Tag: WNBA

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: WNBA’s Clark and Reese pack the house; Oilers can make Stanley Cup Finals history; plus more news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese (left), Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark (center), and the Los Angeles Sparks Cameron Brink (right) during the WNBA draft on Mon Apr 15, 2024. Reese and Clark have been big draws for the WNBA and Brink is out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL. (AP file photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie, this has been the year of the rookie in the WNBA and the league has never seen such coverage of their players starting with the Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese who both have everyone even those who don’t follow the league that closely talking.

#2 The NHL Stanley Cup Finals could see it’s first team since the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs come back down 0-3 and win it with four straight win if the Edmonton Oilers can pull it off on Monday night in Florida in game 7 against the Florida Panthers. The task would not only be historic but it’s a tall order if the Oilers can pull it off on Panthers ice.

#3 Charlie, the FBI raid on Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao is just an added sad chapter to what is happening to Oakland as a city. Thao’s last interaction with the relocating Oakland A’s who leave after this season for Sacramento was when she and the Oakland Coliseum Joint Authority wanted $92 million for the A’s to play their remaining three years before they move to Las Vegas and Thao and the Coliseum ran the A’s away with the high rent ticket. When it rains it pours for the A’s and City of Oakland situation.

#4 Their known as the lovable losers the Chicago Cubs who had some success are back on hard times dead last in the National League East eight games back, four games below .500, the Cubs have lost six of their last ten games and open a four game series in San Francisco on Monday night. How has the Cubs demise surprised you?

#5 Three time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer will make his 2024 debut for the Texas Rangers today against the Kansas City Royals. Scherzer hasn’t pitched in a game since game 3 of last year’s World Series. In the off season he had to have lower back surgery, in rehab he had thumb soreness which doctors determined it was nerve issues that extended into his right triceps.

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Aces Beat First Place Connecticut 85-74

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) shoots against Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas (25) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, June 21, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (8-6) have some great momentum to build upon after beating the Connecticut (13-2) 85-74 in a terrific win. They’re rebounding was 42 to the Suns 29. While their three’s were not falling, their work in the paint and defensively was spotless. A’ja Wilson had the high with a double double, 26 points and 16 rebounds. Kelsey Plum had 18 points as the Ace’s stubbornly hung onto the lead through all four quarters of the game.

Game recap: A close game was expected but the slow start for both teams was not expected. After the first 3 1/2 minutes of play Brionna Jones had scored all six of the Sun’s points giving her team the early lead 6-2.

The Aces took a time out when this game teetered a bit and Head coach Becky Hammon did not want this game to get out hand. Kelsey Plum hit a three to get within one point but the Sun pushed their lead back out 10-7.

The Aces shots were just not falling so far in the quarter. At 1:49 left in the first 12 minutes the Aces had tied the game at 14 as they had warmed up and their shots began to fall. The crowd erupted when with under a minute, Las Vegas took a four-point lead, their first of the game, 20-16. They had won the first quarter 20-16.

The Ace’s Alysha Clark had the hot hand going into the second quarter going 2 for 2 from downtown. She had scored eight points in the game and had given her team a 25-18 lead in the early minutes of the quarter.

Clark was not the only one with a hot hand, Kelsey Plum hit her third three of the game mid-way through the quarter giving Las Vegas a 33-23 lead. The Aces had to keep their foot on the pedal; a ten-point lead against a team with the talent of the Sun was not enough to relax in any shape or form.

They had to continue playing hard although they had their largest lead of the game 37-25 at the four minute mark. Continuing to extend their lead was now their game plan. It was now the Sun’s shots that were not falling as Las Vegas had taken a 45-25 lead with two minutes left on the clock.

The Aces went on a 17-5 run in the final minute as Connecticut struggled in the paint as well as from long. At the half, the Aces led 45-28 having won the second quarter by a bunch 25-12. The Las Vegas Aces’ defense had stymied the Sun’s offense rendering them ineffective. They were all over them in the first half.

The Connecticut Sun did not take kindly to the Aces running roughshod all over them in the first half and erased the Las Vegas 17 point lead pulling to within seven points in the later minutes of the quarter 47-54.

The Aces pushed back taking a 63-50 lead after three quarters. Jackie Young had been strangely quiet with only six points in the game. Her team would need all hands on deck to finish off the Sun.

With seven minutes left in the game, the Aces had taken a 70-54 lead and there was not much that was not working for Las Vegas. The Aces were fighting to protect their 72-54 lead continuing to excel both offensively and defensively with a lot of time on the clock before this one was over.

This team was really looking like they were turning things around and with the Sun running out of time trailing 81-63 the Aces were on the brink of hanging onto the fifth spot in the overall standings.

With two seconds left in the game, the starters for Las Vegas were sitting out the final minutes as their bench brought this game home 85-74. The Aces were back and looking like the championship team we are used to seeing.

The Aces will have some time off going forward giving Chelsea Gray even more time to work back into the system. They will then be looking to extend their winning streak to three.

Game notes: Friday night a sell-out crowd filled the Michelob ULTRA Arena saw the Aces win against the highly touted Suns. With only a single loss this season they presented the Suns with a mighty challenge and ended up handing them their second loss. With the return of Chelsea Gray the Aces has been energized by her court presence and she did look good in their last game against the Storm despite playing limited minutes and finishing with 4 rebounds and 7 assists so a great effort for Gray. Gray on Friday night had four points and two rebounds.

Next up for Las Vegas will not be for a lengthy five day break taking on the 5-9 Chicago Sky Thursday night with tipoff scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Aces Continue To Plunge Losing Third In a Row to the Minnesota Lynx 100-86

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) seen her against the Los Angeles Sparks on Sun Jun 9, 2024 battled hard but lost their third straight game against the Minnesota Lynx on Tue Jun 11, 2024 at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (5-5) dropped their third game in a row Tuesday night against the Minnesota Lynx (9-3). They now stand in fifth place in the Western Conference and they are still without Chelsea Gray. Teams are running roughshod all over them. In Tuesday night’s game the Aces struggled with turnovers and inconsistent play. Minnesota clearly outplayed them in this contest as Las Vegas continues to drop in the standings. The final in this game was 100-86. The Aces now have a 5-5 record.

Game recap: The Aces won the opening quarter 31-29 but Las Vegas got clobbered in the second quarter. The Lynx had a 59-48 lead at the half. Minnesota had won the second quarter 30-17. The Aces would have to battle from behind once again. Jackie Young was not having a great game in fact the entire team was off despite playing at home. The home fans were not even able to lift up the team as they struggled through the second quarter of play.

As the third quarter got underway it became very apparent that the Aces were just plain off. The Lynx were outplaying them at every turn. Mid-way through the quarter Minnesota was shooting close to 60% while the Aces were having an awful time shooting around 44%. The Lynx were shooting over 61% from downtown while Las Vegas was close to 41%.

The Aces had almost twice as many turnovers as the Lynx. Las Vegas had a few more rebounds than the Lynx but Minnesota was clearly dominating this game. With just under four minutes left in the third, the Lynx had a 71-55 lead.

As the clock wound down on the quarter is became very obvious that the Aces were in trouble. After three quarters the Minnesota Lynx had a 78-60 lead. Jackie Young was having an off game and Tiffany Hayes hit her first shot of the game as the quarter came to an end. There would be a lot of work to do if Las Vegas was to win this game. Minnesota had continued the assault winning the third quarter 19-12.

Minnesota continued to extend their lead in the fourth quarter taking a 93-76 lead with under three minutes left in the game. The Lynx were relentless in their play and they did not take their foot off the gas once in the second half. Las Vegas was headed for their third loss in a row and a five hundred record. The final was 100-86 and the defending champions had suffered another crushing disappointment.

A’ja Wilson had the high for this game with 28 points and eight rebounds. She continues to dominant but in this game she didn’t get much help from her teammates.

Game notes: The Las Vegas Aces continue to play without Chelsea Gray who is still rehabilitating an injury suffered in the last game of their championship series in 2023. She has not played at all this season. Jackie Young has been ill missing their last game which was a loss against the Loa Angeles Sparks. She played in Tuesday nights game as the Aces lost to the Lynx. Young had a decent energy level playing 22 minutes, scoring six points, had four rebounds and four assists.

In the Aces last game, head coach Becky Hammon was ejected late in the game. This two-time championship team is giving every one of their opponents a great shot at a win. The Aces are a shocking number 7 in the WNBA power rankings. Las Vegas has to weather the storm and hopefully come out the other side. They have no choice; this is their path right now. Las Vegas stands in fifth place right now in the Western Conference, something that nobody expected.

Thursday night the Aces take on another five hundred team, the Phoenix Mercury. They will be on the road looking to break their three game losing streak. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Aces Lose Back-To-Back Games Falling to Los Angeles 96-92

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Los Angeles Sparks guard Lexie Brown (4) celebrates her three point shot in the first half against the Las Vegas Aces at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sun Jun 9, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (5-4) lost their second game in a row for the first time this season to the Los Angeles Sparks (4-7) 96-92. A’Ja Wilson had another high-scoring game with 31 points and 8 rebounds. Kelsy Plum finished with 24 points. Off the bench, Tiffany Hayes had 17 points and 4 rebounds in the loss..

Game recap: Unlike their Friday night contest in Vegas, the Aces got a dynamite start scoring the first 14 points of the game. Leading 14-0 in the first quarter, they seemed to have it all going on but the Sparks fought back.

In the final four minutes of the quarter, Los Angeles went on a crazy run erasing the Aces lead only trailing 26-21 as the first 12 minutes of the quarter came to an end. Las Vegas was unable to protect their 14 point lead and let Los Angeles back into this game.

The second quarter was a see-saw game with both teams fighting for the lead. The Aces were clinging to the lead and at 6:27 this game was tied. Los Angeles took a two-point lead before the Aces tied it back up at 30.

Las Vegas took a two-point lead only to see the Spark tie it back up 32-32 at 3:42. At 2:21 the game was again tied in this wild game. Every time the Aces threatened to extend their lead, Los Angeles had the answer. Las Vegas was having a tough time with the feisty Sparks.

The Sparks won the second quarter 22-18 and at the half, the Aces were clinging to a 44-43 lead. The great start that Las Vegas had was a distant memory and this was a new game. The Aces would be challenged in the second half of play.

Los Angeles took a quick 50-46 lead in the third quarter and Las Vegas took an instant time out at 7:43. The Sparks had not only taken the lead but continued to extend their lead. At 5:37 in the third, Los Angeles had taken a 59-50 lead prompting another Ace time out. The defending champs were in trouble. At 3:05 another time out was taken by Las Vegas as they continued to trail 67-57.

With 6:32 left in the game, the Aces continued to trail, continued to struggle. At 5:25 Las Vegas had pulled to within one point 78-77. They had finally made a move in the second half. The Aces could not sustain the move they had made and the Spark took a 90-86 lead with 1:42 left in the game.

Las Vegas was in danger of losing their first back to back game of the season. The Aces would pull to within two points but fell short losing their second game in a row. The final score was 96-92 as Las Vegas is now searching for answers having lost their last two matchups.

Game notes: The Aces lost a tough game Friday night against the Seattle Storm 78-65 and were looking to turn things around on Sunday down in Los Angeles as they took on the Sparks. The Sparks won their last game against the Dallas Wings 81-72. To no avail the Aces couldn’t finish losing by four points to the Sparks.

Tuesday night the Aces will take on the Minnesota Lynx who are red-hot right now. Las Vegas will be playing at home and will be looking to right the ship. Every team in the league is gunning for them and some of them have had their way with Las Vegas. The Aces will be looking to put a stop to this as they take on Minnesota. With a 5-4 record right now, another loss will drop them to a five hundred mark.

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Caitlan Clark was snubbed from the Olympic roster?

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark drives on the New York Liberty forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Sat May 18, 2024 (AP file photo)

Caitlan Clark was snubbed from the Olympic roster?

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

It looks like not everybody is pleased with Caitlin Clark’s popularity; could this be pure envy because she is so good, or could there be other motives? In 2023, over 60% of players in the WNBA were black or African American. Caitlin Clark is not. The question is why she was snubbed from the USA Olympic Basketball team roster for the Olympic games in Paris, France. Nobody seems to have a reason why she will not be with the US Olympic team.

However, we all agree that Caitlin Clark put the WNBA on the prosperity map. The Commissioner of the WNBA said in early May that the league plans to commit $50 million over the next two years to provide full-time charter flights for teams during the season.

This addresses years of player safety concerns. That means WNBA players do not have to stand in the security lines to board a regular commercial flight. Commissioner Engelbert said the first two seasons will cost $25 million annually. For the first time in the history of this women’s professional basketball league, all the teams are traveling charter planes. This would not have happened without the arrival of Caitlin Clark.

Caitlin Clark’s base salary for her first year in the WNBA is around $76,000. In April 2024, CBS reported that Clark’s four-year rookie contract is worth $338,056. She’ll be paid $76,535 in 2024, $78,066 in 2025, $85,873 in 2026, and $97,582 in 2027.

Clark has made the WNBA relevant and has grown as popular as ever. Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces has the highest average salary in the WNBA for the 2024 season, according to Spotrac. She is making $252,450 for the 2024 season as a part of a two-year, $504,900 contract.

But let’s return to why Caitlan Clark was left off the 2024 US Olympic Women’s Basketball roster. Citing two sources, USA Today columnist Christine Brennan reported one factor in omitting Clark from the women’s national team was the concern about how the former Iowa star’s fans would react to her playing time in the Olympics, which would likely have been limited. “If true, that would be an extraordinary admission of the existence of real tension that the old guard of women’s basketball harbors for this multi-million-dollar sensation,” Brennan wrote of the sources’ knowledge.

Clark has won three gold medals with USA Basketball junior national teams, including her latest with the 2021 USA Women’s U19 National Team. The U.S. women have won every gold medal in women’s basketball since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

I’m not speculating why Caitlin is left out, but it doesn’t seem to make sense if the US is trying to win gold this summer. If Caitlin Clark is not with the US Women’s Olympic Basketball team, I truly hope the ‘powers to be’ reconsider.

Just imagine what would have happened if Michael Jordan had not been selected to play with the US Olympic Dream team in Barcelona in 1992. Charles Barkley, who is never afraid of speaking his mind, calls out the “pettiness” of WNBA veterans against rookie Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and said he was flabbergasted. “Considering the WNBA was hitting the lottery with the “shining star.”

Amaury Pi Gonzalez was a former Golden State Warriors Spanish broadcaster and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Aces Deny Wings Surge Winning in Fourth Quarter 95-81; Vegas’s Wilson makes WNBA history first to score 35 pts, 10 rebounds, with 5 steals in single game

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas Aces A’ja Wilson looks like she’s taking the ball over the goal line but fell with the ball. Wilson set a WNBA record scoring 25 pts, 10 rebounds, and 5 rebounds a first by a player in WNBA history against the Dallas Wings at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Wed Jun 5, 2024 (AP photo)

By Barbara Mason

las Vegas Aces (4-2) A’ja Wilson put up huge numbers Wednesday night against the Dallas Wings (4-3). She has been a force for years and continues to improve year after year. She finished with 36 points and 12 rebounds. The Wings challenged at times getting as close as three points in the third quarter but Las Vegas responded every time. The newly signed Tiffany Hayes had a terrific game off the bench with 11 points.

Game recap: Las Vegas got a quick start leading after the first ten minutes of play 29-16. The Wings were a bit slow to start but more then made up for it in the second quarter. As the first half wound down, the Wings had outscored the Aces 23-10 in a great run.

They had trailed by as much as 20 points in the quarter and had mounted an amazing comeback. At the half the Aces lead had been cut to five points 47-42. Dallas had won the second quarter 26-18.

A’ja Wilson had a terrific first half finishing with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Kelsey Plum had also scored in double digits with 13 points. Las Vegas would have to dig deep to get past a tenacious Wings who had really turned this game around in their favor.

The Wings had three players in double digits after the first two quarters. The incomparable Arike Ogunbowale finished the half with 16 points, Maddy Siegrist had scored 10 points and Teaira McCowan also had 10 points and 7 rebounds.

Las Vegas had their work cut out for them going into the second half. They had let Dallas back in this game and they needed to shut them down and take away any momentum the Wings had built up in the second quarter. The second quarter was also extremely physical and more of the same would no doubt persist into the third quarter.

The Wings kept pace with the Aces throughout the third quarter but were unable to take the lead. They trailed early by only three points but the Aces pushed back taking as much as a ten point lead.

With two minutes left in the third the Aces were hanging onto a 63-59 lead. After three quarters Las Vegas had pushed their lead to 75-61. A’ja Wilson had scored 30 points going into the final quarter. The Aces were shooting 51.9 % while the Wings had shot 32.1 % through three quarters.

Three minutes into the fourth quarter, the Aces had built a an 80-63 lead. Missed shots as well as turnovers were really hurting the Wings cause. Dallas challenged Las Vegas at times but the Aces responded every time. Las Vegas simply outplayed the Wings winning this game 95-81 for a 5-2 record. The second half of this game was all Aces.

A’ja Wilson finished this game with 36 points and 14 rebounds. Kelsey Plum had 20 points and Jackie Young shot for 19 points. Alysha Clark also had a solid game with nine points. Tiffany Hayes played a terrific game off the bench with 11 points and six rebounds.

The former Connecticut Sun and Atlanta Dream star came out of retirement signing with the Aces last Friday. This fiery competitor will add another dimension to the powerhouse Aces.

Game notes: Wednesday night the Aces took on the Wings at College Park Center in a Commissioner’s Cup matchup. This is the first time the two teams have met since Las Vegas beat the Wings in three-straight games in the 2023 semi-finals. The Aces have not played since last Friday losing to the Dream in a close game 78-74.

The Wings lost to the Lynx last Sunday 87-76 for their second loss in a row. Both teams will be looking to get back on the winning track. Wednesday night the two top scorers in the WNBA A’Ja Wilson for Las Vegas and Arike Ogunbowale for Dallas met.

Wilson finsished with 36 points and Ogunbowale with 31. Dallas is down two starters and Ogunbowale carried the load for her team. Despite still being without Chelsea Gray, the Aces still have the highest scoring and most efficient offenses in the league thanks to A’ja Wilson who gets better and better every season.

Las Vegas will be back home at Michelob ULTRA Arena for a matchup with the Seattle Storm Friday night. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Aces Drop Second Game of the Season to Atlanta Dream 78-74

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Las Vegas Aces battled but couldn’t get by the Atlanta Dream losing by four points at Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta on Fri May 31, 2024 (Las Vegas Aces X photo)

By Barbara Mason

After a terribly slow start, the Las Vegas Aces (4-1) paid the price losing to the Atlanta Dream (3-2) 78-74. They now have a 4-2 record. A’ja Wilson had the team high with 28 points and nine rebounds.

Game recap: The first quarter was a low-scoring affair. Las Vegas led after the first 12 minutes 11-10. Between the two teams there were 26 failed shot attempts; a slow start for both of them. Each team played with more energy in the second quarter after a rather stagnant start. The Aces won the second quarter 23-18 and led at the half 34-28. A’ja Wilson finished the half with 12 points and five rebounds while Jackie Young had 10 points and also had five rebounds.

The third quarter got underway as the Aces took the court in the second half where they have been most lethal not only this season but also in previous seasons. The Dream put up a real fight, however, in the third quarter winning it by the score of 25-19 and after three quarters this game was tied at 53. Atlanta was outscoring the Aces from downtown 46% to 26% through three quarters. The Aces would have to dig deep to get past Atlanta in this game.

The Dream kept pace with the Aces to start the fourth quarter. Las Vegas kept a slim lead as the fourth quarter played on as the Dream continued to keep the pressure on the Aces. With 5:39 left in the game Atlanta had taken a 65-62 lead as the Dream continued to drain three’s.

With 1:02 left on the clock Atlanta had a 73-70 lead and Las Vegas had met their match. Time was running out for Las Vegas trailing 74-70 with 26 ticks left on the clock. The Aces just could not overcome the slow start coupled with trouble from long dropping this game 78-74.

The Dream also had won the fourth quarter 25-21 and it was Atlanta that proved to be lethal in the second half of this game. This may well be a tough road for the Aces. Every team in the league is gunning for Las Vegas adding another element of pressure.

A’ja Wilson had a terrific game finishing with 28 points and nine rebounds. Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young each had double digits but it was just not enough to get past Atlanta.

Game notes: Friday evening the Aces traveled to Atlanta to take on the Dream. After their only loss this season, Las Vegas seems to be getting on track in their quest for a three-peat. There is still no definite timeline for the return of Chelsea Gray. She has maintained that she will not be sitting out the entire 2024 season.

The Aces were without Kiersten Bell who like Gray is also in a walking boot due to a right leg injury. Las Vegas without these two key players will be leaning on A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum to extend their winning streak. Head coach Becky Hammon remains confident that the team has enough to clock another road win but against the Dream they fell short by four points and lost their second game of the season.

Las Vegas will not take the court again until June 5th next Wednesday as they travel to Dallas to take on the Wings. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 5:00 PM.

Aces beat Indiana and Caitlin Clark, 99-80

Published on by psushawnLeave a comment
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) during pre-game of a WNBA basketball game on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Sports Radio Service/Shawn McCullough)

By Shawn McCullough

LAS VEGAS–The Aces bounced back from a tough home loss to the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday to beat the Indiana Fever, 99-80, at Michelob Ultra Arena.

“We wanted it tonight,” said A’ja Wilson. “We actually played defense and got it done.”

Wilson led the Aces with 29 points and 15 rebounds.

“I am starting to read the defense better,” said Wilson. “I just try to get to my spots and dissect the game a little more.”

Guard Jackie Young scored 22 points, while Kelsey Plum added 20.

Rookie Fever guard Caitlin Clark scored eight points, pulled down five rebounds and added seven assists.

Clark played with Aces guard Kate Martin in college at Iowa.

“She was my teammate, but also one of my best friends,” said Clark. “She was with me for all of my four years at Iowa.”

Martin came off the bench to score 12 points and pull down seven rebounds.

“It’s just really cool,”, said Martin. “We are both living out our dreams and it’s great to experience that with your best friend.”

With the win, Las Vegas improved to 3-1 on the season.

The Aces will next play in Minnesota on Wednesday against the Lynx.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot just 47.9% from the field, while Indiana shot 42.9%.
Las Vegas went 13 for 35 from three-point range.
Each team equally pulled down 36 rebounds.

Game Starters:

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

Aces Injury Report:

Chelsea Gray, Out, Lower Left Leg
Kierstan Bell, Out, Lower Right Leg

Aces fall to Mercury, 98-88

Published on by psushawnLeave a comment
Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) jumps with Phoenix Mercury center Natasha Mack (4) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Sports Radio Service/Shawn McCullough)

By Shawn McCullough

The Aces lost their first game of the season in a 98-88 defeat to the Phoenix Mercury at Michelob Ultra Arena.

“They came in and punched us in the mouth”, said Aces head coach Becky Hammon. “We didn’t deserve to win the game”.

The Mercury got 37 points from forward Kahleah Cooper, while Sug Sutton added 12 points off the bench.

“I’m really happy how some of our bench players played”, said Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts. “We have nine players and we are going to play them every night”.

Guard Kelsey Plum led the Aces with 27 points, going seven for 14 from three-point range, while guard Jackie Young added 23 points.

A’ja Wilson scored 21 points and pulled down 13 rebounds.

“We were not good defensively”, said Wilson. “This was a good test for us, because we are not there defensively”.

Guard Chelsea Gray remained out with a lower left leg injury, while guard Kierstan Bell was also out with a lower right leg injury.

With the loss, Las Vegas fell to 2-1 on the season.

The Aces will next play at home on Saturday against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot just 42.3% from the field, while Phoenix shot 47.4%.
Las Vegas went 11 for 31 from three-point range.
Each team equally pulled down 39 rebounds.

Game Starters:

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

Aces Injury Report:

Chelsea Gray, Out, Lower Left Leg
Kierstan Bell, Out, Lower Right Leg

Aces win second straight, top Sparks 89-82

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas Aces forward Jackie Young (0) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Sports Radio Service/Shawn McCullough)

By Shawn McCullough

The Aces improved to 2-0 on the season with an 89-82 win over the Los Angeles Sparks at Michelob Ultra Arena.

Jackie Young and A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 22 points.  Young added 11 assists, while Wilson pulled down 10 rebounds.

Kelsey Plum struggled from the field, going just four for 14, but hit three three-pointers for a total of 17 points.

Aces rookie guard Kate Martin played 26 minutes and scored three points.

Former Aces forward Dearica Hamby punished Las Vegas by going 12 for 16 from the field for 29 points.

Guard Chelsea Gray remained out with a lower left leg injury.

The Aces will next play at home on Tuesday against the Phoenix Mercury.

Las Vegas Aces – http://aces.wnba.com

Game Notes:

The Aces shot 42.5% from the field, while Los Angeles shot 51.5%.
Las Vegas went 13 for 31 from three-point range.
The Sparks turned the ball over 17 times.

Game Starters:

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

Aces Injury Report:

Chelsea Gray, Out, Lower Left Leg