The Las Vegas Aces (8-1), who shot a WNBA season-best 58.5% from the field, got back to their winning ways, securing a 93-80 victory over the visiting Chicago Sky (5-5) on Sunday at Michelob ULTRA Arena.
A’ja Wilson scored a team-best 21 points and hauled in 10 boards; Chelsea Gray shot 8-of-9 from the field, 3-of-3 from 3-point, for 19 points; Kelsey Plum hit for 16 points; Jackie Young had 14; and Candace Parker had 10 points, 6 boards and finished with season-highs of 7 assists and 5 steals. Marina Mabrey scored a team-high 20 for Chicago.
The Aces struck first and never trailed. Holding a 15-13 edge, the Aces closed out the first quarter on a 11-2 run for a 24-15 lead at the quarter break. All five Aces scored in the period, led by 7 from Plum, while Gray had 5 and Parker, Wilson and Young scored 4 apiece. The Aces outscored the Sky 9-0 in transition and 14-6 points in the paint. Further, the Aces tallied 7 points off 3 Sky turnovers.
Second Quarter (Las Vegas 56, Chicago 39)
With 5:34 to play before intermission, Chicago scored a layup to slice the lead to 6, 35-29. However, that’s as close as the visiting club would come for the rest of the contest. Young swished in a pair of free throws, Plum followed with a 3 and the Aces were off and running. That sparked a 15-5 spurt that put the Aces up 50-34 at the 2:04 mark, when Chicago called a timeout. But the Aces continued their onslaught, and by halftime the lead was up to 56-39. In the second quarter the Aces shot 86.7% (13-15 FGs) from the field and were paced by Wilson’s 8 points (3-3 FGs), Plum’s 7 (3-4 FGs) and Gray’s 6 (3-3 FGs).
Third Quarter (Las Vegas 80, Chicago 60)
The Aces won the third period 24-21, led by Wilson’s 9 points.
Fourth Quarter (Las Vegas 93, Chicago 80)
With the game in hand, the Aces eased up in the fourth quarter and cruised in for the 93-80 victory.
KEY STATS
The 86.7% field goal shooting percentage in the second quarter set the Aces’ new franchise high for a quarter. Their previous high was 81.8% on June 9, 2012 (9-for-11, 1st quarter).
The Aces, who entered the game shooting a league-high 48.3% from the field, made a sizzling 58.5% (38-65 FGs) against the Sky, which was the best shooting percentage of any team this season. It also marked the second-best shooting percentage for the Aces since the franchise moved to Las Vegas (59.72%, 43-72 FGs vs. Atlanta on July 4, 2021).
The Aces have scored at least 90 points in 7 of their first 9 games this season.
Las Vegas outscored Chicago 50-38 points in the paint, 16-5 on the fast break and 9-4 on second chance points.
The Chicago bench outscored the Las Vegas reserves 20-13.
Wilson’s double-double was the 59th of her career, which is tied for 19th for all-time WNBA career double-doubles.
Riquna Williams did not dress for the Aces (lower back).
NEXT OPPONENT
The Aces, which play 7 of their next 8 games at home, will face Seattle (1-6) on Thursday, June 15. The game is scheduled for a 7 pm PT tip.
June is Pride Month, and the Aces are celebrating Pride Night that night. The organization believes there is strength in numbers, and together we can help create a tipping point for a more inclusive world. From our fans to players, we welcome and support all people. The first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive a progressive pride flag. The game will feature live in-game performances and entertainment by the LGBTQ+ community. Exclusive Pride merchandise will be available at both in arena locations.
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