever has raised the subject of race in the WNBA. Clark is the face of the WNBA since she singed. The Las Vegas Aces star player A’ja Wilson said people say it’s not about race, but Wilson insists, it is about race and Wilson said if your a top notch black woman player “maybe that’s something people don’t want to see.”

#2 Wilson added saying no matter how hard she works at it people don’t see the black or minority player as marketable and Wilson said that minority players are still being swept under the rug.

#3 Clark was raising TV ratings when she help lead the Iowa Hawkeyes to back to back championships and the networks and the NCAA and the press who covered her realized that she was the perfect marketing tool. It’s along the lines what Wilson was talking about who wants to listen to a black female player endorsing when they will listen to Caitlin Clark.

#4 Clark matched up against LSU Tigers star Angel Reese who now play for the Chicago Sky. There were discussions that the treatment for Clark a white woman and from the “Heartland of America” compared to Reese and other black players. Michael during that Final Four between Iowa and LSU talk about the differences that you’ve pointed out that was going on at the time between Reese and Clark?

#5 Clark got a deal from Nike for $28 million in endorsements for over eight years it is the largest endorsement contract in women’s basketball. Victoria Jackson a sports historian at Arizona State University said the reason for Clark’s huge contract is a break off into a completely different stratosphere. That anything involving Clark is being questioned.

Michael Roberson covers Stanford Cardinal basketball for http://www.sportsradioservice.com and is a writer for the African American Athlete.

Wilson scored 30 in season opening win over Phoenix

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

By Shawn McCullough

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

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

Game Starters:

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

Aces Injury Report:

Chelsea Gray, Out, Lower Left Leg

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: WNBA Season Opener May 14 -Caitlan Clark Revolutionizes the league

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Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark (22) drives on the Atlanta Dreams’ Nia Coffey (12) and Aerial Powers (23) during the second half of this WNBA pre season game in Indianapolis (AP News photo)

WNBA Season Opener May 14 – Caitlan Clark Revolutionizes the league

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

All it took was Indiana Fever guard and mega-star Caitlin Clark to bring the WNBA to the big time. However, it never rivaled the NBA, which recognized the need for a professional women’s league years ago by subsidizing the women.

In February 2022, the WNBA raised an impressive $75 million from investors, including NBA and WNBA franchises. Things are changing quickly in the WNBA; for the following two seasons, teams will begin traveling to away games on chartered flights; this is after they primarily rely on commercial planes since the league’s inception almost 30 years ago.

The WNBA kicks its 2024 season this May 14. Eight of the league’s 12 teams will play a game on opening night. The remaining four play on Wednesday, May 15.

The league is also looking for larger-capacity arenas to accommodate the fans it has recruited since the sensational Caitlin Clark was known worldwide. Caitlan has the most 3-pointers scored in WNBA or NBA history, scoring 163 in the 2023-24 season, breaking Stephen Curry’s 162 in the 2007-08 season.

Although the Indiana Fever superstar’s salary is only $76,000, Nike recently endorsed Clark for a $28 million deal, including her signature shoes. Caitlan Clark has become the Michael Jordan of the WNBA. Clark is the all-time leading scorer in NCAA basketball, surpassing Pete Maravich. (Pistol Pete) record of 3,667 points and later became the #1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, selected by the Indiana Fever.

Last October, the WNBA announced its first expansion team since 2008 by awarding the Golden State Warriors franchise that will begin play in the 2025 WNBA season. The teams will be headquartered in Oakland but play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco.

This means that in this case, Oakland could not put an “airport-like move” on San Francisco. Officials in Oakland recently approved modifying the name of the city’s airport to include “San Francisco. Now, there is a trademark lawsuit from the city of San Francisco over the name change dispute.

I wish the 2024-25 WNBA season lots of success; they are a league going places!

Amaury Pi Gonzalez does That’s Amaury News and Commentaries at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong: San Jose Sharks get No.1 draft pick; Celtics bury Cavs to take game 1; plus more news

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NHL overall top draft pick Macklin Celebrini is most likely a top choice for the San Jose Sharks. The NHL announced that the Sharks have the number one choice at the NHL Draft on Jun 28-29th, 2024 which will held at the Sphere in Las Vegas (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Jessica:

#1 NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly presented the flip card revealing the number one draft pick and the San Jose Sharks who had the league’s worst record at 19-54-9. The Sharks are looking at Macklin Celebrini the first overall draft pick in the NHL draft.

#2 The Boston Celtics went through the Cleveland Cavaliers like butter on Tuesday night in Boston with a 25 point 120-95 win to take game 1 of the NBA second round playoffs. The Celtics got top scoring from Jaylen Brown with 32 points and Derrick White hit seven three pointers.

#3 The WNBA has committed for the next two seasons to spend $58 million for charter for the league travel as opposed to commercial flying. This would be full time charter flight service. With the arrival of Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever as the face of the league the WNBA plans on stepping it up and taking care of it’s players with charter flights that means no more standing in lines at the ticket counter, at security and with other passengers to board a flight. They’ll be treated truly like a professional team.

#4 The frustration of the Denver Nuggets is starting show. The Nuggets who lost the first two games of this second round of the playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Nuggets saw team leader Jamal Murray throw a towel and then a heat pack toward an official and ended up getting fined $100,000 and was lucky he didn’t get suspended for a game. The toss came while live action was taking place with 4:41 was remaining in the second quarter.

#5 On Tuesday the Texas Rangers didn’t hold back scoring ten runs in the top of the second inning against the Oakland A’s at the Oakland Coliseum. The Rangers 15-8 win gives them their fourth straight win and the A’s their third straight loss. The Rangers and A’s split both ends of a doubleheader with the A’s taking the front game and

Jessica Kwong does Headline Sports every other Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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

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

By Barbara Mason

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aces Drop Game Three As Liberty Force a Game Four 87-73

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The Las Vegas Aces A’Ja Wilson (22) tries to drive on the New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart (30) in first half action in game 3 of the WNBA Finals at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Liberty had a beautiful game plan and executed it to perfection winning game three 87-73. Kelsey Plum had the high in this game with 29 points but it was just not enough to get past New York. Chelsea Gray left the court with an apparent right left injury in the fourth quarter. Losing Gray would be a devastating blow to Las Vegas.

Sunday afternoon the Las Vegas Aces (34-6) came into Barclays Center looking to finish off the New York Liberty (32-9) and take a back-to-back championship. The Liberty put the brakes on that sentiment. They were playing at home in this game and this team is nothing to mess with especially after the embarrassment they suffered last Wednesday night at the hands of Las Vegas 104-76.

The Liberty are a desperate team coming into this game and a desperate team is a dangerous team. While they had some great success during the season against the Aces, this is the finals and all bets are off. Having a 2-0 series lead is huge for Las Vegas and the odds are clearly on their side.

The opening quarter was a puzzling one. Both teams looked stale and it took a few minutes to get this game going. Las Vegas had some ugly turnovers in the first quarter. Both the Aces and the Liberty had trouble making shots but they got it going as the quarter wore on. The Liberty took a nine point lead with under two minutes left in the opening quarter but the Aces continued to push back trailing by three points at the quarters end 21-18.

New York continued to press the Aces in the second quarter. The most the Liberty led by in the second quarter was eight points and at the half it continued to be a three point game 43-40. The two teams had shot for 22 points apiece in the second quarter. New York who is the best three point scoring team in the league was giving the Aces a run for their money. Every time the Aces threatened, the Liberty poured it on but they were unable to take a sizable lead.

The Liberty got a nice lead going in the third quarter 51-40 at 6:47. The Aces had some disturbing turnovers in the quarter and the Liberty’s Jonquel Jones was having an amazing and dominating game from the start, and there was no shutting her down.

Mid-way through the quarter the Aces already had ten turnovers, some of them very careless. Kelsey Plum was the only Las Vegas player with double digits. The Liberty had shut down the rest of the starters including A’Ja Wilson who had only 11 points by the quarters end.

As the quarter began to wear down the Liberty had taken a 14-point lead, the largest lead in the game so far. The Aces would have to pull out all the stops in the fourth quarter to get past a determined Liberty squad trailing after three quarters 61-50.

The fourth quarter would decide if the Liberty could push this series into a game four. The Aces while known for being a second half team did not live up to their reputation in the third quarter and would have one more quarter to make a move.

It was slow going for Las Vegas but after trailing by 11 points had cut it to six points as they continued to chip away at the Liberty’s lead. It got even tougher in the final minutes of the quarter for the Aces when Chelsea Gray limped off to the locker room with an apparent right leg injury seemingly in terrible pain.

When the Aces were looking to make their move, they lost Gray and at that point the Liberty just took over the game. New York had their largest lead of the game with under two minutes left 84-67. There was no stopping the Liberty as they kept this series alive.

The Las Vegas Aces remain one game away from the promised land but should the team lose Chelsea Gray it would be a horrible blow. She is a vital part of this team and playing without her would be a tough call .

Kelsey Plum finished with the team high of 29 points. A’Ja Wilson had a double double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. The Aces will no doubt take what happened on the floor today personally and will come out with a new resolve as they try to finish off this series in game four. They do not want to have to go back to Las Vegas tied in the series 2-2. Tipoff for game four is scheduled for Wednesday night October 18 at 5:00 PM.

Las Vegas Aces Beat New York Liberty In Total Domination 104-76

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Things are going so right for the Las Vegas Aces that even forward A’Ja Wilson (22) is gliding through the air with the greatest of ease in game 2 of the WNBA Championship against the visiting New York Liberty at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Wed Oct 11, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Aces Superstar A’Ja Wilson show-cased her mid-range shots all night finishing with 26 points and 15 rebounds. She was instrumental in the Las Vegas domination of the New York Liberty winning game two 104-76 at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. The Aces lead the series 2-0 with a chance to close it out and take a back-to-back championship this Sunday in New York City for game 3.

Wednesday night the Las Vegas Aces (2-0) have a chance to take a 2-0 series lead as they meet the New York Liberty (0-2) in the WNBA championship series. Playing game 2 Wednesday night at this is a huge game, that with a win, could make such a difference in this series for the Aces. The first two quarters in game one were very close and Las Vegas did not make a move until the second half of that game. They will be looking to get a fast start in game two.

The first quarter was an Aces’ blowout winning the opener 38-19. Wilson had 12 points in the first quarter and seven rebounds. When it looked as if the Aces had total control of this game everything changed as happens so often in this sport.

The Aces had one of the biggest quarters they have ever seen in the playoffs in the first quarter. The offensive effort was off the charts but in all fairness New York struggled mightily in the opening quarter and knowing this team they would turn things around and they sure did in the second quarter.

The second quarter was like night and day. The New York offense came to life in a big way and after trailing by as much as 22 points had cut the Aces’ lead to 52-44 at the half. The Liberty took Wilson out of the game in the second quarter allowing only a single basket from the superstar. The good news for the Aces was their second half reputation; finishing off opponents in third and fourth quarters. They would need to live up to this reputation to beat New York.

The Aces went right to work to right this ship in the third quarter. The Aces doubled their eight point lead in the first two minutes of the quarter. The Liberty could not control the deadly mid-range shots of Wilson.

She just does not miss and with 6:21 left in the third, the Aces had taken a 64-47 lead. As this game went on it became apparent that second chance shots would be a huge factor in the outcome.

This had become a real roller-coaster of a game with the amazing first quarter start for the Aces followed by the 25-14 second quarter for the Liberty. The third quarter was back in Las Vegas’ court with amazing offensive output. Through three quarters Wilson already had 24 points and 11 rebounds, another double double.

After three quarters Las Vegas led 80-57. The Aces won the quarter 28-13 and through three quarters already had 27 assists. They were one quarter away from a commanding 2-0 series lead.

Three minutes into the final quarter Las Vegas had taken an 87-58 lead and the Aces were leaving the Liberty in the dust. With under six minutes left in the game Las Vegas was toying with a 30 point lead and barring a total Las Vegas meltdown, the Aces would take a dominant advantage into New York. The Liberty made a bit of noise in the fourth quarter but had so much ground to make up it was fruitless.

Wilson finished with 26 points and 15 rebounds. Jackie Young had 24 points and Kelsey Plum had 23 in an amazing showing both offensively and defensively. The Liberty will be a different team in front of their home crowd but will be behind the eight ball going into game three.

The Aces take a dominant lead into New York with a chance to closeout this series and win a back-to-back championship. Game three will be played on Sunday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn with tipoff scheduled for 12:00 PM PT.

Jackie Young and the Aces Win Game One Over the Liberty 99-82

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The Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson (22) is feeling pretty positive in first half action of game 1 of the WNBA Championship at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sun Oct 8, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Aces Jackie Young led the charge with 26 points giving Las Vegas a game one win 99-82 in the opening game of this championship series at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas.

Sunday afternoon the Las Vegas Aces (1-0) embarked on the first leg of their quest for a second championship. They took on the New York Liberty (0-1) in what promises to be a fight to the end.

As expected both teams came out strong in the first quarter with the Liberty narrowly taking the early lead 25-22. The second quarter was all knotted at 24-24. New York took a 49-46 lead into the locker room at the half.

All season, the Aces have notoriously been a second half team especially in the fourth quarter when they have time after time put games away. They would need a strong second half if they wanted to get past New York.

One reason that the Liberty had this lead was due to the deep shooting from bench player Marine Johannes who was 4 of 7 from beyond the arc and finished with 14 points.

The Aces turned it on the third quarter winning it 26-16 and taking a 72-65 lead proving their mastery in the second half of games. They did not back down as this game went into the fourth quarter playing with more intention and skill.

Going on a 9-0 run the Aces took the first double digit lead of the game 78-65 with 7:21 left in the game. Las Vegas’ Jackie Young was on fire already shooting for 26 points with nearly seven minutes left in the game.

The Aces had begun to take control of this first game of the finals. Las Vegas had a strangle hold on the Liberty forcing turnovers and desperate shot selection. The Aces continued to extend their lead in the final minutes of the game taking a 92-72 lead.

The Liberty were faced with having to speed up the game if they were to have any chance of winning leaving the door open for error. In all fairness, the Liberty continued to fight making some clutch three’s but as they began to put the starters on the bench they were clearly resigned to the eventual outcome. The Las Vegas ladies were brilliant in this second half winning game one by the score of 99-82.

The heartbeat of Las Vegas Chelsea Gray was seen throughout the game cheering, pushing and encouraging her team. She had 20 points along with Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young’s 26 points apiece.

Plum was totally exploited in the past few season games against the Liberty and she evidently had had enough and it really showed in this game. In the second half, the Aces defense on the outside really showed up limiting New York to a single shot from downtown.

A’Ja Wilson finished with 8 rebounds and 19 points. It took the opening half for the Aces to really get on track and once the second half hit, Las Vegas turned into a run-away train impossible to stop. They shot at 54% from the field and 40% from outside.

The Liberty had four starters in double digits with Breanna Steward the high score with 21 points and nine rebounds. New York may have lost the first game of this series but the battle has just begun and there is a long way yet to go.

Aces post game notes: These teams know each other so well and both teams have had success against each other during the regular season. Back in late June the Aces had a dominate win over the Liberty 98-81.

The Liberty crushed Las Vegas on August 6, 99-61 followed by a second win on August 15 by the score of 82-63. Two days later the Aces came back beating the Liberty 88-75. In this see-saw relationship the Liberty had yet another win over the Aces 94-85 in late August, the final time they would meet prior to the playoffs.

This finals has all the makings of some hard-fought battles from the two best teams in the WNBA.

Game Two will be played on Wednesday October 11th with tipoff scheduled for 6:00 PM. This second game of the series will again be played at Michelob ULTRA Arena with the Aces looking to take a 2-0 lead into New York.

Aces Head Into WNBA Finals With Win Over the Wings 64-61

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Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally, left, and Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young scramble for the ball during the first half at College Park Center in Arlington on Fri Sep 29, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Las Vegas Aces (34-6) took on the Dallas Wings (22-18) looking to finish up this semi-final series and head into yet another WNBA Finals. The Aces have had a relatively easy path so far in these playoffs.

The Wings came out with a game plan which forced the Aces into turnovers and took A’Ja Wilson completely out of the game. Dallas forced the Aces into some very uncharacteristic play. Dallas’ rebounds through three quarters were (36) to the Aces 28.

It was all a part of the plan. Forcing the turnovers was also working for the Wings. Las Vegas had lost the ball 17 times with 6:31 left in the game. The Aces got back on track in the final minutes to take this one home in a real nail-biter 64-61.

Dallas led after the first quarter by a slim margin of 18-16. At the half, the Wings led by 36-31. The Wings were starting to put the hurt on Las Vegas. They had contained A’Ja Wilson. At the half she was shooting single digits as was the rest of the team. It was the slowest of starts for Las Vegas running into a determined Dallas team.

The Aces won the third quarter 18-15 and this game was going down to the wire. The Wings held onto a 51-49 lead after three quarters in this low scoring game.

A’Ja Wilson finally reached the double digit mark in the fourth quarter as did teammates Chelsea Gray, and Kelsey Plum. Wilson continued to struggle having committed eight turnovers herself and only managing 13 points with 2:28 left in the game.

The score was tied 61-61 as the clock approached two minutes. This game was going down to the wire. With 31.8 left on the clock the Aces had a one-point lead 62-61. They had a great opportunity to extend their lead but Chelsea Gray threw the ball out of bounds.

The last possession would win this game. A jump ball ended up in the hands of the Wings with 9.0 left on the clock. Dallas missed the final shot and in the process fouled Jackie Young who made both free throws. With 2.7 seconds left on the clock Las Vegas led 64-61. The Aces had mounted an 11-0 run to take the game and the series. Las Vegas had earned a trip to the finals 64-61.

This game was a dogfight. The Aces struggled from start to finish but pulled it all together at 4:59 in the fourth quarter. Dallas did not score a single point in the final (4:59) minutes. The Wings had forced 20 Las Vegas turnovers.

Dallas had a great game plan and executed it on point until the final minutes of the game. The 64 points scored in this game were the fewest in Aces franchise history. You have to give a lot of credit to the Dallas Wings. They played hard and very nearly pulled off the upset in game three.

The Aces had four players in double digits. A’Ja Wilson had a double double with 13 rebounds and 13 points but it was Chelsea Gray who had the high with 15 points. Both Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young each had 11 points.

This was not even close to what we are accustomed to seeing from this Las Vegas team and as A’Ja Wilson said that is just the way things go sometimes. This certainly is something that they want to get out their system before they head into the finals on Sunday October 8th. The winner between the Liberty and the Sun may be determined this coming Sunday with New York leading the series 2-1.

Aces one win away from second straight WNBA Finals, beat Wings, 91-84

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Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson (22) with Wings Natasha Howard (7) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game at Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. (Shawn McCullough/Sports Radio Service)

By Shawn McCullough

LAS VEGAS–The Aces improved to 4-0 in the WNBA Playoffs with a 91-84 win over the Dallas Wings at Michelob Ultra Arena.

“We played a great game and it was a good win,” said A’ja Wilson.

Wilson recorded a double-double, scoring 30 points and pulling down 11 rebounds.

“She [Wilson] has been exceptional,” said head coach Becky Hammon. “She got better in the offseason.  She is just special.”

“She [Wilson] has a lot of things in her bag,” said Wings head coach Latricia Trammell. “We have to keep her off the free throw line.”

Guard Chelsea Gray scored 23 points and dished out eight assists, while Kelsey Plum nailed four three-pointers.

“I try to be the calm within the storm,” said Gray. “It’s calling the right plays and calming everyone down.”

The Aces lead the best of five series against Dallas, 2-0, and need just one more win to advance to the WNBA Finals for the second straight season.

“It’s playoff basketball,” said Wilson. “A lot of people wish they were where we are today.”

The Aces will next travel to Dallas for game four of the series on Friday.

“It is extremely hard to close out a team, especially on their home court,” said Hammon. “We still have a lot more work to do and I expect it to be an all-out war in Dallas.”

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 46.2% from the field.
Las Vegas was out-rebounded by the Wings, 40-39.
The Aces starters scored 88 of the total 91 points.

Game Starters:

C – 41 Kiah Stokes
F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 0 Jackie Young
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Candace Parker, Out – Foot