Tag: WNBA

Aces Battle Back From Ten-Point Deficit Beating Dream 74-72 For Eighth Straight Win

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Las Vegas Aces center A’Ja Wilson (22) led the way in scoring with 32 points over the Atlanta Dream at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Aug 19, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

This had to be one of the toughest battles the Las Vegas Aces (22-14) faced all season beating the second place Atlanta Dream (22-13) 74-72. The game was a collection of lead changes, ties and some very physical basketball.

This game was not decided until the clock ran out. A’Ja Wilson had another amazing game finishing with 32 points and 12 rebounds. Jackie Young also had a solid game with 16 points and seven rebounds. Chelsea Gray had seven rebounds, 11 assists and eight points. The Aces has now won eight games in a row.

Game recap: The Atlanta Dream took a 19-18 lead as the clock ran out on the first quarter in their matchup with the Las Vegas Aces. It had been a really close game in the quarter with this game very slow to evolve.

After the first three minutes of play only three points had been scored in a slow start for both teams. Mid-way through the quarter this game was tied at 7-7. It had been a very low scoring quarter with four ties and both teams trading leads.

The second quarter was another close one with the Aces coming out on top 23-21 taking a one-point lead, 41-40 into the half.

The Aces were able to pull a small lead in the third quarter 48-44 but the Dream tied up the game 48-48 at 6:11. The intensity continued to escalate as the quarter wore on and with 3:35 left in the quarter it was again tied at 52. As the quarter ended the battle had continued with the Aces now trailing by four points 57-61. They had their work cut out for them going into the fourth quarter.

The Dream continued to extend their lead in the fourth quarter going on a 11-0 run taking a ten-point lead 67-57. Las Vegas hunkered and pulled to within two points with a lot of time left on the clock 65-67.

WIth 4:44 left on the clock this game was once again tied at 67. There was yet another stoppage of play in the quarter something that had persisted throughout the second half of play. With 3:22 left in the fourth quarter this game took on a life of it’s own as the clock began to countdown.

As the seconds ticked away, this game turned into a battle of wills and it was the Las Vegas Aces that were winning. With under two minutes left in the game Las Vegas was hanging onto a 72-69 game but the battle was hardly over.

The Dream tied up the game with 1 1/2 minutes left in the game. It all came down to the final seconds and with 15.9 left on the clock, the Aces had a 74-72 lead in one crazy game. In an absolutely amazing battle the Las Vegas Aces realized their eighth win in a row 74-72.

This Aces has improved by leaps and bounds in their past eight games. They fought hard for this win led by the incomparable Wilson along with every one of her teammates.

Wilson finished with 32 points and 12 rebounds another double double for her something that has become commonplace for her. Young had 16 points and seven rebounds. Gray had 11 assists and seven rebounds. They have now won eight games in a row.

Game notes: After beating the Dallas Wings Sunday winning their seventh game in a row, the Aces picked up their their eighth win in a row beating the Atlanta Dream at Michelob ULTRA Arena Tuesday night. Wilson has been on a tear for awhile now and the Aces got more of the same Tuesday night.

Wilson has a terrific cast of support with Young and Gray. Bell had a great game on Sunday coming away with 18 points and 6 rebounds. The Aces is also getting a lot of help from Lloyd off the bench. They hit 18 three’s in that game.

The Dream who are in second place in the league and got upset against the Aces. This game was a huge test for Las Vegas who pulled it off. They were able to contain Allisha Gray who is always a scoring threat. The win Tuesday night was huge for Las Vegas. The Aces beat the Dream back on July 22, 87-72 and have one more game against the Dream in season play on Wed Aug 27 in Atlanta.

Thursday night the Aces will again take the floor at Michelob ULTRA Arena. They will face the Mercury looking for their ninth win in a row. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Aces Shoot Lights Out From Beyond the Arc Beating Wings 106-87

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Las Vegas Aces center A’Ja Wilson (22) is fired up after scoring against the Dallas Wings at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sun Aug 17, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

It was competitive for awhile during the Las Vegas Aces (21-14) game with the Dallas Wings (9-16) but the Aces closed it out big time in the final minutes of the fourth quarter taking as much as a 23-point lead.

The final was 106-87 in favor of the Aces winning their seventh game in a row. Once again A’Ja Wilson was outstanding finishing with 34 points and eight rebounds. Kierstan Bell had an amazing game hitting 6 of 7 from beyond the arc.

Bell had 18 points in the game. Jewel Loyd had 12 points off the bench and Nalyssa Smith chipped in 14 points in a great offensive effort for the Aces. The team had a collective 18 shots of 34 from beyond the arc.

The Wings hung with the Aces throughout the opening ten minutes of play. Despite trailing for a bit in the first quarter, the Aces took the lead 31-27 going into the second quarter. Las Vegas got rolling big time as the second quarter wore on. With 2:13 left in the half, the Aces had taken a 52-40 lead. Las Vegas outscored the Wings 24-17 in the second quarter and took a 55-44 lead into the locker room at the half.

Wilson had a terrific first half with 18 points and 3 rebounds. She had been outstanding from both ends of the floor. Bell had 12 points and Chelsea Gray had 10. It had been another slow start for Jackie Young and Jewel Loyd and they would be looking for more in the second half.

Las Vegas was 100% from the line and 50 % from both the field and from beyond the arc. Through the first two quarters the Aces were protecting the ball well with only six turnovers.

The Wings had two players in double digits at the half. Maddy Siegrist had 11 points as did Paige Bueckers. They struggled from three point land making only 2 of 9. The Aces had made nine of 18 points from beyond the arc.

Las Vegas has come out a bit slow in the third quarter of games recently and they would need more physicality in the second half as well as containing the Wings offense. Young already had three personal fouls which was of some concern.

Dallas also had two starters with significant personal fouls, Luisa Geiselsoder with three and Haley Jones with four. The Wings started to trim the Aces lead to start the third quarter prompting a early time-out for the Aces.

Dallas trimmed the Las Vegas 12-point lead to six points mid-way through the quarter. Leading by only six points, Las Vegas put a stop to the Dallas run taking a 69-57 lead with 4:26 left in the quarter.

Both Lloyd and Young made three’s to stage the comeback. Dallas continued to fight cutting the Las Vegas lead to single digits 75-66. The Aces closed out the quarter taking back a double digit lead 81-66. Las Vegas continued to hit big shots from beyond the arc with Bell hitting 4 of 4 and Lloyd 4 of 6. They had a total of 13 threes.

The fourth quarter got underway with Wilson on the bench something we typically see. They would need her fresh down the stretch. Bell hit her fifth three of the game at 6:28. Dallas continued to hang around cutting the Las Vegas 18 point lead down to 12 points prompting another time-out.

With 4:22 left in the game the Ace had taken a 93-72 lead with Bell hitting three after three finishing with 6 of 7 and 18 points. The Aces win in a strong fourth quarter finish.

This has been an amazing run for the Aces; Las Vegas had won their seventh game in a row. They had hit 18 three’s in their 106-87 win over Dallas. It was a perfect blend of offensive and defensive effort. They have won nine of their last ten games.

Game notes: The Aces are on a roll that’s unequivocal. Ever since they were soundly beaten by the Lynx back on August 2 by the score of 111-58 they have pulled out all the stops playing some incredible basketball. The lop-sided loss to Minnesota didn’t sit well with Las Vegas and they have turned their season around and they did it on a dime.

They have beaten the Valkyries twice in a row, the Storm, the Sun, the Liberty and the Mercury for a six game winning stretch. This afternoon the beat the Wings at Michelob ULTRA Arena getting lucky number seven.

A’Ja Wilson has come unleashed and off the bench Jewel Loyd has also been instrumental in this winning streak along with the rest of the team. They have all been playing smart, hard and it is without doubt paying off handsomely.

Today the entire team continued to move up in the standings and have been taking it one game at a time as the wins continue to pile up. It has sure been something special for Las Vegas fans to witness.

Next up for Las Vegas will be another home game; another challenge for the Aces taking on the Atlanta Dream who sit in second place in the league and first place in the Eastern Conference. That game will take place next Tuesday with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 PM at Michelob ULTRA. The Aces will be looking to keep this crazy run going strong and there is absolutely nothing that would indicate otherwise

Aces Beat Liberty For Fifth Win In a Row 83-77

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Las Vegas Aces center A’Ja Wilson (22) is jacked over her basket after getting fouled against the New York Liberty forward Kennedy Burke (left) at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Wed Aug 14, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

LAS VEGAS–The Las Vegas Aces (19-14) won their fifth win in a row beating the New York Liberty (21-12) 83-77 Wednesday night at Michelob ULTRA Arena . They trailed for much of the game but really turned this game around in the fourth quarter.

They got the calls they needed in that fourth quarter and drew a lot of fouls to nail this win down. A’Ja Wilson had another double double with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Jewell Loyd had the team high with 21 points. The Aces hit 15 free throws in the final quarter.

Game recap: The Aces got a nice start taking as much as a six-point lead in the first quarter. The Liberty took a six point lead late in the quarter and led after the first ten minutes of play 24-20.

The Aces took back the lead in the second quarter when Lloyd hit an open three for a 25-24 advantage and the war between the two teams was on. The Aces began to heat up going on a 9-2 run early in the quarter taking a 30-26 lead.

The Liberty lead the league in points from beyond the arc hitting four so far in this game, the Aces keeping pace also hitting four. At the half the Liberty had taken a 43-40 lead when Leonie Fiebich hit New York’s fifth three of the game with seconds left on the clock in the second quarter.

The Liberty had one player in double digits after two quarters, Emma Meesseman with 12 points. The Aces Wilson had 11 points and six rebounds in the half and Chelsea Gray also had 11 points.

Off the bench, Lloyd was on the verge of double digits with nine points. Las Vegas’ Jackie Young had a slow start and the team would need more from her in the second half. On the sidelines head coach Becky Hammon was heard telling the team to slow down.

Las Vegas would not beat New York playing in a hurry and they needed to keep the Liberty out of the paint. New York was shooting at nearly 53% and had scored 26 points in the paint. The Aces had only scored 12 points in the paint in a very competitive game.

Mid-way through the third quarter, the Liberty took their largest lead of the night 54-47. Lloyd made her fifth of eight threes taking up residence in the corner. Young was really struggling in this game with only three points through almost three quarters.

Despite trailing, Las Vegas was coming up with some great interior defense in an effort to squelch the New York points in the paint. With 2:06 left in the third, Young really rose to the occasion hitting a three to tie up this game at 58 plus a free throw was awarded giving Las Vegas a 59-58 lead.

After three quarters it was about as tight a game that one could imagine with New York clinging to a 63-61 lead. Young had a great late third quarter hitting eight points joining Wilson and Gray with 11 points. Loyd was having a great game leading the team scoring with 18 points.

Las Vegas was able to get some stops to start the fourth quarter trailing by a single point 64-65. Chelsea Gray drew a foul giving the Aces a 66-65 lead. Wilson had a double double early in the fourth with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

With four minutes left in the game it was dead even at 72 apiece. With 2 1/2 left in the game the Aces had a 78-74 lead. A’Ja Wilson does what she does so well and that is draw fouls. She made some critical free throws to extend their lead out to 81-77 with under a minute.

The Aces took the 81-77 lead into the final 19 seconds of the game. The Liberty fouled Jackie Young who took the lead out to 83-77. The final was 83-77 and the Aces had their fifth win in a row beating the second place Liberty. It was an outstanding win for Las Vegas.

The team got the stops they needed to win this game in the fourth quarter. Loyd finished with the team high of 21 points. She was a huge part of this win. The Aces are hitting their stride at just the right time this season.

Wilson had a double double with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Young sure turned her game around finishing with 15 points and five rebounds. Gray had 13 points.

Game notes: Wednesday night the Aces beat the Liberty to continue their climb up in the standings. Going into Wednesday night’s game the Aces were holding onto fifth place and New York was in second place.

Las Vegas was also playing another game at Michelob ULTRA Arena to another sell-out crowd and more home court support, a real advantage. The Liberty had to fight off a late flight arrival or rather an early Wednesday morning arrival in Las Vegas.

The Aces will now travel to Phoenix for a matchup with the Mercury. They will be looking for a sixth win in a row with the tipoff scheduled for Friday night at 7:00 PM.

Aces Squeak Past Storm For Third Win In a Row 90-86

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Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) goes for a lay up against the Seattle Storm’s forward Ezi Magbegor (13) in first half WNBA action at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Fri Aug 8, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

The Las Vegas Aces (17-14) won their third game in a row beating a tough Seattle Storm (16-15) team and moving into a tie with the Indiana Fever for fifth place in the standings at Michelob ULTRA Arena.

At one time in the third quarter, the Aces had a 19 point lead that the Storm slashed tying up the game in the fourth quarter. There had been a huge swing in the game but the Aces fought back and came out with the 90-86 win handing the Storm their fourth loss in a row.

Game recap: The Aces got a nice start to open this game. After the first ten minutes of play Las Vegas had a 23-17 lead and A’Ja Wilson already had nine points. The Arena was really fired up at full capacity. The Aces have an amazing fan base and they are playing a lot of games at home in August which is a great way to finish off the regular season.

Mid-way through the second quarter Wilson had already hit 11 points. They needed to continue to control the points in the paint and so far in this game they were 14-4 in the paint.

The Aces continued to extend their lead and at the half they had continued to dominant and led 47-36 their largest lead of the game. The Aces had out-rebounded the Storm and outscored them in the second quarter 24-19.

Wilson finished the first half with 18 points and 5 rebounds. Chelsea Gray had scored ten points in the half and Nalyssa Smith was having a solid game with six points and seven rebounds. None of the Storm had scored double digits.

Las Vegas had a great start to the third quarter taking as much as a 19 point lead but as the quarter wore on there was a real shift in the game. The Storm systematically chipped away at the Las Vegas lead and when the quarter came to an end that 19 point Las Vegas lead had been cut to a 71-63 lead.

The Storm roared to life in the fourth quarter tying up the game at 75 with just over five minutes left in the game. It was a new ball game. The Aces fought back and began to push their lead back out and with 4:37 left in the game had taken an 80-75 lead.

Las Vegas had to tighten up and they were having some untimely turnovers which really hurt. The Aces were getting possessions but not cashing in on them. This game was going down to the wire. Since the tie the Aces had gone on a 7-1 run.

With only three minutes left in the game the Storm had no choice but to turn their defense up and risk fouling. Seattle had a couple of fouls at the end that turned into four Las Vegas points. With under two minutes left in the game the Aces were clinging to an 86-81 lead.

It was crunch time and Young answered the call hitting a three with 51 seconds left on the clock. The Storm answered back and with 23 seconds left in the game Las Vegas was leading 90-86.

Wilson was playing with five personal fouls in one crazy game. With 5.4 on the clock Seattle’s Brittney Sykes missed an attempted three and that was the ball game. Las Vegas had pulled this game out winning 90-86.

The was a terrific win for the Aces with five players in double digits. The high was Wilson with 29 points and 12 rebounds. Young finished with 26 points and five rebounds. Chelsea Gray chipped in 13 points and Nalyssa Smith with ten. It was another good game for Jewell Loyd off the bench hitting ten points. The Aces are now tied with the Indiana Fever in fifth place.

Game notes: Friday night the Aces battled the Storm in Las Vegas and moved into sole position of fifth place. This was a huge game for the Aces. The finish line for the 2025 season looms in the distance for the Aces.

Wilson was celebrating her 29th birthday and Wilson got a birthday gift for a win Friday night after beating the Storm. The Aces got a win against the Valkyries for a second time in a row last Wednesday 78-72 in San Francisco. Seattle has been struggling losing their last four games.

The Aces will be back in action this Sunday in Las Vegas taking on the Connecticut Sun and looking for their fourth win in a row. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Kayla McBride and the Lynx Wallop Las Vegas 111-58

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Las Vegas Aces center Aj’a Wilson (22) dives against the Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) during the first half at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sat Aug 2, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

LAS VEGAS–This game was lopsided from start to finish as the Las Vegas Aces (14-14) lost to the number one team in the WNBA the Minnesota Lynx (24-5) 111-58 on Saturday afternoon. Las Vegas fell behind in the opening quarter 35-17 and it only snowballed from there.

Minnesota’s Kayla McBride got the game going in the first half going eight of eight from beyond the arc. It went from bad to worse from there. This was Minnesota’s third win of the season over Las Vegas and the all -time differential in WNBA history winning by 63 points.

No one saw this one coming with A’Ja Wilson only scoring ten points. This is a game the Aces need to put in the rear view going forward if they want to be playoff bound. Going forward, it is all about winning as many games as possible with the season winding down.

Game recap: The Lynx came out on fire leading after the first ten minutes of play 35-17. Minnesota had shot for 74% in the first quarter.

The Aces seemed to have come out with little intensity missing far too many shot and the Lynx were killing them from outside. The Minnesota defense kept the Aces off balance not allowing them to get set for many shots.

Things went from bad to worse as the Lynx continued their assault leading with under three minutes left in the second quarter 54-29. Kayla McBride already had 15 points and Minnesota had gotten 18 points off their bench.

They also had 11 shots from beyond the arc only missing one three in the half and the Lynx’s McBride finished the half going 8 for 8 from beyond the arc for 24 points. At the half Minnesota lead 67-33. Las Vegas had a mountain to climb going into the second half.

The Lynx shot for 92.9% from outside in the first half the Aces were 50%. Inside the Lynx shot for 76.5% while the Aces were shooting at 40.6%. The Aces were not able to take the three away from Minnesota and Las Vegas had really struggled defensively.

Their transition defense was MIA and they had missed so many attempted shots. The Lynx had more than twice as many rebounds most of them defensive. Fast break points were really lopsided, the Lynx with 21, the Aces only two.

The largest lead for Minnesota in the first half was 37 points. The Aces would have to shake off their lackadaisical first half going into the second half. They needed to somehow disrupt the offensive rhythm that the Lynx had established in the opening half. Las Vegas had also missed far too many shots in the first half due to the solid defense that Minnesota brought to this game..

The Lynx continued to control the pace of the game as well as hitting those three’s and hanging onto their thirty point lead throughout the third quarter. As the third quarter came to an end, the Lynx had continued their total domination. It would be a long fourth quarter of basketball for the Aces. They lost the third quarter. 25-16 and trailed 92-49 going into the final quarter.

Aces Head Coach Becky Hammon was seen in the fourth quarter having a group chat on the sidelines with starters AJa Wilson, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray. With just over five minutes left in the game and Las Vegas trailing 98-54, the writing was already set in stone on the wall.

Game notes; Saturday afternoon, the Aces took on the Lynx at Michelob ULTRA Arena. The Aces have fought their way back over .500 after struggling off and on all season. Last Tuesday the Aces handled the Los Angeles Sparks 89-74 and took on the top three-shooting team in the league the Lynx.

The challenge against the Lynx was containing them on the inside and the outside. Minnesota is number in the standings for not only their offense but also their defense. The Aces lost to the Lynx in their last matchup getting thumped pretty good 109-78.

Jewell Loyd had an awful game going 0-10 and will not start in the game. The Lynx out-rebounded them, and outshot them from inside and out in that contest. Las Vegas had their work cut out for them. They are clinging onto eighth spot in the standings right now. Minnesota got their third straight win against Las Vegas this season.

There will be no rest for the Aces taking the court Sunday against the Golden State Valkyries at Michelob ULTRA. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 3:00 PM. The Aces will need to put this game in their rear view going forward. With the season almost three quarters over the Aces need to tack on some wins to solidify a place in the playoffs.

Golden State Valkyrie podcast Michael Roberson: Valkyrie look to make up for huge loss of Kayla Thornton

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Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) before the opening tip against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on May 29, 2025. Thornton suffered a knee injury earlier in the week in San Francisco and will be out for the rest of the WNBA season./ John Jones-Imagn Images

Golden State Valkyrie podccast:

#1 The Golden State Valkyrie (11-12) picked up a big win over the Dallas Wings (7-18) on Friday night at Chase Center 86-76 and ended their three game skid.

#2 The big loss for the Valkyrie is of star player Kayla Thornton due to a knee injury. Talk about how her absence will effect the Valkyrie line up.

#3 Thornton was the leading scorer with 14 points and seven assists and 1.5 rebounds that’s a lot offense that will be missed.

#4 On the Valkyrie win on Friday leading in scoring Tiffany Hayes 17 points and Janelle Salaun 16 points to help pave the ten point win for Golden State.

#5 It’s off to Connecticut as the Valkyrie prepare to face the Sun. The Sun are a struggling bunch at 3-20 and in last place in the WNBA Eastern Conference. The Valkyrie at 11-12 in the Western Conference are in eighth place. How do you see this match Sunday?

Michael Roberson is a podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Valkyries clipped Wings 86-76, and ended their winless streak, but lost WNBA All-Star Thornton

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Golden State Valkyries Kaitlyn Chen (2) defends against the Dallas Wings Paige Bueckers (5) at Chase Center in San Francisco on Fri July 25, 2025 (Bay Area News Group photo)

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO– Despite losing their star player Kayla Thornton for the season, the Golden State Valkyries (11-12) sprinkled salt on the Dallas Wings (7-18) 86-76, while simultaneously ending their 3-game losing streak’

Earlier Friday morning, the shocking news came out that leading scorer and recent All-Star game (Indianapolis) participant, Kayla Thornton would miss the rest of the inaugural season for the fledgling Valkyries, with a  lower leg injury.  It put a figurative fog over the City by the Bay, where it is already known and nicknamed “Fog City.”  This depressing information came in the midst of a three-game losing streak and the midway point of the season.

The Valkyries came out with a determined will to win the WNBA Battle inside Chace Center.  Tiffany Hayes hit two 3-pointers to open the contest; before you knew it, the wounded team was up 6-0 on their opponents from the Lone Star State.  Unfortunately for the home team, the guests were not sympathetic or impressed by that initial push.  The rest of the quarter, the Wings went on a 21-4 run to take over quadrant number one, 21-10.

Golden State opened the second quarter on a 9-0 run, getting close to a tie or taking over the lead.  Dallas was able to hold off the expansion team, and maintain a six-point lead at recess, 36-30.  The only player on either squad to eclipse 10+ points, was Wings’ veteran star guard Arike Ogunbowale (11).  Surprisingly, high profile rookie Paige Bueckers only produced 5 points and 4 assists; however, there was a whole other second half of game time left in the contest.

In the second half, despite the Wings leading by as many as 12 points, the Valkyries made a dramatic comeback in the third quarter.  They outscored them by nine points, and actually took the lead back with less than a minute left in the period.  With 3/4 of the regulation time played, the Valkyries clutched a 3-point lead, 63-60.  Bueckers was still below double-figures, although her team was still within reach.

The final quarter would have the Valkyries extend their advantage to as much as 10 points, while Bueckers exemplified why she is the team’s leading scorer.  She more than doubled her points production in the fourth quarter alone.  Unfortunately for the Wings, that was not enough at the end of 40 minutes of action.  Golden State won by their largest gap of ten points, 86-76, and gave the city, region and league, a bit of a reprieve from the devastating report earlier in the day.

Five Valkyries scored at least 10 points.  The aforementioned Tiffany Hayes led the way with 17, while Janelle Salaun chipped in 16, Kaitlyn Chen (14), Temi Fagbenie (11) and Cecilia Zandalasini added ten.

Dallas presented four players with double Digits.  Beuckers (17), Ogunbowale (16), Aziaha James (13), and Stanford legend Haley Jones put up ten points in front of family and friends.

The Valkyries will next be in action, Sunday, July 27 in the Nutmeg State, to take on the Connecticut Sun, at 1 PM ET/10 AM PT on CBSSN.  The Wings will fly back home to host the Las Vegas Aces, on the same date, at 3 PM CT on ESPN3.

Aces Win Third In a Row Beating Atlanta 87-72

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The Las Vegas Fever Dana Evans (11) takes a jump shot against the Atlanta Dream’s defense and center Britney Griner (42) at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Tue Jul 22, 2025 (Las Vegas Aces X photo)

By Rich Perez

LAS VEGAS–The Las Vegas Aces won their third in a row with a win over the Atlanta Dream at Michelob ULTRA Arena 87-72 on Tuesday night. Taking a look how it all happened, in the first quarter the Atlanta Dream (13-10) took a 27-20 lead but that would turn out to be the only quarter they won in this game.

It was the second quarter that the Las Vegas Aces (12-11) really began to cook winning the quarter by a landslide 25-12 and giving them a 45-39 lead at the half. They needed to take that momentum into the third quarter and keep the pressure on the Dream.

The Aces barely outscored the Dream in the third quarter 22-20 but extended their lead to 67-59. It was the fourth quarter when the Aces drove the win home outscoring Atlanta 20-13. The Dream made things uncomfortable for the Aces in the final quarter when they got within six points 68-62 with 7:48 left in the game.

It was then that the Aces went on a seven point run and they never looked back. They had won the second, third and fourth quarters for an 87-72 win and a 12-11 season record. With this win they moved into sixth place in the standings.

The Las Vegas Aces had solid play in the second half and when it got close in the third quarter they finished it off in the fourth quarter for the win. The starting roster was amazing with A’Ja Wilson scoring 24 points and 12 rebounds, another double double.

Jackie Young finished with 14 points as did bench player Dana Evans. Nalyssa Smith also had double digits with 11 points. This was an impressive win for Las Vegas garnering their third win in a row.

The Aces were close to spotless at the line hitting 19 of 21 a 90% success rate. The Dream had 19 turnovers that the Aces turned into 24 points a real turning point in this game. The Aces had 13 turnovers but those turnovers only cost them five points. The largest lead in the game for Las Vegas was 17 points as they came away with a most impressive win.

The Dream’s Alyisha Gray also finished with 24 points and 8 rebounds. Jordan Canada had double digits with 12 points but they just did not have the fire power to get past the surging Aces especially in the final quarter.

Game notes: The Aces won their third straight game now with wins against the Dallas Wings, Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream, the Las Vegas Aces improve to 12-11. They took on the tough Atlanta Dream (13-10) are second in the Eastern Conference in the standings while the Aces are fourth place in the Western Conference. The Aces over the past few games have really turned their season around and continued on that path in this game. The win Tuesday night was not only their third win in a row but a move up in the standings.

The Aces will now head out on the road to take on the Indiana Fever in another tough matchup this coming Thursday night. While the Fever are favored in this matchup the way Las Vegas handled the Dream tonight all bets could be off. The Fever’s Caitlin Clark remains on the Injured List, has missed 11 games and the All Star game. There is no timetable for her return.

They certainly have the fire power to win their fourth game in a row. With their win Tuesday night this is the first time this season that the Aces has won three games in a row.

They have a lot of momentum going into this upcoming game in their corner. The game Thursday night can be see on Prime Video with tipoff scheduled for 4:00 PM PT.

Golden State Valkyries Game Recap: Valkyries lose a close one at Ballhalla to Mercury, 78-77

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DeWanna Bonner (14) and Alyssa Thomas (25) talk as they head up court in the first half as the Golden State Valkyries played the Phoenix Mercury at Chase Center in San Francisco on Monday, July 14, 2025. (Photo credits to Carlos Avila Gonzalez/ S.F. Chronicle)

By: Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Valkyries returned to Ballhalla on Monday night to face the Phoenix Mercury in a Western Conference showdown. Phoenix came into the game on a two-game winning streak and an 8-2 record in their previous ten games, placing them firmly in second place in the standings. Meanwhile, the Valkyries returned to their home court following a tough four-game road trip in which they went 1-3, bringing their last 10 games to an equal 5-5. With Golden State now in fourth place out West, this game had big playoff matchup possibilities.

Mercury entered the night ranked fifth in the WNBA in offensive rating, with an efficient, high-scoring team led by Satou Sabally, who averages 19.1 points per game, and a mix of seasoned firepower and sharp perimeter shooting. Yet the Valkyries were more than ready for the challenge. Head coach Natalie Nakase, Golden State has developed its identity on defense, allowing the league’s lowest opponent field goal %. Nakase credits her players’ performance to being “eager” and “all-around position players” who contribute on both ends of the court. With also special congratulations to coach Nakase who won Coach of the Month for June from the WNBA. This is Nakase’s first WNBA Coach of the Month honor, who earns the award in just her second month as a first-year head coach.

Tiffany Hayes drove hard to the rim for a layup to start the game, and Golden State quickly took advantage. Yet Phoenix responded with a hot start, hitting four straight three-pointers to grab a 12-2 lead midway through the first. Mercury started quickly and aggressively, piling up four rebounds and four assists in the first few minutes.

After a much-needed timeout, the Valkyries began to settle in. Veronica Burton hit a three to keep the offense going, and Golden State began to find its groove. Hayes quickly energized the home crowd, scoring back-to-back three-pointers and taking a defensive charge to shift the momentum. She ended the quarter with 8 points (2-of-2) from beyond the arc and 2 rebounds, showing her aggressiveness on both ends.

Golden State’s ball movement began to weaken Phoenix’s defense, with drives and kick-outs leading to open perimeter shots. Late in the quarter, Kayla Thornton hit a three and drew a foul for a four-point play, giving the Valkyries their first lead.

After a hot start, the Mercury didn’t score again until the final 18 seconds of the quarter, which is testament to the Valkyries’ determination and defensive improvements.

Golden State led 20-16 at the end of the first, shooting 7-of-16 from the field and 5-of-8 from three. Their perseverance on loose balls and transition defense was critical, as they finished the quarter with more rebounds (10) and assists (7) than their opponents.

Golden State opened the second quarter with the first basket, this time from Monique Billings, who hit a midrange jumper after Veronica Burton’s drive-and-dish. The Valkyries’ offensive rhythm was built on tireless effort — frequent drives, second-chance looks, and quick passing.

Phoenix, however, began to find its groove behind DeWanna Bonner, who hit a three and followed it up with a transition layup for a quick five points. Both teams pushed the pace, turning defensive rebounds into fast-break opportunities. Golden State answered with their swift scores, but the Mercury’s ability to get to the free-throw line began to tilt the momentum.

By the 3:40 mark, Phoenix had taken the lead at 30–29 after back-to-back trips to the foul line. Golden State responded with a tough and-one finish by Burton, but continued to struggle on the other end, allowing Phoenix easy looks in transition without fouling.

Phoenix led 36-32 at halftime, thanks to trips to the free throw line. After going 1-of-3 from the line in the first half, the Mercury finished 7-of-10, taking advantage of the Valkyries’ fouls in the paint.

Golden State’s defense remained aggressive, but their offensive output dropped. After starting the game 7-of-16, they were only 11-of-37 (29.7%) after halftime. Tiffany Hayes remained the Valkyries’ leading scorer, with 9 points, while Monique Billings added energy and physicality with 6 rebounds.

Bonner led Phoenix with 8 points, and Alyssa Thomas was everywhere, contributing four points, five rebounds, and six assists to keep the attack going.

Salaün opened the third quarter for Golden State with a nice midrange jumper, kicking off the second half quickly. However, Mercury reacted quickly with back-to-back midrange makes of their own, quick-fire shot exchanges. Both teams began out aggressively, swapping buckets, with Veronica Burton and Alyssa Thomas showing as vital players for their respective teams.

The battle in the paint continued strong, with Monique Billings of Golden State and DeWanna Bonner of Phoenix both offering excellent rebounding, defensive presence, and timely contributions. Burton caught fire midway in the quarter, hitting back-to-back threes to pull the Valkyries within two points. Just seconds later, Billings hit three of her own, giving Golden State a 50-49 lead and throwing the Ballhalla crowd into chaos.

Although both teams continued to move the ball well and produce high-percentage looks, it was the defense that characterized the quarter. Each possession was challenged physically, and hard-earned.
Phoenix led 59-58 after the third quarter, holding on by a single point.

DeWanna continued her excellent performance, finishing the quarter with 16 points and 7 rebounds, while Veronica Burton led Golden State with 14 points and Billings added seven rebounds and ten points.

Golden State found more energy beyond the arc, increasing their shooting from 5-of-15 to 10-of-23, which helped them stay within striking distance. However, Phoenix’s foul trouble arose, as they started the fourth quarter with 15 personal fouls.

Golden State played with passion, hustle, and fought all night, but fell just short in a playoff-like game. The Valkyries finished the game 14-of-33 from three (42.4%), showing major improvement from deep, but Mercury outscored them in the areas that mattered most down the stretch: paint points, fast break opportunities, and clutch free throw attempts.

DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas were the game changers, combining for 39 points on 14-of-22 shooting and adding 17 rebounds and 13 assists in the victory. Bonner had a monstrous 22-point, 11-rebound double-double, while Thomas had 17 points and 11 assists, marking her 14th career 15-point, 10-assist game, the most in WNBA history. Their productivity and leadership down the stretch were critical in keeping Phoenix ahead during the game’s most important minutes.

Phoenix’s bench also scored 26 points, extending their winning streak to three games and keeping them in second place in the West. Veronica Burton led Golden State with 17 points, Tiffany Hayes added 15, while Monique Billings had 9 rebounds and 10 points. Salaün made a huge difference late, scoring 5 points in the final 10 seconds to keep Golden State alive.

However, after a tough and questionable foul on the Valkyries, Phoenix’s Thomas got sent to the free throw line and won the game for Phoenix by one point. Ballhalla hosted another sellout game making it the 11th sold out game.

The final score was 78-77, The Valkyries will look to bounce back from after two close game loses as they head north for a road matchup against the Seattle Storm on Wednesday evening at 12:00pm at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.

Aces Break 2-Game Losing Streak Beating a Feisty Golden State Squad In a Thriller 104-102

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Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) loses control of the ball after being fouled by Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton, left, during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Saturday, July 12, 2025, in Las Vegas. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP)Steve Marcus/Associated Press

By Rich Perez

It was far from easy for the Las Vegas Aces (10-11) as they beat the Golden State Valkyries (10-10) in a thriller 104-102 breaking their two-game losing streak on Saturday. The Valkyries were on fire in the first half hitting nine three’s but fell short in the second half as the Aces really stepped up taking the lead for most of the third and fourth quarters.

A’Ja Wilson had 25 points in the first half along with 16 rebounds (another double double for her) and finished with 34 points. Jackie Young finished off this game hitting four free throws down the stretch, two of them in the final 6.5 seconds of play.

As this game got underway at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, the Aces took a slim lead after the first quarter of play leading 23-21. Despite being a new franchise, the Valkyries have had a great start to the season with a 11-10 record in sixth place in the Western Conference. The first quarter had been a hotly contested affair.

Golden State won the second quarter outscoring the Aces 25-22. At the half the Valkyries had a single point lead 46-45. The Ace’s Wilson had her highest scoring half with 25 points. Las Vegas would need more from Chelsea Gray and also from Jewell Loyd in the second half of play.

The Valkyries led for much of the first half but the Aces turned that all-around in the the quarter. They took as much as a seven point lead in the quarter and after three quarters led 76-72. Jewell Loyd got really hot in the second half and finished the first three quarters with 15 points. Las Vegas needed to extend their lead and put this game away putting an end to their losing streak.

At 7:09 in the fourth quarter, the Aces had established an 85-77 lead. Jackie Young was on a roll with 20 points. Wilson had another double double already with 13 rebounds to accompany her 28 points and she was far from finished.

Every time the Valkyries made a move in the final quarter, the Aces had the answer. Golden State was doing everything they could to put the stops on Wilson but it was not working. With five minutes left in the game, the Aces had a 87-81 lead.

There was still a lot of time on clock for either of these two teams to come away with a win. As the clock ticked away with under four minutes the Aces really clamped down on the Valkyries leading 90-81. The Valkyries had not had a three in the second half after hitting 9 in the first half but with three plus minutes left in the game they hit their tenth and it was a four point game 90-86 with Las Vegas hanging. This game was going down to the wire.

There were two play stoppages in the final minutes of the fourth quarter which really challenged both teams down the stretch. Both reviews favored the Aces. With 1:34 left on the clock the Valkyries not only scored but drew a foul and this game was tied at 94.

With under a minute left the Aces took back the lead at 98-94 in a wild finish. Las Vegas finished off this game with a couple of free throws from Jackie Young with 6.5 seconds left on the clock and the Aces had broken their losing streak; the final was 104-102.

The Las Vegas Aces found a way to finish this game but a lot of credit has to go to the Golden State Valkyries who fought tooth and nail throughout the entire game. The Aces had weathered the storm with Wilson scoring 34 points, finishing with yet another double double , Young with 30 points and Jewell Loyd with 15 points. The Aces were 10 of 10 from the line in the fourth quarter.

The Valkyries starting lineup had a great showing with every player scoring in double digits. Tiffany Hayes and Janelle Salaun finishing with 16 points apiece.

Game notes: The 2025 season has not started the way the Aces had envisioned. Last season they lost in the playoffs to the eventual winners in the semi-final round and going into 2025 they came in with high hopes that have not panned out.

Their starting roster has most of last years starters with the addition of Jewell Loyd. They have lost two games in a row and Saturday the Aces got back on track as they took on the new franchise, the Valkyries. Las Vegas is ninth in the standings, a position that they could not have imagined going into the season.

They missed Wilson for a few games who was on concussion protocol. Wilson also missed their last game with an injured right wrist in a loss to the Mystics and before that they dropped a game to the New York Liberty. The season is almost at the half-way mark and there is till a lot of time to move up in the standings and Saturday they got a great opportunity to end their losing skid.

Las Vegas will not take the court until next Wednesday when they hit the road taking on the Dallas Wings followed by the All-Star game next Saturday. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 5:00 PM.

Tune in for the All-Star game next Saturday with tipoff scheduled for 5:30 PM on ABC. The Aces Wilson will be a starter on Team Clark chosen at pick # 5 and Jackie Young was selected for the second team picked at # 18. Las Vegas will be back in regular season action on Tuesday night taking on the Atlanta Dream.