Tag: WNBA

Headline Sports podcast with Barbara Mason: Washington minority owners trying to get out of ownership; Six coaches over 60 heading to WNBA bubble in Florida; plus more

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espn.go.com file photo: Washington Mystics head coach Mike Thibault said he’s heading down to the WNBA Florida bubble. Thibault is one of six coaches over 60 heading to Orlando and said the bubble is a controlled environment it shouldn’t be a problem

On Headline Sports with Barbara:

#1 Washington football team minority owners Fred Smith, Dwight Schar, and Robert Rothman are seeking help from an investment banking firm to help them find buyers to buy their shares of ownership of the Washington football as majority owner Dan Snyder has refused to change the name Redskins to another name.

#2 Snyder has said he will explore changing the name with Washington head coach Ron Rivera. Rivera said that changing the name would be awesome.

#3 Barbara, five coaches in the WNBA are over 60 and in an interview with the Hartford Courant 69 year old head coach of the Washington Mystics Mike Thibault who has a likely chance to contract the virus is still heading to the WNBA bubble in Florida and said it’s a controlled environment but could he and the other coaches be making a big mistake?

#4 Barbara, there are six teams vying for the last and eighth spot in the NBA Playoffs Memphis, Portland, Sacramento, New Orleans, San Antonio, and Phoenix. The Mavericks have a magic number of one win and one Grizzlies loss to gain the seventh spot which is very possible.

#5 Former Penn State guard Rasir Bolton said that Penn State basketball head coach Pat Chambers had made racial remarks about a noose. According to Bolton in Bolton’s 2018-19 freshman year Chambers said to Bolton “I want to loosen the noose that’s around your neck,” Bolton’s parents went to see the Athletic Director about the remarks and Chambers who attended the meeting said he was impressed how “well organized” and “well spoken” Bolton’s parents were which are racial reference connotations assuming that black people are not organized or articulate.

Barbara Mason does Headline Sports every Tuesday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Aces fall, eliminated from playoffs in 94-90 loss

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Photo credit: AP Photo/John Locher

By Shawn McCullough

The dream of a WNBA championship for the Las Vegas Aces faded away on Tuesday night.

The Washington Mystics won the best of five series, three games to one, with a 94-90 victory over the Aces at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

“At this point, obviously, we’d like to win our home games and move on to game five and throw it up and see who wins, but it didn’t happen,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “I told our players to hold their heads high.  I think that this was not a brutal loss.   We got beat by a basketball team that out-executed us and they played very well.”

Liz Cambage led the Aces with 25 points and 12 rebounds, while Dearica Hamby came off the bench and added 18.

“It was a very interesting season, but definitely my favorite season that I have ever had in the WNBA,” said Cambage.

The Aces will head into the 2020 season with five unrestricted free agents: Liz Cambage, Tamera Young, Sugar Rodgers, Carolyn Swords, Jaime Nared.

“Going forward, we are all excited about this situation,” said Laimbeer about their team for next season. “We will make some changes, obviously every team does.  We know some pieces that we need.”

“I love this team, I love my teammates, I love this city,” said Cambage. “This is hands down the best organization that I have ever been a part of and hopefully they will have me back for next season because I don’t want to be anywhere else.”

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Series Results:

Game 1 – Mystics 97, Aces 95
Game 2 – Mystics 103, Aces 91
Game 3 – Aces 92, Mystics 75
Game 4 – Mystics 94, Aces 90

Game Notes:

  • A’ja Wilson scored just four points in 26 minutes, going 1 for 4 from the field.
  • The Mystics will return to the WNBA Finals in back to back seasons.
  • The Aces out-rebounded the Mystics 39-29.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 21 Kayla McBride
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
G – 10 Kelsey Plum

Cambage scores 28 to help Aces stave off elimination 92-75

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photo from reviewjournal.com: Las Vegas Aces guard Kayla McBride (21) high fives Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) before the start of Vegas’ WNBA semifinals game with the Washington Mystics on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, at Mandalay Bay Events Center, in Las Vegas

By Jeremy Kahn

Las Vegas Aces Head Coach Bill Laimbeer was furious after he did not get a crucial timeout in the waning seconds of Game One against the Washington Mystics, but his team stepped up when it counted most.

With their back against the wall, as the Aces trailed the Mystics two games to none in the best of five semifinal series, Liz Cambage was the leader on this night.

Cambage scored 28 points, as the Aces defeated the Mystics 92-75 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

”Our focus is win our home games,” said Cambage, who finished 12 of 15 from the field. ”It would have been nice to win one in Washington, but we know coming back here we’d have our fans to lift us up, we’d have our homecourt – we just had to get the job done tonight. It’s a playoff series, that’s the beauty of it, you learn on the run and all of the mistakes we made in the first couple of games, we really focused on fixing them and getting the job done tonight.”

The loss by the Mystics stopped a eight game winning streak, as they last lost on August 23 against the Chicago Sky.

AJa Wilson scored 21 points, and Kayla McBride chipped in with 18 and the Aces forced a game four on Tuesday night in Las Vegas.

WNBA MVP Elena Della Donne led the Mystics with 22 points, Kristi Tolliver scored 14 and Aerial Powers dropped in 14.

‘I thought that they got into their post game better tonight, we didn’t do as good a job,” Washington coach Mike Thibault said. ”They put more pressure on us and we didn’t shoot the ball well. The same people that made a lot of shots the other night didn’t make shots today and that was the difference. This is the first really stinker of a game we’ve had in a long time.”

The Aces took the lead for good In the second quarter, as they trailed by two; however, after a 12-0 run over a four minute period, the Aces took a 10-point lead and never gave up the lead.

Playoff Schedule:
Game 1 Mystics 97, Aces 95
Game 2 Mystics 103, Aces 91
Game 3 Sunday, September 22 Ace 92 Mystics 75
 Game 4 Tuesday, September 24 Mystics at Aces
Game 5 Thursday, September 26 Aces at Mystics (if needed)

NOTES: Kelsey Plum was in the starting lineup after coming off the bench in the first two games of the series, and scored nine points and also dished off nine assists.

UP NEXT: The Aces and Mystics will meet on Tuesday night in Game Four at Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Associated Press contributed to this report

Aces on the brink of elimination after 103-91 loss

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Photo credit: Nick Wass (Associated Press)

By Shawn McCullough

The Aces went down two games to none in the best of five playoff series after a 103-91 loss to the Mystics in Washington, D.C.

“Washington did what they are supposed to do, win their home games,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “Now it’s our turn to go back to Las Vegas and now it’s our turn to go back to our home court and then come back here [Washington, D.C.] and go at it again.”

The Aces trailed at halftime 50-49, but the Mystics pulled away in the third quarter outscoring the Aces 30-20.

Liz Cambage recorded back to back double-doubles, scoring 23 points and pulling down 10 rebounds.

“We aren’t done, we are just getting started,” said Cambage. “This is serious for a reason.  We get to go home and go back to the house and play in front of our fans who lift us up every game.”

Kelsey Plum added 19, going 9 for 15 from the field.

“They [Mystics] capitalize on every mistake that you make and they are such a good team in terms of how they execute,” said Plum.

The two teams will next play game 3 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on Sunday.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Playoff Schedule:

Game 1 – Mystics 97, Aces 95
Game 2 – Mystics 103, Aces 91
Game 3 – Sunday, September 22 – Mystics at Aces
Game 4 – Tuesday, September 24 – Mystics at Aces (if needed)
Game 5 – Thursday, September 26 – Aces at Mystics (if needed)

Game Notes:

  • The Mystics shot 52.1% from the field, while the Aces shot 49.3%
  • Las Vegas out-rebounded Washington again 35-28.
  • The Aces turned the ball over 12 times to the Mystics six.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
F – 21 Kayla McBride
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
G – 10 Kelsey Plum

Aces drop game 1 of best of 5 series, 97-95

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Photo credit: Nick Wass (Associated Press)

By Shawn McCullough

Coming off a dramatic win in the second round of the playoffs, the Aces fell to the #1 seed Mystics 97-95 in Washington, D.C.

The Aces rallied back in the 4th quarter with a 14-3 run, but Kelsey Plum missed a jumper at the buzzer which would have tied the game.

A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 23 points, while Liz Cambage registered a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds.

Kayla McBride also scored 19 points while going 3 for 5 from 3-point range.

The two teams will play the second game of the five game series on Thursday in Washington, D.C. before returning back to Las Vegas for Game 3.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Playoff Schedule:

Game 1 – Mystics 97, Aces 95
Game 2 – Thursday, September 19 – Aces at Mystics
Game 3 – Sunday, September 22 – Mystics at Aces
Game 4 – Tuesday, September 24 – Mystics at Aces (if needed)
Game 5 – Thursday, September 26 – Aces at Mystics (if needed)

Game Notes:

  • The Aces shot 50% from the field, while holding the Mystics to 44.7%
  • Las Vegas out-rebounded Washington 42-30.
  • The Aces turned the ball over 13 times to the Mystics four.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
G – 21 Kayla McBride
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
F – 1 Tamera Young

Aces Fly Sky High in Playoff Win Over Chicago

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Photo credit: L.E. Baskow (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

By Shawn McCullough

The Aces first playoff game since 2014 did not disappoint.

Down 92-90, Dearica Hamby hit a running 3-pointer from 35 feet with 4.8 seconds left to give the Aces the 93-92 win over the Chicago Sky in the second round of the WNBA Playoffs at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

With the Aces down by two and soon looking to foul, Hamby picked off a pass by guard Courtney Vandersloot at mid-count, took one dribble and drilled the 35 footer.  The Sky later inbounded the ball, but forward Astou Ndour missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

“I honestly panicked,” said Hamby on the game winning shot. “I got the steal and I kind of knew that time was running down, but I honestly completely blanked out that there was five extra seconds on the clock.  It just went in.  The basketball gods are obviously on our side.”

“I’m glad Hamby executed the play I drew up,” head coach Bill Laimbeer said jokingly.  “It was like ‘oh, no, no, don’t do that and then WHAM…. Great shot!'”

Liz Cambage led the Aces with 23 points while A’ja Wilson added a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

“When Dearica made that shot, that was our x factor,” said Wilson. “I’m not surprised at all. Dearica pushed for this, she deserves this and that’s something I never really seen before and that’s crazy.”

With the win, the Aces advanced to the WNBA Semifinals to play a best of five game series against the number one seed Washington Mystics.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Aces WNBA Semifinals Schedule:

Game 1 – Tuesday, September 17 – Aces at Mystics
Game 2 – Thursday, September 19 – Aces at Mystics
Game 3 – Sunday, September 22 – Mystics at Aces
Game 4 – Tuesday, September 24 – Mystics at Aces (if needed)
Game 5 – Thursday, September 26 – Aces at Mystics (if needed)

Game Notes:

  • Kelsey Plum scored 15 points, including going 3 for 5 from 3-point range.
  • Las Vegas out-rebounded Chicago 44-36.
  • The Aces shot 45.1% from the field.
  • There were 20 lead changes in the game.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
G – 21 Kayla McBride
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
F – 1 Tamera Young

Aces clinch first round bye with 98-89 win over Mercury

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Photo credit: Associated Press (AP)

By Shawn McCullough

The Aces will get some well needed rest before their first WNBA playoff game.

Las Vegas clinches a first round bye with a 98-89 win over the Mercury in Phoenix.

“The season kind of went how I expected it to,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “A lot of ups and downs, trying to understand each other and learn how to win. We had our moments we looked very good, and moments where we looked really bad. All in all, to take the fourth seed and have a bye in the first round and a home game. We will take it.

The Aces were led by Liz Cambage with 21 points and nine rebounds.

“It has been a bit inconsistent, but if we can keep this energy and consistency heading into playoffs, I think we can go really far,” said Cambage. “Got our eyes on the prize but just have to take it each game as they come.”

Forward A’ja Wilson added 20 points going 6 for 6 from the field and 8 for 8 from the free throw line.

“I think we are just where we need to be, but we still have a lot more growth to get together,” said Wilson. “I think this is great momentum heading into playoffs.

With the win, the Aces finished the regular season at 21-13 and 4th in the WNBA standings.

Las Vegas will have a bye in the first round and will play the highest seed coming out of the first round.  The game will be played on Sunday, September 15th at 2 pm Pacific at the Thomas and Mack Center.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

  • The Aces out-rebounded the Mercury 36 to 26.
  • Las Vegas shot 50% from the field (37-74).
  • The lead change 15 times with 19 times tied in the game.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
G – 21 Kayla McBride
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
F – 1 Tamera Young

Struggles continue for Aces in 78-74 loss to Dream

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Aces

Photo credit: Las Vegas Aces

By Shawn McCullough

You want momentum heading into playoffs.  The Aces just don’t have it right now.

The Aces lost to the worst team in the WNBA, the Atlanta Dream, 78-74 in Atlanta and have now lost four of their last five games.

“We lost the game from start to finish,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “I don’t think we showed up to play a basketball game to win, I think we showed up to play. We thought it was going to be easy, it’s not.”

A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 19 points and eight rebounds, while Liz Cambage added 15.

“I think we just really need to come together, I’ll own up to that,” said Wilson. “I didn’t show the leadership that I could have to help bring our teammates up and help them get through the curves like they have been for me, so I take full ownership in that. We’ve got to get back to the drawing board and hopefully pull out wins.”

With the loss, the Aces fell to 20-13 on the season and remain in 4th place in the WNBA standings.

The Aces will play their final regular season game on Sunday in Phoenix against the Mercury before heading into the playoffs.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

  • The Dream out-rebounded the Aces 47 to 35.
  • Las Vegas went 1 for 15 from 3-point range.
  • The Aces shot just 38.7% from the field.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
G – 21 Kayla McBride
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
F – 1 Tamera Young

Aces snap three-game losing streak with 92-86 win over Sparks

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Photo credit: Shawn McCullough/Sports Radio Service

By Shawn McCullough

The Aces found their winning ways in a 92-86 win over the Los Angeles Sparks at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

The Aces were led by forward A’ja Wilson who scored 24 points and pulled down 12 rebounds.

“I have to give it to my teammates,” said Wilson. “They really put me in the best situations to create those shots and to get to the free throw line. And that’s what it’s all about it. Just finding the flow in our offense and getting the things done.”

Kelsey Plum came off the bench and scored 20 points while going 7 for 10 from the field including five 3-pointers.

“For me, it’s just continue to stay aggressive,” said Plum. “I’m just so grateful that I have teammates who always believe in me and encourage me.”

With the win, the Aces improved to 20-12 on the season and moved into 3rd place in the WNBA standings.

With just two games remaining in the regular season, the Aces will finish on the road in Atlanta against the Dream on Thursday and in Phoenix against the Mercury on Sunday.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

  • Dearica Hamby had a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
  • The Aces out-rebounded the Sparks 48-27.
  • The Aces shot 47.7% from the field.

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
G – 21 Kayla McBride
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
F – 1 Tamera Young

Aces lose third straight game, 86-71

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Photo credit: Robert Scheer

By Shawn McCullough

The Aces once again dug themselves a hole early and couldn’t get out.

Las Vegas fell down 29-15 after the first quarter and lost to the Fever in Indiana 86-71.

“Well we’re searching,” said head coach Bill Laimbeer. “We know we got off to bad starts. Today was no exception. Right now we’re not a very good basketball team. We know that.”

A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 18 points, while Liz Cambage added 15.

“We just have to go back home and regroup, honestly. That’s pretty much it,” said Wilson. “Bring a little bit more energy and come together. But I think the biggest thing, it’s on us.”

Laimbeer decided to change the starting lineup with Tamera Young replacing Kelsey Plum, but Plum came off the bench and scored 17 points, including going 5 for 9 from 3-point range.

“Whatever I can do for my team, that’s what I’m going to do,” said Plum. “And that’s what I’m going to continue to do, regardless if I’m starting or not.”

With the loss, the Aces fell to 19-12 on the season and are in 4th place in the WNBA standings.

With just three games remaining in the regular season, the Aces next return home to play the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

  • The Aces never led in the game
  • The Aces shot just 33.8% from the field
  • Indiana out-rebounded Las Vegas 44-37
  • Kayla McBride went 0 for 3 from the field and played just 11 minutes and 14 seconds

Game Starters:

F – 22 A’ja Wilson
G – 21 Kayla McBride
C – 8 Liz Cambage
G – 0 Jackie Young
F – 1 Tamera Young