The Las Vegas Aces took on the Atlanta Dream in their second road game of the season. Both teams were coming off wins and hoped to keep their winning streaks.
Both teams are without their starting point guard: Chelsea Gray for the Aces and Jordin Canada for the Dream. Gray is still recovering from her injury in the WNBA finals last season. Canada suffered a hand injury during the offseason and has yet to make her season debut.
It was announced on May 31 that Tiffany Hayes has signed with the Aces. Just a few months ago, she announced her retirement from the WNBA. She last played for the Connecticut Sun. She provides a ton of scoring and excellent defense.
Game Recap
The Dream started the game on a 7-0 run. This season, they've been trying to establish themselves as contenders and they know they have to be able to beat elite teams.
The Aces did not score until the 6:44 mark in the first quarter off a technical free throw. They eventually gained momentum and ended the quarter on a 10-3 run to lead by one.
The Aces continued to extend the lead by going on a 13-3 run to begin the second quarter. They led by as many as 11 before Atlanta ended their scoring drought at the 6:04 mark. They went on a quick 6-0 run to cut it to 5, but Las Vegas managed to contain the lead heading into halftime.
After a forgettable first half, the Dream improved during the second half. They forced six turnovers and held the Aces without a made-field goal for over five minutes. The momentum shifted the moment Aerial Powers came into the game. She only scored seven points, but she had two steals and a block. She inflicted most of her damage on the defensive end.
Atlanta went on a 19-5 run to take the lead for the first time since the first quarter. Allisha Gray was raining threes and she just could not miss. After scoring just five points in the first half, she scored nine points in the third quarter on 3/3 shooting.
The Aces retook the lead at the 1:20 mark in the third quarter, but Atlanta's defense did not allow the Aces to go on a big run. It was a back-and-forth game for most of the fourth quarter.
The Aces began the quarter on a 5-2 run before the Dream answered with a 14-4 run to lead by five. While the game remained close, the offense for Las Vegas couldn't get anything to fall, and the fouls piled up. The Atlanta Dream pulled out the win 78-74. This is the first win over the Aces since July 19, 2022.
A'ja Wilson led the Aces with 28 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks. Kelsey Plum finished with 19 points and six assists. Jackie Young finished with 15 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
Allisha Gray set a new career-high with 24 points to lead the Dream. She hit six threes and also grabbed eight rebounds. Rhyne Howard finished with 16 points.
What's Next
The Las Vegas Aces will have a few days off before they take on the Dallas Wings. The game will take place on Wednesday, June 5, and air on WNBA League Pass. The game will begin at 8:00 PM EST.
The Atlanta Dream will host the Connecticut Sun on Sunday, June 2. The game will also air on WNBA League Pass and begin at 3:00 PM EST.
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