Tag: WNBA

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong: Former Angel pitcher Harvey suspended for 60 days after admitting taking pills with Skaggs; Tiger and McIlroy regret Mickelson out for Championship; plus more

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Los Angeles Angels Matt Harvey shown pitching against the Houston Astros on Jul 18, 2019 at the Big A in Anaheim the same year he was to have taken oxycodone pills with the late Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs (AP file photo)

On Headline Sports with Jessica:

#1 Former New York Met and Los Angeles Angel and current Baltimore Oriole pitcher Matt Harvey has been suspended 60 days stemming from his taking oxycodone pills with former and late Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs.

#2 Skaggs died from  asphyxiating on his own vomit and had oxycodone and cocaine in his system. Eric Kay the Angels former Communications director was convicted for distributing the drugs as five former Angels players testified. Kay is looking at 20 years in jail.

#3 Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods said it was “unfortunate” and “sad” that Phil Mickelson is not attending the 2022 PGA Championship. Mickelson is taking some time away from golf. Mickelson said that he was going to join the Saudi Super Golf League and had said even with the knowledge that the Saudi King was alleged to have ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi Mickelson said he would still be interested in joining the Saudi Super League and got a lot of criticism for that decision and has been quite since.

#4 Jessica, the NBA is working with the WNBA on Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner’s release from a Russian prison. Griner had been imprisoned since February and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Englebert are working side by side. Silver said that he’s been working with the White House, State Department, and hostage negotiators for Griner’s release. The Russian Government has offered to release Griner for the Merchant of Death Viktor Bout.

#5 Jessica, the Boston Celtics played last night against the Miami Heat in game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals in Miami. The Celtics were without Al Horford health and safety issues and Marcus Smart is out with a foot injury both are day to day and could return Thursday night.

Join Jessica for Headline Sports podcasts every other Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Aces top Mercury in Commissioner’s Cup matchup, 86-74

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Aces guard Jackie Young (0) drives past Phoenix Mercury guard Diamond DeShields (1) in the first half during a WNBA basketball game on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Michelob ULTRA Arena, in Las Vegas. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review Journal)


By Shawn McCullough

All five Aces’ starters scored 13 or more points as Las Vegas beat the Phoenix Mercury, 86-74, at Michelob Ultra Arena.

The Aces were led by guard Kelsey Plum with 20 points, going 4 for 8 from three-point range, while Jackie Young added 19.

A’ja Wilson recorded her 4th double-double this season (out of five games), scoring 16 points and pulling down 10 rebounds.

The Aces fell behind early, trailing 29-21 after the first quarter, but rallied in the second and third quarters, outscoring the Mercury 48-26.

Las Vegas got 82 points from their starting five, while only getting four points from the bench.

With the win, the Aces improved to 4-1 on the season heading into a matchup at home on Thursday against the Minnesota Lynx.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 46.8% from the field.
Las Vegas forced 15 Phoenix turnovers.
The Aces were out-rebounded by the Mercury, 31-29.

Game Starters:

C – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 5 Dearica Hamby
F – 0 Jackie Young
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

None

Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria: Will US exchange Griner for Russia’s Merchant of Death? Plus NBA Conference Final predictions

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WNBA and Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner is led away in handcuffs by Russian authorities as seen here Fri May 13th is up for prisoner exchange for The Merchant of Death Viktor Bout. The deal is up for consideration between the Russian and US governments. (photo from the Toronto Globe and Mail)

On Headline Sports podcast with Tony R:

#1 Tony, could you talk about the chances that you see in a prisoner swap Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner for Russia’s The Merchant of Death Viktor Bout?

#2 Griner no doubt is the face of basketball was stopped at the Moscow Airport for alleged drug possession of vape cartridges that contained hashish oil. Griner has been detained in Russia since February. Talk a little about her mental state and how she’s holding up through this process?

#3 Tony NBA playoffs Western Conference Finals are about to tip off starting on Wednesday night at Golden State with the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors. All the talk has been about the Mavericks Luka Doncic. Will he be and the Mavericks be enough to get by Golden State in this third round?

#4 The Mavericks had a rather close series against the Phoenix Suns who had the best record in the NBA regular season and overcame adversity with a 4-3 series win. How much of a force would you say Doncic, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Jalen Brunson have been for the Dallas offense?

#5 Turning to the NBA Eastern Conference Finals the Boston Celtics are coming off a best of seven series win over the Milwaukee Bucks and tip off against Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat in game 1 tonight in Miami.

Join Tony for Headline Sports each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Aces avenge tough loss in DC, beat Dream, 96-73

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Kelsey Plum pointed toward travel issues as a factor in the Aces-Mystics game on Tuesday night. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)


By Shawn McCullough

Six Aces players scored in double digits as Las Vegas rolled over the Dream, 96-73, in Atlanta.

“We kind of picked up where we left off last season,” said guard Kelsey Plum on the balanced scoring. “We shared the ball well and people were getting open looks.”

Plum scored 14 points and dished out 11 assists.

The Aces fell to the Mystics in Washington DC on Tuesday, 89-76, after scoring just seven points in the third quarter.

“It [the win] was huge,” said guard Chelsea Gray. “It said a lot about our team to come back and play like we are capable of playing.”

Gray scored 14 points.

The Aces took and made franchise highs in three-pointers, going 16 for 35 from beyond the arc.

“We have been putting them up pretty good,” said guard Riquna Williams. “We want to shoot the three.   If they give it to us, we are going to take it.”

Williams scored 14 points, making four three-pointers.

Dearica Hamby had a double-double, scoring 11 points and pulling down 13 rebounds, while A’ja Wilson dropped a team high 15 points.

With the win, the Aces improved to 3-1 on the season heading into a matchup at home on Tuesday against the Phoenix Mercury.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 47.1% from the field.
Las Vegas turned the ball over 13 times.
The Aces were out-rebounded by the Dream, 36-31.

Game Starters:

C – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 5 Dearica Hamby
F – 0 Jackie Young
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Kiah Stokes – Out, Overseas

Mystics rally in second half, beat Aces, 89-76

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The Mystics’ Elena Delle Donne outdueled the Aces’ A’ja Wilson on Tuesday night. (Terrance Williams for The Washington Post)


By Shawn McCullough

The Aces led 49-35 at halftime, but scored just seven points in the third quarter to fall to the Mystics in Washington, 89-76.

Las Vegas was outscored 53-27 in the second half.

The Aces were led by forward Jackie Young, who scored 19 points, while Kelsey Plum added 18.

A’ja Wilson had a double-double scoring 10 points and pulling down 11 rebounds.

The Aces struggled from three-point range, going just 6 for 17 beyond the arc.

This was head coach Becky Hammon’s first loss with the Aces.

With the loss, the Aces fell to 2-1 on the season heading into a matchup in Atlanta on Friday against the Dream.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot just 41.5% from the field.
Las Vegas turned the ball over 16 times.
The Aces were out-rebounded by the Mystics, 38-34.

Game Starters:

C – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 5 Dearica Hamby
F – 0 Jackie Young
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Riquna Williams – Out, Left Foot
Kiah Stokes – Out, Overseas

Aces best Storm 85-74; Second straight win for Vegas

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Las Vegas Aces Best Seattle Storm 85-74

By Barbara Mason

Sunday evening two rivals met at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. The Seattle Storm and Las Vegas Aces know each other all too well. When these two teams meet the one thing that is a given is a well played and fast-paced game.

The Aces came out fast and finished the first quarter with a 26-18 lead. The Storm got going in the second quarter winning it 15-13 but it was the Aces that led at the half 39–33.

Breanna Stewart led the Storm after three quarters with 19 points. For Las Vegas A’ja Wilson had 19 points and was keeping Las Vegas in the game with her outstanding defense. Between Wilson and Dearica Hamby they had 30 rebounds.

Going into the fourth quarter the Storm had finally taken the lead 59-58; This game could not have been any tighter. The Aces would have to dig deep to win this game and would rely heavily on A’ja Wilson the 2020 MVP.

The Aces got right back on track taking a ten point lead in the fourth quarter with under five minutes left in the game. The Storm refused to back down and with 3:18 left in the game the Storm had pulled to within four points. The Storm came up just short as the Aces put the finishing touches on this game with a 26-foot three point jumper from Chelsea Gray. The final was 85-74.

Stewart had the high for the Storm with 21 points and eight rebounds. The entire starting roster for the Aces finished with double digits. A’ja Wilson finished with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Jackie Young was right behind Wilson with 19 points. Dearica Hamby had 19 rebounds in a great defense effort.

These are two of the premier teams in the WNBA and when they meet fans are assured of a highly competitive basketball game. In this game it was Aja Wilson’s defense that was the anchor that sunk the Storm.

Tuesday the Aces will meet the undefeated Washington Mystics. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Aces blow out Mercury in season opener 106-88

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Phoenix Mercury’s Shey Peddy, front right, drives around Las Vegas Aces’ Dearica Hamby (5) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, May 6, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

By Shawn McCullough

Three Aces scored 20 or more points as Las Vegas routed the Mercury, 106-88, at Footprint Center in Phoenix.

“We will take 1-0,” said head coach Becky Hammon on the win. “The girls came out locked and loaded and ready to play.  We played well and I know we can still play better.”

Hammon coached her first game as the head coach of the Aces.

“It was super fun,” said Hammon. “I could feel how bad they wanted it for me.  That was the most special thing about it.”

Dearica Hamby led the Aces with 24 points, going 11 for 14 from the field, while A’ja Wilson dropped 15 and pulled down 11 rebounds.

“We are playing hard and tonight was a lot of fun,” said Hamby. “It [the win over Phoenix] was a good measuring stick to see where we are.”

“It is pretty encouraging that I can have a light day with ‘the gun’,” said Wilson about only taking eight shots and still winning by 18.

Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum each added 20 points.

“I just tried to come out and be aggressive,” said Young.

Guard Chelsea Gray dished out her 1,000th career assist in the third quarter.

The Aces will return to Las Vegas for their home opener on Sunday at Michelob Ultra Arena against the Seattle Storm.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 58.2% from the field and 52.4% from three-point range.
Las Vegas turned the ball over 16 times.
The Aces out-rebounded the Mercury, 38-26.

Game Starters:

C – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 5 Dearica Hamby
F – 0 Jackie Young
G – 10 Kelsey Plum
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Riquna Williams – Out, Left Foot
Kiah Stokes – Out, Overseas

Las Vegas Loses A Close One to Minnesota 89-86

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The Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson (22) eyes the basket for a free throw. The Aces lost in exhibition play at the Target Center in Minneapolis to the Minnesota Lynx on Sun May 1, 2022 (photo from Las Vegas Aces)

Las Vegas Loses A Close One to Minnesota 89-86

By Barbara Mason

After leading through the first three quarters, it was the domination by the Minnesota Lynx in the fourth quarter that lost this game for the Las Vegas Aces 89-86 in pre season play at the Target Arena in Minneapolis.

Las Vegas got a great start in this game and led 25-17 after one quarter. The Aces continued to dominate through the second quarter winning it 21-16 and leading at the half 46-33.

The Lynx were not able to gain any ground in the third quarter with both teams finishing with 26 points apiece. It was the fourth quarter that saw a total collapse by Las Vegas. The Lynx won the final quarter by a landslide 30-14 and it was just enough for Minnesota to take this game 89-86.

The Aces had taken a nice lead into the fourth quarter 72-59. With 6:24 left in the fourth quarter Las Vegas went cold. The Aces couldn’t buy a basket. They were unable to score until 1:54 and that was a free throw from Khayla Pointer one of two.

The lead that the Aces had taken into the fourth quarter had vanished and they now trailed 83-85. Las Vegas struggled through the remainder of the game in the losing effort.

It was a real disappointment for the Aces especially since they had led through three quarters. This was a game between two very closely matched teams. The Aces Kelsey Plum finished with 16 points for the high and for the Lynx Yvonne Turner had 15 points.

Next up for Las Vegas will be against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday May 6th. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Aces hire Becky Hammon as new head coach

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Becky Hammon, who has been on the San Antonio Spurs bench since 2014, is the first full-time, paid female assistant coach in the NBA (Jasen Vinlove – USA TODAY Sports)

By Shawn McCullough

The Las Vegas Aces have a new head coach.

Former San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon was named the Aces head coach.

Hammon was with the Spurs as a coach since 2014, but will now be a head coach for the first time.

“I am so excited to return to the WNBA and grateful for Mark Davis and Nikki Fargas having a vision for me to lead the Aces,” said Hammon. “This is where I come from, and I wouldn’t be me without the W. I’m thrilled to be able to give back and lead this next group of women.”

Hammon will replace Bill Laimbeer, who was the Aces head coach from 2018 through 2021.  Laimbeer will remain within the organization to help build the 2022 roster.

“This is the best possible scenario for the Las Vegas Aces,” said Laimbeer. “It takes a tremendous amount of energy to be a head coach. In Becky, the team now has somebody who can serve in that role for the long term, which is great for both the players and the franchise.”

Hammon played for both the New York Liberty and the San Antonio Stars in the WNBA.

NOTE: The Aces also added basketball legend Jennifer Azzi as the team’s chief business development officer.

Mercury rally in fourth quarter, eliminate Aces

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Photo credit: Shawn McCullough (Sports Radio Service)


By Shawn McCullough

The Aces season came to an end in an 87-84 loss to the Phoenix Mercury at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.

“We got down and clawed back and didn’t give up,” said Mercury center Brittney Griner. “Super proud of the team.  We got the win.”

The Mercury won the best of five game series over the Aces three games to two.

Las Vegas led 66-58 after three quarters, but Phoenix outscored the Aces 29-18 in the fourth quarter to advance to the WNBA Finals.

“Someone has to lose and we did,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “We didn’t make the plays that we needed to in the fourth quarter and they did.”

Down two points with less than one second left, Griner blocked A’ja Wilson’s layout to seal the win.

“She [Griner] has been amazing all year,” said Phoenix guard Skylar Diggins-Smith. “She is a superstar.”

“A’ja was our second option,” said Laimbeer. “She had a good move, but Griner got a hand on it.”

Wilson took the loss hard, falling to the ground at the end of the game in tears.

Laimbeer stressed that Phoenix emerged victorious in the game because of the leadership from guard Diana Taurasi and Griner.

“This team [Aces] has lacked leadership throughout the season,” said Laimbeer.  “It’s a good learning experience for us.”

Kelsey Plum and Chelsea Gray led the Aces with 22 points, while Wilson added 21 points and 10 rebounds.

“I’m just proud to be a part of the Las Vegas Aces,” said Plum. “We were so close, that’s why it hurts.  We will be back, I have no doubt in my mind and the result will be different.”

“We played together as much as possible, but it didn’t go our way tonight,” said Gray.

The Aces head into the offseason with a list of unrestricted free agents including Liz Cambage, Riquna Williams, Angel McCoughtry and Kiah Stokes.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

– The Aces shot 42.0% from the field.
– Las Vegas went 20 for 20 from the free-throw line.
– The Aces out-rebounded the Mercury, 38-29.
– Las Vegas turned the ball over 16 times.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 3 Riquna Williams
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
G – 12 Chelsea Gray

Aces Injury Report:

Angel McCoughtry—Out, right ACL