Tag: WNBA

Aces Drop a Tough One To Los Angeles 78-72

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The final score says it all as the Las Vegas Aces drop their fourth loss of the year to the Los Angeles Sparks at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sat Aug 19, 2023 (@LVAces image)

Aces Drop a Tough One To Los Angeles 78-72

By Barbara Mason

Saturday the Las Vegas Aces (28-4) took on the Los Angeles Sparks (13-18) at Michelob ULTRA Arena and dropped their fourth loss of the season to the Los Angeles Sparks 78-72, the Aces who rarely loose have lost three of their last seven games. They had a slow start while the Sparks came out with a lot of energy. Los Angeles won the first quarter 24-15.

Las Vegas came around in the second quarter winning it 21-18 but trailed going into the half 42-36. They had made up a little ground and they typically crank things up in third and fourth quarters. We have seen them close out up many games this season in the second half.

The Sparks put up some nice early offense in the third quarter and with under six minutes left in the quarter had taken a 50-40 lead. The Aces had some work to do.

Los Angeles kept the heat on in the fourth quarter. Their offense was crushing it and their defense was giving the Aces all kinds of trouble. With 3 1/2 minutes left in the game, the Sparks had taken a 72-65 lead and showed no signs of letting down.

They have improved significantly since the start of the season and they also have been thriving in the fourth quarter. Las Vegas was forcing turnovers but they were having trouble turning some of them into points.

It’s in these tight games that the team is really missing Candace Parker who is out indefinitely after having surgery for a fracture in her left foot. There were less than two minutes left on the clock and the Aces trailed 72-70. With 30 seconds left in the game, the Aces fouled, the Sparks scored, took a 74-70 lead, and it was all but done for Las Vegas. This was their first season loss at home.

Las Vegas was only shooting at 35% from the field and 25% on three’s. They struggled from the get-go while the Sparks came out strong from the start of the game. Los Angeles was shooting almost 53% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. They outplayed the Aces throughout most of the game. Los Angeles is fighting for a playoff spot so they have a lot to play for going forward.

This was a very low scoring game for Las Vegas who typically scores in the neighborhood of the mid-nineties. This is not the time of year that you want to fall off offensively. A’Ja Wilson had a great game despite the loss with 25 points and nine rebounds which was the high score for the Aces. Layshia Clarendon had the high for the Sparks with 22 points.

Aces post game notes: After finally figuring out the Liberty, the Las Vegas Aces (28-4) were looking to finishing off the season on a high note. There are eight games left in the regular season and they will meet New York one more time in late August. The Aces have clinched a playoff spot as has New York. It seems right now that Las Vegas has met their match in the Liberty.

Las Vegas will have a few days off before heading to Atlanta to play the Dream this coming Tuesday. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Chelsea Gray’s Triple Double Spurs Aces On to Win Over Liberty 88-75

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New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) defends against the Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Thu Aug 17, 2023 (@LVAces photo)

Chelsea Gray’s Triple Double Spurs Aces On to Win Over Liberty 88-75

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (27-3) had a huge game tonight at MIchelob ULTRA Center with a 88-75 win over the New York Liberty. They were desperate to crack the code that has held them hostage in the past two meetings with the New York Liberty (24-6). New York has been able to successfully box in A’Ja Wilson and so far the Aces have been unable to counter. The Liberty seem to be the only obstacle standing between the Aces and a second championship. They were able to break through in this game.

While the Aces did beat New York back in June on the 29th, the Liberty have had it their way ever since. They stunned the Aces on August 6 99-61 and most recently on August 15 a second loss 82-63. In both of those losses A’Ja Wilson was only able to hit nine points. It was something that the Aces have not seen this entire season.

It did not start off well for Las Vegas falling behind 8-0 in the early minutes. It was not until the final two minutes of the opening quarter that the Aces had their first lead of the game 21-19. Las Vegas pushed back and had a 25-21 lead after the first quarter of play. Wilson was still looking for her first points of the game.

At 6:37 in the second quarter Wilson made her first shot of the game, a free throw. Despite rushing shots at times, the Aces did take a 53- 40 lead at the half. A’Ja Wilson already had 11 points to her credit and Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young and Chelseas Gray also had double digits for the half.

The Aces led for the entire third quarter but the Liberty had cut into the Aces lead. They went on a 7-0 run to end the quarter with the Aces still leading 68-64.

Both teams fought hard throughout the fourth quarter but the Aces had finally broken through for the win.

Chelseas Gray had the franchises first triple double, with 22 points and 11 rebounds. A’Ja Wilson had turned things around finishing with 21 points and four boards and the Aces were back on track now with a 28-3 record. The team had their 21st home win in a row.

Saturday night the Aces will take on the Los Angeles Sparks in Las Vegas. Tipoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM. This game will be televised on ABC TV.

Aces bounce back from loss to Liberty, 88-75

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By Shawn McCullough

The Aces fell to the New York Liberty in the Commissioners Cup on Tuesday, but Las Vegas made a statement about who is still the best team in the WNBA.

Two days later, Las Vegas came out with a solid defensive game in an 88-75 win over the Liberty at Michelob Ultra Arena.

“Excellent job defensively,” said head coach Becky Hammon. “To hold them to 11 points in the fourth quarter is an exception job defensively.”

Chelsea Gray led the Aces with a triple-double: 22 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds.

“I have great targets around me all the time and we were able to knock down shots,” said Gray.

“You feel really good when Chelsea Gray is on your team,” said Hammon. “She is one of the most competitive people I know.”

A’ja Wilson added 21 points and eight rebounds, while Kelsey Plum also scored 18.

“She [Wilson] missed some layouts in the first, but we just wanted to get her more touches in the fourth,” said Hammon. “She just continues to play the right way.”

The Liberty had beaten the Aces the last two games, including the Commissioners Cup on Tuesday.

“They [Aces] responded in a big way,” said Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello. “But you expect that from them after two straight losses.”

“This game, we did what we should have done in the past two games,” said Wilson.

The Aces extended their home winning streak to 21 games.

With the win, the Aces improved to 27-3 on the season heading into their next game at home on Saturday against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 44.4% from the field.
Las Vegas out-rebounded the Liberty, 35-28.
The Liberty turned the ball over 15 times.

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

Liberty Continues Las Vegas Domination 82-63

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Image from Las Vegas Aces Twitter

Liberty Continues Las Vegas Domination 82-63

By Barbara Mason

Nine days ago the New York Liberty (24-6) put the hurt on the Las Vegas Aces (27-3) 99-61. Tonight the Aces played the Liberty in Las Vegas in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup and dropped another game to New York by 19 points at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas 82-63 on Tuesday night. The Aces loose their second straight game to the Liberty after the beating they took at the hands of New York on Sun Aug 6th.

Tuesday game recap: Neither team scored in the opening 3 1/2 minutes. It was a low scoring quarter for both teams. The Liberty led by as much as 9 points and after the first quarter New York had a 17-11 lead.

The Liberty had a great game plan in their last meeting and the question would be, can they repeat. They did keep the highest scoring team in the WNBA to a mere 11 points in the opening quarter of this game.

The Aces had an 11-0 run to end the second quarter. In their last meeting Las Vegas trailed the Liberty 49-44 at the half. The halftime score in this game was in favor of the Aces 34-32. They won the second quarter 23-15 turning the tables on New York. We knew this was a rivalry and it would be a dog fight to the end.

The Liberty won the third quarter 24-14 and the Aces were in trouble falling further and further behind. They trailed after three quarters 56-48.

With each possession in the fourth quarter, Las Vegas continued to struggle and the Liberty had taken a 72-57 lead with under five minutes left in the game. With three minutes left in the game, A’Ja Wilson had not scored a single point in the final quarter. Once again, New York came into the evening with a great game plan especially in the second half putting this game away.

The Liberty put the stops on A’Ja Wilson who only scored nine points in the game. The Aces only shot 33% from the floor and 19% from beyond the arc. The Liberty had 49 rebounds to the Aces 28. Las Vegas will have some work to do figuring out New York going forward. With the season winding down the Aces have some serious work to do.

Thursday night the Aces will face the Liberty again in Las Vegas looking to figure out New York. In the past two games against New York, it was the Liberty that controlled the flow of the game The Aces will really need to win this next game Thursday night not only for their season record but for the all- important mental aspect of the game.

Aces home domination continues, beat Dream, 86-65

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Las Vegas Aces players Cayla George (13), Kiah Stokes (41) and Kierstan Bell (1) celebrate after a 98-81 victory over New York Liberty during the second half of a WNBA basketball game at the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay Thursday, June 29, 2023. (photo credit: Steve Marcus)

By Shawn McCullough

The Aces won their 20th straight home game with an 86-65 victory over the Atlanta Dream at Michelob Ultra Arena.

“It was a grind it out game for us,” said head coach Becky Hammon. “It wasn’t pretty, but no game is easy in the WNBA.”

A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 21 points, while also pulling down nine rebounds.

“We were really playing out of our defense,” said Wilson. “We fuel on that.” 

Jackie Young added 17 points, while Cayla George came off the bench and scored 11.

“When people talk about us, they don’t understand that our role players are there to help us,” said Wilson.

The Aces will next play for the Commissioners Cup on Tuesday against the New York Liberty at Michelob Ultra Arena.

“It will be a good matchup overall,” said Wilson. “It will be fun, it brings the best out of everybody.”

“We are going to have to execute our game plan,” said Hammon. “We will have a better lock-in factor.”

With the win, the Aces improved to 26-3 on the season.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot just 41.6% from the field.
Las Vegas went seven for 23 from three-point range.
The Dream turned the ball over 16 times.

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:

Alysha Clark, Out – Back
Candace Parker, Out – Foot

Aces rebound from loss, beat Wings, 104-84

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Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) drives against Dallas Wings’ Crystal Dangerfield during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, August 8, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

By Shawn McCullough

After just their third loss of the season on Sunday, the Aces rebounded with a blowout win over the Wings in Dallas, 104-84.

“The focus and energy was there in a bounce back game for us,” said head coach Becky Hammon. “Not surprised at the way that they came out tonight.  They came out and took care of business.”

A’ja Wilson dominated with 28 points and 14 rebounds, her 71st career double-double.

“She was just really, really focused on both ends,” said Hammon.

Guard Kelsey Plum scored 20 points including four three pointers, while Jackie Young added 18.

“Just getting defensive stops and getting easy buckets in transition,” said Young about the win.

“This is one of the smartest teams and they work hard,” said Hammons about the Aces.

With the win, the Aces improved to 25-3 on the season heading into their next game at home on Friday against the Washington Mystics.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 50.0% from the field.
Las Vegas went 10 for 32 from three-point range.
The Aces never trailed in the game and their biggest lead in the game was 41 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:

Riquna Williams, Not with team
Candace Parker, Foot

Aces Smoked by Liberty, 99-61

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Aug 6, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) celebrates after the Las Vegas Aces call time out in the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports / © Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

By Shawn McCullough

The Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu scored 31 points, including six three pointers, to lead New York to a 99-61 blowout of the Aces at Barclays Center.

“That’s a good ole fashioned ass whooping”, said head coach Becky Hammon.

The Aces trailed by just five points at halftime, but the Liberty outscored Las Vegas 50-17 in the second half.

“They jumped on us pretty good in the second half,” said Hammon. “It was very disappointing.”

Jackie Young led the Aces with 16 points, while Chelsea Gray added 15.

“They dictated it from the jump,” said Gray. “We were trying to play catch up the whole game.”

Forward A’ja Wilson struggled, going just two for 14 from the field.

“For me to be two for 14, I hope that never happens again,” said Wilson.

The Aces were dominated on the boards by the Liberty, 48-24.

“Our rebounding needs to be better,” said Gray. “Guards need to help on the boards too.”

The loss is just the Aces’ third of the season, dropping them to 24-3 on the season heading into their next game in Dallas on Tuesday against the Wings.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot just 32.9% from the field.
Las Vegas went just six for 23 from three-point range.
Kelsey Plum was just four for 16 from the field.

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:

Riquna Williams, Not with team
Candace Parker, Foot

Las Vegas Aces report: Riquna Williams restricted to Las Vegas over domestic violence charges

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Las Vegas Aces WNBA basketball player Riquna Williams waits to appear in Las Vegas Justice Court Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023. Williams faces felony domestic strangulation, battery and other charges in an alleged attack on her wife. (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

Riquna Williams who has been barred from playing with the Las Vegas Aces has been ordered by a Las Vegas judge and justice of the peace Amy Mitchell Williams (no relation) to stay within Clark County and has to wear a GPS device.

Judge Williams and prosecutor John Torre and Williams attorney Brandon Albright in court Wednesday. Williams intends to plead not guilty to the charges of domestic violence according to Albright. Judge Williams told Williams that she cannot leave Clark County and is banned from using alcohol and has to report to detention officials via telephonic check ins. Williams is also not allowed to contact her wife of four years under no circumstances.

Albright spoke with reporters outside the courthouse saying that Williams is, “doing what she can to show the court she’s doing everything right.” Williams was part of the Aces WNBA championship season last year and averaged 6.7 points. Williams who is suffering a back injury could not have played this season besides being already barred from the team.

Amongst the charges against Williams five felony counts of domestic battery by strangulation, domestic violence, coercion by force and assault with a weapon. Williams also faces four domestic violence battery misdemeanor charges. Judge Williams noted that Williams’ wife had moved out of state.

Jerry Feitelberg is a beat writer for the Golden State Warriors at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Aces Blister Atlanta 93-72; Clinch playoff birth with win in Vegas

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All for one and one for all as the Las Vegas Aces celebrate their win over the Atlanta Dream and move into the post season clinching at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Aug 1, 2023 (@LVAces photo)

Aces Blister Atlanta 93-72

By Barbara Mason

Tuesday evening the Las Vegas Aces (24-2) took on the Atlanta Dream (14-12) at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Las Vegas has been having another “dream” season. There are only 15 games left in the regular season and the Aces have their sights set on another post season run that will hopefully end with a second title. That dream continued with the Aces 93-72, 21 point win over the Dream.

The Dream challenged Las Vegas in the first quarter. Atlanta led for the first three minutes of the game coming out strong in the opening minutes. The Aces turned the slow start around tying up the game 8-8 at 7:08. The two teams remained close for the remainder of the quarter. Las Vegas took a five point lead in the final minute of play and led after one quarter 25-22.

The Aces began to pull a bit of a lead winning the second quarter 29-21 and leading at the half 54-43. Las Vegas has been a second half team all season. The second half is when they typically pull out all the stops and they would need that against this feisty Atlanta team that refused to back down.

The Dream won the third quarter 16-15 but still trailed 69-59. Atlanta kept plugging away and a minute into the fourth quarter, the Aces lead had been cut to seven points 69-62. Las Vegas turned that around in record time taking a 75-62 lead.

As the fourth quarter wore on, the Aces got this game under control leading 80-62 with four minutes left in the game. The Dream called a timeout when this game began to go south but there was no stopping Las Vegas. This game had turned into a real nightmare for the Dream. The final was 93-72.

Las Vegas powered their way through the fourth quarter. Jackie Young finished the game with 24 points and A’Ja Wilson had 20 points and 11 rebounds. The high for the Dream was Cheyenne Parker with 19 points.

The Aces will take on a tough team in the New York Liberty next Sunday. Tipoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM.

Aces continue to roll, beat Wings, 104-91

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Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson (22) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game on Sunday, July 30, 2023 in Las Vegas. (Sports Radio Service/Shawn McCullough)


By Shawn McCullough

LAS VEGAS–The Aces fought off a 15-0 run early in the fourth quarter to beat the Dallas Wings, 104-91, at Michelob Ultra Arena.

“Tough game,” said head coach Becky Hammon. “It was a tough, physical game and down the stretch we got stops when we needed.”

Kelsey Plum led the Aces with 28 points, including four three-pointers, while Chelsea Gray added 27 and eight assists.

“We needed to get stop and execute on the offensive end,” said Gray of the fourth quarter.

The Aces were out-sized by the Wings, being out-rebounded 41-30.

“They [the Wings] are huge, they hurt us on the glass,” said Hammon.  “They got a legit big four.”

A’ja Wilson scored 22 points while also blocking six Wings shots.

“Just trying to be the anchor of the defense,” said Wilson. “I want to be consistent for my teammates and be there to alter shots.”

With the win, the Aces improved to a WNBA best 23-2 on the season heading into their next game at home on Tuesday against the Atlanta Dream.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 50.0% from the field.
Las Vegas went 13 for 25 from three-point range.
The Aces never trailed in the game.

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:

Riquna Williams, Out, Lower Back
Candace Parker, Not with team